‘Going to be great’: returning Wilton lauds old friend
Sebastian Tan |
Teig Wilton grew up watching Noah Martin storm up the edges of the field and forge tackle after tackle.
Now they both have made the NRL, Wilton believes the sky’s the limit for Canberra’s rampaging back-rower.
In just his second game of the season, Wilton starred for Cronulla in their 34-22 victory against the Raiders on Sunday, scoring a try, running 89 metres and registering two tackle busts.
But rather than pumping up his own performance as he looks to earn a permanent spot in the Sharks’ starting line-up, Wilton instead heaped praise on the 20-year-old Martin.
The pair played for the Narooma Devils on the NSW South Coast, and although they were never in the same team Wilton watched him, thinking he could make the top leagues.
After Martin dazzled by running for 81 metres and posting a game-high 41 tackles on Sunday in just his 10th first-grade appearance, Wilton wasn’t surprised.
“He’s going to be a great player. He’s very strong-willed, and everyone can see that from his performances at the start of the year,” Wilton told AAP.
“He’s got all the tools there, and if he stays on the right track, which I’m sure he will … the sky’s the limit for him.”
Wilton himself is looking to rebuild from off-season shoulder surgery, which meant he relinquished his starting spot for Cronulla.
But with Briton Nikora sustaining a nose injury, the back-rower found himself in the No.12 jersey at GIO Stadium on Sunday.
“I’m pretty comfortable in knowing what I need to do for our team,” Wilton said.
“The sooner I can get back to providing a role for our team and what they need, I’ll be happy.”
Sharks coach Craig Fitzgibbon commended the 26-year-old’s comeback.
“He played 30 minutes a week before, and we held him back from his shoulder surgery to make sure he got enough work into him,” the newly re-signed coach said.
“That’s a big step up to jump into a round-four game and go 80 (minutes). I thought he had some big defensive plays for us. He’s an important leader, too.”
Cronulla and Wilton now shift their focus to next Sunday’s clash against the Warriors, where they will be looking to pick up their third win of the campaign.
AAP