Berkeley_Eagle
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First crack at the big time for Shane
11 Feb 09 by Jason Avedissian
RISING young Manly back Shane Neumann is set to be given first crack at Steven Bell’s vacant jumper, with the inexperienced back declaring a summer spent bulking up could help him become an NRL regular.
Neumann is certain to be part of Manly’s 23 to 24-man squad to tour England for the upcoming World Club Challenge clash against Leeds.
The 21-year-old has played just four NRL matches since making a successful debut against the Broncos in May 2007.
But with Bell joining French club Catalans in the summer, Neumann appears certain to be given first crack at the vacancy.
``That (NRL football) would be a goal,’’ the young Queenslander said. ``It would be good to be named (in the touring party) and take the opportunity with both hands.
``If I’m lucky enough to get a go, the pressure would be on to hold the jumper. ``But, there’s a lot of things up in the air and there’s a few players vying for that position, so it’s going to be a good challenge for me.
``It’s going to be hard to crack a grand final-winning team. Whatever comes my way I’ll take.’’
Neumann, contracted to Manly until the end of 2010, said bulking up three kilograms to 98kg in the summer will give him more presence on the park.
``Personally, training is going better this year than previous years,’’ he said. ``I’ve reached a few personal goals, putting on a little bit more weight. The training is helping me (put on weight), and I’m eating more. I haven’t lost any speed, so that’s a bonus.’’
The Brisbane-born Sea Eagle said Bell has parted some of his known defensive secrets to help his cause.
``During training he (Bell) always had little points for me to work on, even in defence, to help me out,’’ Neumann said.
Manly coach Des Hasler will reveal his squad to tour England tomorrow.
11 Feb 09 by Jason Avedissian
RISING young Manly back Shane Neumann is set to be given first crack at Steven Bell’s vacant jumper, with the inexperienced back declaring a summer spent bulking up could help him become an NRL regular.
Neumann is certain to be part of Manly’s 23 to 24-man squad to tour England for the upcoming World Club Challenge clash against Leeds.
The 21-year-old has played just four NRL matches since making a successful debut against the Broncos in May 2007.
But with Bell joining French club Catalans in the summer, Neumann appears certain to be given first crack at the vacancy.
``That (NRL football) would be a goal,’’ the young Queenslander said. ``It would be good to be named (in the touring party) and take the opportunity with both hands.
``If I’m lucky enough to get a go, the pressure would be on to hold the jumper. ``But, there’s a lot of things up in the air and there’s a few players vying for that position, so it’s going to be a good challenge for me.
``It’s going to be hard to crack a grand final-winning team. Whatever comes my way I’ll take.’’
Neumann, contracted to Manly until the end of 2010, said bulking up three kilograms to 98kg in the summer will give him more presence on the park.
``Personally, training is going better this year than previous years,’’ he said. ``I’ve reached a few personal goals, putting on a little bit more weight. The training is helping me (put on weight), and I’m eating more. I haven’t lost any speed, so that’s a bonus.’’
The Brisbane-born Sea Eagle said Bell has parted some of his known defensive secrets to help his cause.
``During training he (Bell) always had little points for me to work on, even in defence, to help me out,’’ Neumann said.
Manly coach Des Hasler will reveal his squad to tour England tomorrow.
