Northern Pride: Teen prop’s hard work leads to big opportunity
Teenage prop Tyson Phineasa is reaping the rewards as one of the Northern Pride’s hardest working players.
Sport
Don't miss out on the headlines from Sport. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Teenage prop Tyson Phineasa is reaping the rewards as one of the Northern Pride’s hardest working players.
The under-20s player will line up for the Northern Pride Giants when they take on Tully Tigers in the opening round of the Lightning Challenge at Stan Williams Park this Saturday.
The Cairns Kangaroos junior will form a formidable front row alongside Intrust Super Cup prop Brad Lupi and hooker Chris Ostwald.
> JUNIORS GLAD TO BE BACK AFTER LEAGUE KICKS OFF IN CAIRNS
Coach Ty Williams said he was excited to see how taking the field with more experienced players around him would influence Phineasa’s game.
“I gotta commend Tyson,” said the coach.
“He’s been at every session and he’s the first bloke there and he’s the last one to leave.
“If there’s something to do with the club, he puts his hand up and always wants to assist.”
> CUTTERS EXPERIMENT IN SEARCH OF WINNING FORMULA
“I think him being around guys like Lupes and Joey (Joe Eichner) and starting the game will only set him up moving forward. I’m excited to see how he goes and it’s also a reward for him.”
Williams said he was looking forward to what the rising star would showcase over the next six weeks of the Lightning Challenge, highlighting his ability to find a late offload and rack up post-contact metres.
“He’s got the ability to get a quick play the ball as well,” Williams said.
> MILLMAN: PLAYERS CAN SET PRECEDENT FOR TENNIS’ FUTURE
“He’s not the tallest front rower, but he carries the football well and he’s got a lower centre of gravity.
“I think he can create some game speed for Ozzy (Ostwald) as well.”
The Lightning Challenge, a one-off rugby league series comprising six weeks of double headers, will kick off this Saturday at Stan Williams Park.
The Pride is entering two sides into the four-team competition, while CDRL clubs Brothers Cairns and Tully Tigers will field a side each.
Originally published as Northern Pride: Teen prop’s hard work leads to big opportunity