Esan Marsters a keeper for Wests Tigers after being cut by Sydney Roosters, turns down Cronulla Sharks

HE was cut by the Sydney Roosters, and could have signed with Cronulla, but baby-faced centre Esan Marsters happily committed his futureto the Wests Tigers.

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HE was cut by the Sydney Roosters, could have signed with Cronulla, but happily committed to the Wests Tigers.

And now Esan Marsters wants to continue giving Tigers fans a glimpse of the club’s future when he tries to get the better of fellow Manly rookie Brian Kelly at Leichhardt Oval.

Hailing from a family of 11 kids, Auckland-born Marsters has more than held his own at right centre since coach Ivan Cleary took a punt on him nine games ago. The baby-faced centre has a wonderful size and ball-playing skills, which he puts down to having spent time playing in the back row and at five-eighth.

Esan Marsters says he loves being a Wests Tiger. Picture: Richard Dobson

It is those skills that have already been recognised by the Roosters and Cronulla — and will bring the Tigers faithful to their feet tomorrow ­afternoon at fortress Leichhardt.

“When I first moved to Australia I was 17 and signed a contract with the Roosters to train with their SG Ball team,’’ Marsters said. “That side ended up going on to win it and had some pretty good players like Latrell Mitchell, Joseph Manu, Connor Watson.

“I was training with them during the off-season, but I wasn’t performing well, and I also had a few issues off the field where I was homesick.

“I ended being cut, and the same day I was cut by the Roosters my mum (Ritia) moved over from Auckland.

Esan Marsters crosses for a try against the Gold Coast Titans in round 21. Picture: AAP

“It was tough, but she told me she was always proud of me and not to worry about it. I was then scouted by Warren McDonnell who working was here at the Tigers.’’

Marsters quickly impressed in the Holden Cup, scoring 10 tries as a backrower, which led to a meeting with Sharks coach Shane Flanagan.

“I met with (Shane) Flanagan at the back end of last season, and it was very tempting,’’ he said. “But I really love the Tigers. I wanted to show loyalty after they gave me a second chance after the Roosters. I thought I owed them something.’’

Marsters is locked in until the end of 2018, but the Tigers will ensure he is locked away long term, which is already the case with their promising rookie left centre Moses Suli.

Esan Marsters shows Brock Lamb a clean pair of heels during the Auckland Nines. Picture: Getty Images

Marsters’ effort to draw two Penrith defenders and somehow sneak the ball out for David Nofoaluma last Sunday was pure class.

While Marsters and Kelly lock horns, the No.1 battle between James Tedesco and Tom Trbojevic will be outstanding, with Tedesco telling The Saturday Telegraph: “Their whole spine has been outstanding, and Tommy has been running a lot off that, he’s a big fella and hard to get down, and he’s been in great form.

“We were confident against them last time, we led 16-8, but let them come back. Our game management has been a struggle for us this year ... a big focus for us this weekend is if we do get into a position to win, we need to complete, kick to corners and build pressure.’’