Young guns - Shaun Spence

Author: weststigers.com.au
Timestamp: Sat 24 Aug 2013, 01:31 PM

Shaun Spence

Age: 21

2013 NRL games: 7

An amazing story, Spence has worked tirelessly to make it back to Rugby League from a horrific knee injury. At the time of the injury, Spence was offered no assurance that he would play again, so to return to make his NRL debut this season is remarkable.

Spence was a late inclusion on the Wests Tigers bench for the Round 6 clash against the Dragons, playing 22 minutes in a solid NRL debut. Included in the following three matches, Spence has played a total of seven NRL games whilst also playing a key role for the NSW Cup side.

Unfortunately for Wests Tigers fans, Spence will join the Penrith Panthers next season on a two-year deal but deserves a mention amongst the great batch of young guns coming out of the Club.

KEY STATISTICS

- 7 Games

- Defensively has held a positive 94% tackle efficiency rate during his limited game time (made 89/95 tackles this year averaging 23 mins per game)

MICK POTTER SAYS

I didnt see Shauns injury but from what the medical staff tell me it was one of the worst knees that they had seen. The specialist gave him no assurance that he would make it back to Rugby League, let alone being able to play at NRL level.

He fought his way back and is one of the most dedicated trainers and works over and above in his rehab to what normal people would think is reasonable. Shaun spends hours more than anyone else at training and physio. It has payed off for him and I am disappointed to see him go to Penrith but they were able to offer him a two-year deal and I really hope succeeds.

He is a good young kid, no trouble, will do anything you want him to do as far as Rugby League is concerned and knows good practice. Disappointing to see him go but happy to see him get an opportunity and earn some reasonable money at another Club.