‘Every bit first grade’: Teen praised after NRL debut
Sebastian Tan |
Kristian Woolf has heralded his stand-in centre Brian Pouniu after he stepped up in an emotional debut to help the Dolphins overcome Canberra at GIO Stadium.
With Herbie Farnworth a late scratching because of hamstring tightness, Woolf parachuted the 18-year-old into the Dolphins’ starting lineup for his first taste of NRL action.
It was a significant feat for the youngster, who had to overcome adversity to reach the competition.
Pouniu’s older brother Joseph, an emerging prop who was primed to join Gold Coast’s top 30 squad in 2024, suffered a horror spinal injury when he crashed headfirst into a goalpost in 2023.
But on Thursday, the teenager dazzled while reaching his quadriplegic brother’s dream, chalking up 59 metres as the Dolphins held strong to beat the Raiders 30-22.
“Brian Pouniu, in his debut, is an 18-year-old man, and he didn’t quite get his defensive read right early in the game, but he certainly fixed that up,” Woolf said.
“I thought he looked every bit of a first grader tonight. So, I’m really proud of him, and the other guys who came in were outstanding.
“He had the whole family there, so he looked really proud, and he should be really proud too.
“He’s got a bit of a journey there, and it’s great seeing him get the opportunity, but he’s done so well with it as well.”
The visitors were severely depleted, missing the star power of Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Selwyn Cobbo, Thomas Flegler and Max Plath because of State of Origin duties, while five-eighth Kodi Nikorima (hamstring) was also out.
Regardless, the Dolphins laced solid defence with blistering attack to claim their fourth consecutive victory, a club first.
Playmaker Isaiya Katoa says the Dolphins drew on last season’s campaign for inspiration after injuries cruelled their chances of making the top eight.
“A lot of those guys that played tonight had to step up,” he said.
“Brian had his NRL debut, and one thing I just asked the boys coming in was to just come in and be yourself. We don’t need anyone coming in trying to be Herbie Farnworth.
“We understand what we can do as a team, and when we’re connected as a group on and off the field. It definitely shows.”
AAP