Bani to fill big boots
Zorba
15 March 2008
http://www.manlydaily.com.au/article/2008/03/15/9237_sports.html
RECENTLY departed Manly winger Chris Hicks is tipping his replacement Michael Bani to quickly become a cult figure on the end of the Sea Eagles backline ... starting tonight against the Cronulla Sharks at Brookvale Oval.
Speaking from Warrington in England, where he has scored seven tries in his first five games, Hicks says Bani is ready to explode into the NRL.
"He showed in his appearances in last year's finals that he is more than ready - he oozes personality and the Brookie faithful will love him.
"His return from the kick off to make a break on the grandstand side of the field and send a pass inside to Brett Stewart to score in the home semi just reinforced my thoughts on him as a player.
"He's freakish in what he can do. Pressure doesn't worry him and he is always smiling - I wish him and the team all the best for a great season," Hicks said.
Bani's appearance will surprise fans tonight.
He is bigger, stronger and more confident than the shy youngster from Thursday Island who debuted with the Sea Eagles last season.
He has prepared for tonight's season opener with three tries in the trial win over the New Zealand Warriors two weeks ago.
In that game he showed he was prepared to go looking for work and to do his job out of dummy half when needed.
Manly's speed tests during the week showed up Bani's rapid improvement under the Manly training system and he was constantly clocked at speeds not far behind Brett Stewart.
Bani's biggest trump card is that his teammates are well aware of his ability.
"He has great anticipation and good hands - he will score a hatful of tries this season," skipper Matt Orford said.
JOCKEYS are renowned poor judges when it comes to tipping racehorses but ex-rugby league stars are even worse when it comes to tipping on football.
And one of my favourite players of the modern era in terms of courage and determination - the ex-Balmain Tigers, Roosters and Penrith halfback Gary Freeman is perhaps the worse.
Nicknamed "The Whiz" he is far from it when it comes to tipping in the NRL.
Last season he tipped the Sea Eagles to miss the eight and refused to give the side any credit when they were first or second all season.
And he's backing up for more. On this week's NRL on Fox he again left Manly out of his eight.
Manly fans will get a chance to welcome Freeman to Brookvale tonight as he is rostered on for the game against Cronulla.
My only worry is that he has tipped Manly to beat the Sharks.
FANS going to Brookvale today should be aware of the schedule of matches which starts with the NSW Cup (formerly First Division), followed by the Toyota Cup (under-20s) and then NRL.
Many of Manly's fringe NRL players will appear in the early match at 3.30pm when the Sea Eagles take on Wentworthville (Parramatta) who will feature the recently shot at Jarryd Hayne.
Two players to watch in the Toyota Cup side are prop Ken Edwards and halfback Kieran Foran.
Massive Manly fans and sponsors Debra Fitzgerald and Jonny Wilkinson from Artic Spas at Brookvale are sponsoring the young Sea Eagles guns.
