Sea Eagles star Josh Starling ends long NRL drought with first try

SEA Eagles prop Josh Starling has spoken about scoring his first NRL try after five seasons.

Josh Starling of the Sea Eagles is congratulated by his teammates after scoring his first NRL try. Picture: Getty Images.

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SEA Eagles prop Josh Starling says the monkey is finally off his back after breaking one of rugby league’s longest droughts in Saturday’s 34-18 win over the Warriors.

He crashed over for his first try in the NRL at Mt Smart Stadium, after 52 games and five seasons.

The hardworking forward broke his duck after charging onto a ball from hooker Matt Parcell in Saturday’s victory in Auckland.

“I debuted in 2012 so I’ve been waiting for a while and I’m glad it’s finally happened,” Starling said.

Josh Starling of the Sea Eagles is congratulated by his teammates after scoring his first NRL try. Picture: Getty Images.

“I’ve just been so close so many times, I had one taken away last year.

“I’m just trying to keep it a bit humble, but I’m very excited.”

And Starling revealed how the footy gods were smiling on him in that play with Parcell.

“I wasn’t even supposed to get the ball, so cheers anyway,” he said.

“I went into shock and I don’t think they knew I was getting it because a few people slid off me so I put my head down and spun around and I finally got there.”

Sea Eagles winger Jorge Taufua was quick to acknowledge Starling’s achievement.

“Usually, when someone scores on that side of the field, I take my time to get over there and congratulate them,” Taufua said,

Jacob Lillyman of the Warriors tackles Josh Starling of the Manly Sea Eagles during the round six NRL match at Mount Smart Stadium, Picture David Rowland.

“But as soon as I saw it was him, I made sure I sprinted over because he just complains he never scores.

“He’s got about 80 training tries and he’s finally got one that counts, so good on him.”

Meanwhile, off-contract Sea Eagles forward Tom Symonds says he wants to stay at the club next season following speculation about his ­future.

“I love playing here at Manly ... I’m really happy here,” Symonds said.

“There is not really any reason at all I would want to leave.

“Just like anyone who is off contract at the end the season, you’ve got to take into account all your options. And l’m just doing that exact same thing.’”

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