Antonio Kaufusi the next big (Forward) Thing.

[UndertakerMike]

My favorite Storm forward(After Kearns) is starting to come of age

SUBSTITUTE prop Antonio Kaufusi could be one to provide the X-factor for Melbourne Storm's finals campaign if he unearthed the potential he had shown for the club in recent weeks, football operations manager Peter O'Sullivan said yesterday.

The Storm arrived in Townsville yesterday for its final-round clash against North Queensland Cowboys tomorrow, which it must win to maintain hopes of snaring fourth spot if Wests Tigers fall to Penrith.

The Storm is likely to name frontrowers Kaufusi and Dennis Scott on the bench to support starting props Robbie Kearns and Brett White in countering the massive Cowboys forwards.

Kaufusi (113 kilograms, 190 centimetres) has taken time to show glimpses of his potential since his debut for the Storm in 2003, playing only 15 first-grade games, but has put in several performances late in this season with his metres gained a game and workrate far improved.

So much so that O'Sullivan, who believes the Tongan-born 20-year-old was still showing only "40 to 50 per cent" of his potential, was capable of supplying the line-breaking potential the Storm needs.

O'Sullivan said Kaufusi's size had led to unfair expectations.

"He's our biggest player, he's quick, he's got great footwork, he's got everything," O'Sullivan said.

"He hasn't had the impact we know he can have until the Cronulla game. That was a real turning point for him.

"Everyone forgets how young he is. He's still 20, he's a baby. I suppose it's a case of a big kid in a man's body ... in terms of frontrowers, he's in the infancy of his career."

Dallas Johnson, who hurt his knee during the Storm's 34-22 win over Wests Tigers, completed a training session this week and is expected to play

 

[UndertakerMike]

Rodney Howe though so and I think this year will be a spring board for his careea

 

[shadow grinder]

hmmm...i havent been a big fan of him over the last few years because he hasnt lived up to the hype that the club gave him. But that being said as O sullivan said AK is only young and from what ive seen this year it looks as tho he has lifted his act. He has had some good performances and ild love for him to be a regualr in the side and being consistent.

next great storm forward? to hard to tell at this stage of his career but if you were to judge him on all his games with the storm...ild say no.

 

[MONY]

i would say no too..... He hasnt impressed me enough yet...... I see Brett White having a bigger future if he can get his attitude right.

 

[THE*STORM*IDENTITY]

I've given him the Vote of Confidence .
I like his initials AK, potential banner idea in the stands? SHOT DOWN BY A.K. ;-) Hmm, maybe not

 

[UndertakerMike]

I've given him the Vote of Confidence .
I like his initials AK, potential banner idea in the stands? SHOT DOWN BY A.K. ;-) Hmm, maybe not

Love It

Just gotta change Mats name to steve and we'll have an AK and a SK (far superior)

 

[UndertakerMike]

f**k he is big

 

[Thunderstruck]

Is that your brother? The way the lights fall on him he looks like a cardboard stand-in, sorry but that's what it looks like to me

Oh, we had SK up until last year and we may have him back next year for coaching ;-)

 

[UndertakerMike]

Is that your brother? The way the lights fall on him he looks like a cardboard stand-in, sorry but that's what it looks like to me

Oh, we had SK up until last year and we may have him back next year for coaching ;-)

Yes and LOL

f**k'n Nien :X

(You waiting for the RL too?)

 

[steaming stormer]

The thing that is easy to forget is his age. I don't think I realised, or at least I had certainly forgotten until yesterday that he is only 20 years old. Most props don't reach their peak until mid to late 20s. If he can keep doing what he's doing at the moment, he could be anything when he hits that stage of his career.

 

[Earl]

I hope so. We need someione to really stand up next year.

 

[Surandy]

Hopefully Howie's comments will have the desired effect and AK has a blinder tonight!!!

 

[Thunderstruck]

Yes and LOL

f**k'n Nien :x

(You waiting for the RL too?)

Yeah I was and I fell asleep after half time. D'Oh! Stupid Nein showing Scare Tactics before the game :roll:

 

[kia ora storm]

Brett White is better and we are also getting Ben Cross from Raiders who looks bloody good..

 

[Jono078]

If Kafusi is only 20, he wont hit prim for another 5 years really, unless he gets good, but props dont really start 'firing' until 23-26. Could be anything if he is playing FG at that age and his position.