Primed to peak when it counts
RUGBY UNION:
Marika Koroibete is a delighted new dad, but the training wheels that most need to come off are his own so he can become the fullpackage winger he needs to be for the Wallabies.
At his best, he’s a dynamic finisher who veers by defenders at top pace and torpedoes to the tryline over the final 5m through any defence.
At his worst, he over-tracks in defence, misses tackles or just seems to run around a lot so that his work rate may cover some of the nuances he misses in wing play.
The 2019 model Koroibete (pictured) is ready to fly against Argentina at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night, quietly confident his two-year education is paying off.
He is coming off his best Super Rugby season for the Melbourne Rebels and family life is serene now wife Emma has delivered them a healthy second son, Isaiah, as a playmate for Iliesa, 4.
Having made his mark as a prolific try-scorer for the Melbourne Storm in the NRL, Koroibete admits learning a new code has taken time.
It’s time the 26-year-old has been willing to put in.
Short-term code converts such as Sam Burgess, Benji Marshall and Timana Tahu never got the finer points of the game during short forays from rugby league, but the Wallabies have backed Koroibete to peak at this year’s World Cup in Japan after his uncertain start in 2017.
“It’s the understanding of the game. I’ve learnt a lot and still do week in, week out,” he said of his improvement.
“When I came in 2017, I was more ‘just play the game’. Now I understand the game more, knowing how to work smart and extend my energy.
“All players want to work hard but to work smart you are picking the right time to be effective, not just running around for the sake of it, for the GPS (logging kilometres run in a game).” With no Israel Folau gobbling try chances in the outside channels this year, it makes sense that finishers such as Koroibete – seven tries in 20 Tests – make more of their opportunities.
He has been working with Wallabies performance guru Dean Benton to be physically ready for such chances.
“I’m always trying to pick up my game and I’ve been working with Dean on my speed, power and pace, and hopefully I get a chance with the Wallabies to show the potential I’ve got,” Koroibete said.
“It’s a big year with a lot of competition and I just want to get a chance.”
He speaks like the winger the Wallabies desperately need – a try-grabber who knows his best is due.