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Suniula powers his way into top squad
10 Mar 09 @ 03:04pm by JOHN GRECO
http://manly-daily.whereilive.com.au/sport/story/suniula-powers-his-way-into-top-squad/
A PLAYER once considered a potential American rugby union star will make a shock NRL debut for the Sea Eagles on Saturday night.
Powerfully-built winger Andrew Suniula will make his first grade debut in Manlys round one opener against the Bulldogs at Homebush.
In a rare piece of good news in a traumatic few days for the club, the 26-year-old will take his place at Telstra Stadium just two years after playing his first game of rugby league.
American Samoan-born Suniula gets his first crack in top company with Test winger David Williams, Michael Bani and Tony Williams all unavailable through injury.
Hes done all the work and deserves his spot, Manly skipper Matt Orford told The Manly Daily.
Hes another huge man, it seems to be the way its going with wingers these days.
Hes strong and pretty quick too ... hell handle this opportunity for sure.
Suniula was first spotted by Sea Eagles recruitment manager Noel Cleal in 2007 while playing in New Zealands Bartercard Cup rugby competition.
It followed the 102kg backs previous stint where he impressed playing union in Iowa in the United States.
Hasler said the Suniula deserved his chance in the big time.
He did well in England in his one appearance against the Harlequins, the coach said.
Hes big, strong and safe under the high ball.
He deserves an opportunity and Im sure hell do well.
In other team news Test prop Brent Kite returns to the starting line-up after missing the clubs emphatic World Club Challenge win over Leeds, partnering Josh Perry in the front row.
Kites inclusion sees Jason King move to the bench with George Rose the unlucky player to miss out.
10 Mar 09 @ 03:04pm by JOHN GRECO
http://manly-daily.whereilive.com.au/sport/story/suniula-powers-his-way-into-top-squad/
A PLAYER once considered a potential American rugby union star will make a shock NRL debut for the Sea Eagles on Saturday night.
Powerfully-built winger Andrew Suniula will make his first grade debut in Manlys round one opener against the Bulldogs at Homebush.
In a rare piece of good news in a traumatic few days for the club, the 26-year-old will take his place at Telstra Stadium just two years after playing his first game of rugby league.
American Samoan-born Suniula gets his first crack in top company with Test winger David Williams, Michael Bani and Tony Williams all unavailable through injury.
Hes done all the work and deserves his spot, Manly skipper Matt Orford told The Manly Daily.
Hes another huge man, it seems to be the way its going with wingers these days.
Hes strong and pretty quick too ... hell handle this opportunity for sure.
Suniula was first spotted by Sea Eagles recruitment manager Noel Cleal in 2007 while playing in New Zealands Bartercard Cup rugby competition.
It followed the 102kg backs previous stint where he impressed playing union in Iowa in the United States.
Hasler said the Suniula deserved his chance in the big time.
He did well in England in his one appearance against the Harlequins, the coach said.
Hes big, strong and safe under the high ball.
He deserves an opportunity and Im sure hell do well.
In other team news Test prop Brent Kite returns to the starting line-up after missing the clubs emphatic World Club Challenge win over Leeds, partnering Josh Perry in the front row.
Kites inclusion sees Jason King move to the bench with George Rose the unlucky player to miss out.
