In just his second game, the young fullback did what some players never experience in their careers

The Pride will be looking to lock in their fullback for the remainder of the year after he remains undefeated in his first two games. Find out all about his start at the Northern Pride >>>

The Pride will be looking to lock in their fullback for the remainder of the year after he remains undefeated in his first two games.

21-year-old Lachlan West lined up for the Northern Pride in Sunday’s clash with Ipswich Jets, where he made his presence known on field from the first kick.

West was the game leader for tries scored, finishing with a hat trick in just his second game in senior footy.

The boy from Casino, New South Wales said it was pretty awesome to get the win

”Our attack on Sunday was unreal, everything clicked and worked in our favour,” West said.

“It was a pretty good feeling to get the hat trick, doesn’t happen everyday.

“We have a really good connection as a playing group but we can’t get ahead of ourselves.

“Still plenty of footy to play this season.”

Northern Pride fullback Lachlan West during the match up against North Devils at Barlow Park. Picture: Emily Barker

He was the front man who led the Pride to their biggest win in history in the round 8 clash with over the Jets, manhandling them 56-12 in perfect conditions.

West’s first try in Pride colours came two weeks before in front of the Cairns faithful when the Northern Pride defeated North Devils 38-12.

The 21-year-old won the Hastings Deering Colts Player of the Year in 2023 where he played for the Brisbane Tigers before being picked up by the Pride for this season.

“Coming from country New South Wales, to up here is so different,” West said.

“Playing down in Brisbane we finished the season early and I got the chance to do a trial with the Cowboys.

“And because of their affiliation with the Pride, that was how I ended up here.

“I love it up here, the boys have been awesome.”

Taking up rugby league from a young age, West crafted his game on a Parramatta Eels star.

“Growing up I was a massive Parramatta fan, so I looked up to Jarryd Hayne,” West said.

“I watched how he went about it and how he played to his strengths.

“But I would probably have to say the one person who has taught me the most about rugby league is our coach, Eric Smith.

“I have only been in Cairns for about 5-6 months and I have learnt so much from him about the sport.

“His knowledge of the game is incredible and has been really helpful to me and I am sure to plenty of the others as well.”

The Pride will now turn their attention to the Papua New Guinea Hunters on Saturday May 11.

The Hunters are coming off a massive 52-16 win over the Townsville Blackhawks.

“We can’t take them lightly or it won’t be a happy trip away,” West said.

“I think we have about a month on the road if you include last weeks game against Ipswich as well.

“I have never been to PNG so it will be exciting to head over and sort of check out the place.

“But as I said, it won’t be a happy place for us if we don’t get the win.”

Pride coach Eric Smith stated last month that he was concerned about this patch of away games and staying within the top four.

“If we can manage to win a couple of the games and remain close to the top sides, that's a win,” Smith said.

Originally published as In just his second game, the young fullback did what some players never experience in their careers