Manly debutant Abbas Miski pulls a Bradbury to earn NRL debut
Like the pileup that delivered a winter Olympic gold medal to Steven Bradbury, a $3 million Manly backline injury crisis means Abbas Miski all of sudden is the last man standing at Brookvale.
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Meet Manly debutant Abbas Miski, the NRL’s very own Steven Bradbury.
Like the pileup that delivered a winter Olympic gold medal to Bradbury, a $3 million backline injury crisis means Miski all of sudden is last man standing at Brookvale.
The Sea Eagles’ growing casualty ward includes the likes of Daly Cherry Evans (ankle), Tom Trbojevic (hamstring), Jorge Taufua (calf), Tevita Funa (foot), Albert Hopoate (ACL) and Jade Anderson (concussion). Dylan Walker is still suspended under the no-fault stand-down policy.
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Even the next top 30 player in line to come into the first-grade side, centre Sam Smith, suffered a meniscus injury last weekend playing in the Canterbury Cup.
So Miski, who arrived on the northern beaches during the pre-season with only a train-and-trial contract, will today make his top-grade debut on the wing for the Sea Eagles.
Manly officials received dispensation from the NRL to upgrade Miski to a development contract in order for him to take the field today.
But there is more to Miski’s NRL journey than the timely misfortune of others.
Sea Eagles back rower Joel Thompson has witnessed first hand the effort the 23-year old has poured into achieving his dream.
“It is so good to see Abbas come through,” Thompson said.
“There were probably times when he wanted to give it in when he hasn't been given the opportunity, but he has worked hard.
“I always see him at training pushing and I’m just proud of him that he is now finally coming through and getting his chance.”
To add to the theatre of the youngster’s debut at Lottoland on Saturday, Miski grew up idolising the Bulldogs. Some of the Kingsgrove Colts junior’s most prized possessions include an autographed Bulldogs jersey and hat signed by the 2004 premiership-winning outfit.
He’ll also debut in the same position as his favourite player growing up was Bulldogs winger and since the NRL record-setting goalkicker Hazem El Masri.
LISTEN! Matty reveals the biggest lie he ever told coach, the song he can’t get out of his head, an Origin rumour that won’t go away and what it’s like to have a video session under Tommy Raudonikis. Don’t miss this week’s episode of the Matty Johns podcast.
Miski first came to the attention of fans while playing for Lebanon during the 2017 World Cup because of his uncanny resemblance to former Kangaroos and Penrith star Josh Mansour — and made an impression on Brad Fittler, who coached Lebanon.
“I always thought he had the potential to play first grade,” Fittler said. “I was impressed with his strength. It’s now up to him how far his career goes.”
Originally published as Manly debutant Abbas Miski pulls a Bradbury to earn NRL debut
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