Manly Daily 2018-4-21
A Manly Monster
Jon Geddes
Taniela Paseka in his NRL debut against Wests Tigers last Sunday. Picture: NRL Media.
Sea Eagles look to a huge young forward to muscle up against the Eels tomorrow
HE is the 198cm 125kg monster forward who is ready to make an impact for the Sea Eagles in tomorrow’s crucial game against Parramatta at ANZ Stadium.
“I’m pretty big,” 20-yearold Taniela Paseka said with a laugh.
He is primed to do some damage on the field for Manly in a game that will test the character of the team after a week of turmoil surrounding the axing of Jackson Hastings from the NRL squad.
With fellow Sea Eagles forwards Curtis Sironen and Kelepi Tanginoa suffering season ending injuries that has opened the door for Paseka to get his opportunity.
And he feels he now has a responsibility to step up for the team.
“My job as an impact player is to come on and bring some energy, make some hard runs, some go forward metres,” he said.
“That’s my job, I’m not like an 80 minute player “
Paseka made his NRL debut in last week’s game against his former club Wests Tigers.
“It was an amazing experience to finally live out my childhood dream and get out onto the field with the boys,” Paseka said.
“It was what I expected, it was really tough and fast.”
Paseka had his own cheer squad at the game and had to get more than 20 tickets for his family to attend.
And he is ready to step it up again against the Eels after getting the feel of what NRL was all about last weekend.
“Having that debut helps with confidence knowing where I am at and good positive feedback from the coaches and the boys as well,” he said.
“I am feeling good at the moment, I just can’t be complacent and drop off because then I will lose my spot.”
Coach Trent Barrett told the young forward that there was spot for him and that he had to work for it.
“There is positive feedback from him after every game,” Paseka said.
“He is always telling me what to do,”
Paseka said he does need to work on his fitness.
“Because first grade is a lot harder faster I have to learn to keep up with the boys in the match,” he said.
“I am all right at this weight, match fitness is the best fitness.”
A big pre-season campaign has helped his progression up into the NRL.
Paseka joined Manly from the Wests Tigers after being released in round six last year, spending the year in the under 20s with one appearance in the NSW Cup.
‘‘My job as an impact player is to come on and bring some energy
Sea Eagle Taniela Paseka
