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Rookies step up
Jason Avedissian
24Aug07
Rookie Michael Bani looks set to make his NRL debut
against the Warriors on Sunday with five Sea Eagles
out of action. Picture: SIMON DEAN
http://manlydaily.com.au/article/2007/08/24/6098_sports.html
THESE are the two NRL rookies Manly coach Des Hasler insists he genuinely needs after a mysterious run of injuries claimed five Sea Eagles late yesterday.
Glenn and Brett Stewart, Steven Bell, Brent Kite and Luke Williamson have all withdrawn from the squad facing the Warriors in Auckland on Sunday.
Rookies Michael Bani (winger) and Vic Mauro (back row) have been rushed into a 19-man squad which includes experienced quartet Matt Orford, Jason King, Travis Burns and Steve Matai.
The rush of injuries at Brookvale saw betting suspended on the match following a sudden plunge on the Warriors before the market re-opened late yesterday.
None of that matters to Mauro and Bani who are nervously awaiting a possible NRL debut.
``If you told me at the start of the year I could be playing against Ruben Wiki and Steve Price I wouldn't have believed you,'' a euphoric Mauro told The Manly Daily last night.
``It's a good surprise.''
Thursday Islander Bani was equally surprised at the prospect of making his debut after an outstanding year in Premier League.
``I'm ready if Des needs me,'' he said.
Hasler was last night insisting the injuries were genuine.
``They are legitimately injured players - they are not being rested,'' he said.
``The coaching staff and the medical staff know what they're doing and these blokes have been playing busted and will benefit from a week off.''
Warriors coach Ivan Cleary said he understood Hasler's decision not to risk five crucial players ahead of the finals.
``They've got very little to play for but, knowing Dessie, he's not the sort of person who likes losing,'' Cleary said.
``We are still expecting a really tough game.''
NRL chief operating officer Graham Annesley said the game's governing body would not investigate the injuries amid rumours of a leak to punters.
``We have got confidence in the medical staff at the Sea Eagles that they are acting in the best interests of the players,'' he said.
Regardless, it's an opportunity for the likes of Mauro to have a crack.
The 20-year-old North Curl Curl junior has been working part-time hanging advertising billboards with a mate just for extra cash.
He started 2007 as Manly's Jersey Flegg captain before settling into the Premier League squad.
He is now preparing to face the might of New Zealand at Mt Smart Stadium.
``I'm pretty excited and nervous at the same time,'' Mauro said.
``Just training this week has been great and I can't wait to get out there.
``I'm sure when kick-off comes around I'll be pretty nervous but I'm sure the other boys will help me out. They are a pretty big side but I think we'll be up to the challenge.''
Jason Avedissian
24Aug07
Rookie Michael Bani looks set to make his NRL debut
against the Warriors on Sunday with five Sea Eagles
out of action. Picture: SIMON DEAN
http://manlydaily.com.au/article/2007/08/24/6098_sports.html
THESE are the two NRL rookies Manly coach Des Hasler insists he genuinely needs after a mysterious run of injuries claimed five Sea Eagles late yesterday.
Glenn and Brett Stewart, Steven Bell, Brent Kite and Luke Williamson have all withdrawn from the squad facing the Warriors in Auckland on Sunday.
Rookies Michael Bani (winger) and Vic Mauro (back row) have been rushed into a 19-man squad which includes experienced quartet Matt Orford, Jason King, Travis Burns and Steve Matai.
The rush of injuries at Brookvale saw betting suspended on the match following a sudden plunge on the Warriors before the market re-opened late yesterday.
None of that matters to Mauro and Bani who are nervously awaiting a possible NRL debut.
``If you told me at the start of the year I could be playing against Ruben Wiki and Steve Price I wouldn't have believed you,'' a euphoric Mauro told The Manly Daily last night.
``It's a good surprise.''
Thursday Islander Bani was equally surprised at the prospect of making his debut after an outstanding year in Premier League.
``I'm ready if Des needs me,'' he said.
Hasler was last night insisting the injuries were genuine.
``They are legitimately injured players - they are not being rested,'' he said.
``The coaching staff and the medical staff know what they're doing and these blokes have been playing busted and will benefit from a week off.''
Warriors coach Ivan Cleary said he understood Hasler's decision not to risk five crucial players ahead of the finals.
``They've got very little to play for but, knowing Dessie, he's not the sort of person who likes losing,'' Cleary said.
``We are still expecting a really tough game.''
NRL chief operating officer Graham Annesley said the game's governing body would not investigate the injuries amid rumours of a leak to punters.
``We have got confidence in the medical staff at the Sea Eagles that they are acting in the best interests of the players,'' he said.
Regardless, it's an opportunity for the likes of Mauro to have a crack.
The 20-year-old North Curl Curl junior has been working part-time hanging advertising billboards with a mate just for extra cash.
He started 2007 as Manly's Jersey Flegg captain before settling into the Premier League squad.
He is now preparing to face the might of New Zealand at Mt Smart Stadium.
``I'm pretty excited and nervous at the same time,'' Mauro said.
``Just training this week has been great and I can't wait to get out there.
``I'm sure when kick-off comes around I'll be pretty nervous but I'm sure the other boys will help me out. They are a pretty big side but I think we'll be up to the challenge.''
