Darcy Lussick steps up

ManlyBacker

Winging it
AFTER two years plodding along in the lower grades, Darcy Lussick knew it was time he realised his potential.







Darcy Lussick, who has been given a spot in Manly's top 25 for 2010. Picture: VIRGINIA YOUNG.



If he didn’t step up, an economics degree at Newcastle University awaited.
So the Beacon Hill Bears junior, in his own words, “pulled his finger out”.
The second-rower was one of Manly’s best in the Toyota Cup this year, his bullocking runs a feature in the team taking out the minor premiership.
Now Lussick has been rewarded with a spot in Des Hasler’s top 25-man NRL squad for 2010, and aims to play “at least” four or five games.
“I was lucky enough to play in a very good (Toyota Cup) team this year, that helped my cause,” the 20-year-old said yesterday.
“I finished school back in 2006 and got into uni but I figured that could wait.
“It was up to me to play consistent footy, and I would like to think I did.”
Lussick will be joined by William Hopoate, Daly Cherry-Evans and skipper Jamie Buhrer in the full-time squad (not the 25) and believes that will make the transition process a little easier.
“We have been playing together for a few years now, and are mates away from footy,” Lussick, whose father Jason played three games for the Eagles in 1998-99, said.
“That will definitely help, it is a big step up so it will be good doing it as a group.
“It’s going to be intense training fulltime at that level, but I am looking forward to it.”
His under 20s coach David Penna has no doubt the rangy backrower will adjust to the task.
“Darcy has been with the club for a few years now and each season has got better,” he said. “The coaching staff challenged him to keep improving and to his credit, he went away and came back a more dynamic player.”
The Italian national coach also believes Lussick’s defence is his biggest selling point.
“He is very sound in this area and with backrowers tending to mature later these days, he is in a very good position,” Penna said.
“I look forward to seeing how he goes and if he gets a run I am sure he won’t let anyone down.”

 

Users who are viewing this thread

Members online

Latest posts

2025 Ladder

Team P W D L PD Pts
1 Raiders 16 13 0 3 104 28
2 Bulldogs 15 11 0 4 92 28
3 Storm 14 10 0 4 196 26
4 Warriors 15 10 0 5 11 26
5 Broncos 16 9 0 7 68 22
6 Panthers 15 7 1 7 3 21
7 Dolphins 16 8 0 8 162 20
8 Roosters 14 7 0 7 16 20
9 Sharks 16 8 0 8 -4 20
10 Sea Eagles 15 7 0 8 40 18
11 Dragons 14 6 0 8 -45 18
12 Cowboys 15 6 1 8 -134 17
13 Knights 16 6 0 10 -67 16
14 Eels 15 5 0 10 -103 16
15 Tigers 15 5 0 10 -84 14
16 Rabbitohs 16 6 0 10 -111 14
17 Titans 15 4 0 11 -144 14
Back
Top Bottom