Mullumbimby boys a key weapon for Wests Tigers in NYC title chase
Tuesday 18 September 2012 5:11 PM
The ‘biggest little town in Australia’ in Mullumbimby has a double reason to cheer for the Wests Tigers in the NYC Grand Final qualifier.
Located in the Northern Rivers region of NSW as part of the Byron Shire, the town is home to exciting young dynamic halves Matt Mulcahy and Jacob Miller – two key men in Todd Payten’s team as they prepare for the Preliminary Final against Sydney Roosters at ANZ Stadium on Saturday, September 22, from 3pm.
Miller needs little introduction, having played half-back in the NYC side for the past two years in between playing 5 NRL games.
Mulcahy is a name fast becoming known amongst Wests Tigers supporters, especially after his strong two try effort in the win over the Bulldogs in the first qualifying final.
Having played their junior rugby league together at Mullumbimby Giants, the pair have a strong friendship, making Mulcahy’s late addition to the NYC team even easier.
Originally chosen in this year’s NYC squad, Mulcahy played for Burwood in the Bundaberg Cup before being called up to the Wests Tigers team for his first game off the interchange bench against the Sydney Roosters in round 15.
The following week, Miller threw the final pass for Mulcahy to score the match winning try on the wing against Newcastle.
Two more appearances on the interchange bench followed for Mulcahy before Payten named him at five-eighth for the round 26 match against Melbourne.
Payten nominated Mulcahy as one of his best against the Bulldogs in what was just his second starting game in the 20s.
“If Matt takes the line on with speed, he will worry them all day. That’s his biggest asset,’’ Payten said.
“It is also his biggest curse as he doesn’t do it enough.
“The fact Matt and Jacob are Mullumbimby boys mean they have a pretty tight relationship. It has also sparked Jacob up a bit.
“I made the decision to play them together in the halves based on defence. Matty gets his body in the way and is willing to make a tackle. I’m very happy with the way they are going.”
WESTS TIGERS NYC TEAM
Under 20s
Saturday 22 September, 3.05pm, ANZ Stadium
Wests Tigers v Sydney Roosters
Tickets: www.ticketek.com.au/finals
Fox Sports will show the game live.