Snub might be too strong a word. The appearance of just one young Warrior in a list of 30 young starlets provided by our friends at Sydney's Daily Telegraph is probably more of an oversight.
The Warriors, after all, won last year's U20 competition. They might well do so again
this year. But unless they pack their bags and start turning out for Parramatta, young Warriors don't really show up on Sydney radar.
Glen Fisiiahi may have made a big splash over here in his three NRL games but the ripples haven't yet flowed under the Sydney Harbour Bridge. They will soon, you can bet on that. Sharks fullback Nathan Gardner makes the Telegraph list at No 7. Gardner was excellent when the Warriors met the Sharks in round four; Fisiiahi scored two brilliant tries that decided the match. Nuff said.
Elijah Taylor is another curious omission from the list. The Warriors have won seven of eight games since the outstanding Taylor came into the side. Against the Titans in round nine he was the best player on the field. The 36.3 tackles he averages a match rank him fifth among all NRL second rowers, while he has also scored two tries and notched a try assist. There's a curious lack of second rowers on the list, but Taylor should certainly command a place alongside Tariq Simms and Jamie Buhrer.
Alehana Mara is the final young Warrior overlooked, although given he often suffers that fate at his own club, that is no surprise. Mara has been impressive in eight NRL appearances split over two seasons. His game against the Knights earned him selection in Big League's team of the week - but not for the Warriors' match against the Rabbitohs.
Young Warriors
Glen Fisiiahi
Fullback, 20 years 177 days
Herald ranking: 7
Coming back from injury but should be in the line-up soon. Has signed a four-year deal with club.
Elijah Taylor
Second row, 21 years 91 days
Herald ranking: 11
A regular member of the starting line-up just eight matches into his career. Club trying to sign him to an extension.
Alehana Mara
Hooker, 21 years 209 days
Herald ranking: 20
Struggling to secure a regular place in the match. Yet to sign an extension and thought to have outside offers.
Steve Deane: Young Warriors fly below Sydney's radar
Glen Fisiiahi. Photo / Richard Robinson
Opinion by
Snub might be too strong a word. The appearance of just one young Warrior in a list of 30 young starlets provided by our friends at Sydney's Daily Telegraph is probably more of an oversight.
The Warriors, after all, won last year's U20 competition. They might well do so again
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