Broncos rookie Tom Flegler hailed for his desire and effort

‘A little effort wouldn’t have gone astray’ was how Tom Flegler summed up his chasing down of Souths’ Cam Murray last week. And Darius Boyd wants Brisbane to follow the rookie’s example.

Flegler’s hunger is an example to more experience teammates. Image: AAP Image/Dan Peled

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The Broncos need a little more of the desperation shown last week by rookie Tom Flegler, captain Darius Boyd says.

Flegler chased down Souths player Cameron Murray from behind in the last-minute in a game in which his team was down by 32 points.

Boyd said the 19-year-old’s pride and effort in only his eighth NRL match was highlighted in a team review of the Souths loss.

Brisbane are desperately in need of some fire. Image: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

“We did speak about that. We talk about effort areas in a game,’’ Boyd said.

“There’s weren’t a lot from that game for whatever reason but that was definitely one (instance of effort).

“It was the last seconds of the game and he ran past a few players, myself, included. He has great speed. He is a very good athlete.

“It’s one of those positive signs you look, for when things aren’t going so great. We have to make sure we are all doing them.’’

Flegler’s hunger is an example to more experience teammates. Image: AAP Image/Dan Peled

The defiant effort in a lost cause had echoes of how Phil Gould highlighted in a video session with his NSW Origin players in 2002 how hard Shane Webcke ran the ball in the dying minutes of a game well lost, 32-4.

“I was within range and a little effort wouldn’t have gone astray. I managed to get there,’’ Flegler said sheepishly when asked about his tackle.

Manly’s acting captain Jake Trbojevic said he had noted Flegler’s rise in a Broncos pack which he expected to rally in Brisbane after their thrashing by South Sydney last week.

“They have a lot of talent in their pack. Payne Haas, Flegler, Matt Lodge are all young players and great players,’’ Trbojevic said.

“A really good performance is around the corner and we have to be on our game. They will be up for it in front of a big crowd in Brisbane.’’

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More than 45,000 spectators are expected for Friday night’s double header at Suncorp Stadium opened by a Panthers-Tigers contest.

“It will be a semi-final type atmosphere and I’d like to think playing at home is a help for us too,’’ Boyd said.

“I know in the ANZAC game (won against Cronulla) I had goosebumps, what Anzac Day means and we did play well that night. You shouldn’t need those things but I am hoping it brings a little extra excitement.’’

Originally published as Broncos rookie Tom Flegler hailed for his desire and effort