Wests Tigers Coach Benji Marshall wants exciting young centre Solomone Saukuru to just 'express himself' when he makes his NRL debut on Sunday.
A product of the Wests Tigers Pathways system, Saukuru has been in superb form for the Western Suburbs Magpies in The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup where he leads the way with 20 tries.
Marshall said the 21-year-old Saukuru deserves his opportunity against St George-Illawarra at CommBank Stadium in round 24 in the team's final home game of the season.
“We've been driving some standards around his weight and his fitness, and he's been meeting that to a tee,’’ Marshall said.
“The boys love his personality and now he gets to go and live out his dream and make his debut.
“He’s a good runner of the footy, deceptively fast for his size, (and a) pretty smart, intelligent guy.
“We just want him to bring what he brings to the team. He’s quite a larrikin of a bloke who loves a bit of joking and laughing. We just want him to go and express himself.”
Hear more from Benji on Wests Tigers YouTube
Fullback Heath Mason has seen first-hand what Saukuru has done in the NSW Cup and is confident he is ready for the rigours of the NRL.
“I’m so happy for Solomone. He’s a freak, man. I know he will go out there this weekend and do his job for the team and show why he deserves that spot,’’ Mason said.
“I can't wait to go out there alongside him and watch him do his thing. I’m sure he will kill it.
“He gets the boys going and is a good person to have around the team."
Centre Patrick Herbert is also very happy for Saukuru.
“I'm super proud of him. He's been killing it in (NSW) Cup and deserves his opportunity,'' Herbert said.
“Making your NRL debut is one of those special moments that not many people get to do.
“Solomone has got good tackle busting ability and can find the tryline. He’s just a good lad to have around the boys. He’s real upbeat and energetic.”
