David Fifita says his age will not be a barrier as he steps up for Brisbane

HE’S the youngest man in the NRL, but Broncos backrower David Fifita says his age will not be a hindrance as he gears up for a semi-final charge with Brisbane.

David Fifita (left) and Alex Glenn (right) in action during a Brisbane Broncos training session at Clive Berghofer Field in Brisbane, Thursday, July 19, 2018. The Broncos are playing their round 19 NRL match against the Penrith Panthers on Friday night in Brisbane. (AAP Image/Darren England) NO ARCHIVING

DAVID Fifita is adamant his young age will not stop his meteoric rise through the rugby league ranks, after the teenage sensation impressed in the absence of Alex Glenn on Thursday.

The boom Broncos rookie continues to go from strength to strength since his NRL debut in Round 16, putting in his best performance on Thursday in Brisbane’s win over Cronulla.

He came onto the field in the 28th minute to give Tevita Pangai Jr a break but stayed on until the final whistle after Glenn was sent to hospital with a hand injury.

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In that time Fifita made 85m, three tackle busts and 20 tackles.

It was just another step forward for the promising Keebra Park product, who started off this season playing in the under-18s Mal Meninga competition for Souths Logan.

Alongside Payne Haas, 18-year-old Fifita is one of the youngest talents in Brisbane’s squad.

But he said despite his inexperience, he has tackled his NRL career with the attitude that he will never let his age be an excuse for any errors.

“I’m only 18 but that doesn’t matter,” Fifita said in his first interview since his debut.

“I can’t use that as an excuse. I just have to play. This is a tough game with big boys so I have to play hard and do my job and keep working hard.

Fifita is the first NRL player born in the 21st century. Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images.

“I have to do that for the big boys. The older boys are bringing me into the team, teaching me and talking to me heaps.”

While coach Wayne Bennett originally did not want to blood Fifita or Haas this season — with Fifita expected to play the majority of his year in the Intrust Super Cup — injuries to Brisbane’s forward pack forced his hand.

And Fifita may be required to step up once again on Thursday against the Bulldogs, with Glenn in doubt.

While the Kiwi international was cleared of a fracture at the hospital on Thursday night, he will be assessed in the lead up to the game.

Glenn wrote on Instagram that he had his “fingers crossed it’s nothing too serious” as the Broncos ramp up their push for a top four finish.

Fifita could start with Glenn injured. AAP Image/Albert Perez.

Fifita, who also confirmed he is the cousin of Sharks enforcer Andrew Fifita, said he would be ready for whatever else is thrown at him this season, including the chance to play finals football.

“I was playing for Souths Logan in the under-18s comp (at the start of the year),” he said.

“If I go back to then, I didn’t think I would be here right now.

“It’s the baby steps I have done. If I was patient I knew my time would come.

“I made my way up to Intrust Super Cup and got my opportunity in first grade. I’m happy with how I’m going.

“I haven’t thought of (NRL finals) that much. But I’ll just do my job, work hard, make the boys proud and make the coach proud.”