Light Lui hit with Pride
Defensive dynamo far too good to ignore
IT was the tackle which proved to Northern Pride officials that a 17-year-old playmaker could mix it with the best.
Taulata Fakalelu is one of the biggest, most feared forwards in the Cairns District Rugby League.
Such is his impact on the field, the two-time Queensland Ranger rep was recently rewarded for his form with a Northern Pride development contract.
But even Fakalelu couldn’t get rid of young Brothers gun Dantoray Lui (right).
Lui pulled off no fewer than four classic tackles on the big man when the sides met at Callendar Park last month and, in doing so, proved to Pride under-20s coach Dave Scott that he was ready for a Colts call-up.
“That probably pushed him over the line to get selected,” Scott said.
“He was giving away about 50kg and making these oldschool leg tackles.
“An area where he’s improved playing under Paul (Stevens) at Brothers is his defence – his contact and willingness for contact.”
Despite being one of the lightest players on the field, Lui has proved to be a real handful for all of his opposition players in the eight games he played for Brothers Cairns this season.
The flashy ballrunner will also provide some much-needed flare to the Pride’s attack, according to the coach.
“I’ve been struggling to have a look-in with our attacking deficiencies at the moment,” Scott said.
“I’m excited to see how he goes.
“He’ll play some natural football out there and play what he sees in front of him.”
The Pride will be looking to break out of their mid-season slump with a win over Souths Logan Magpies at Davies Park this Sunday.
After starting the season with seven straight wins, the Pride have won two of their last eight games and sit in sixth spot on the ladder with five rounds remaining.
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