Ex-Dragon has high praise for Storm half
Former Dragons star says Melbourne half has great potential
RUGBY LEAGUE: Former St George Illawarra Dragons centre Mark Gasnier refuses to pile unnecessary pressure or expectation on talented young NRL players.
He is, however, quick to praise young talent and a talented Dalby product has caught his eye.
Speaking to The Chronicle, the Fox Sports NRL commentator said Melbourne Storm halfback Brodie Croft had great potential.
“I don’t like to put unnecessary pressure on young players,” Gasnier said.
“Brodie, though; he’s a real talent and he’s exactly where he needs to be at Melbourne.
“They’ve got a great set-up – one of the best – with the likes of Craig Bellamy, Cameron Smith and Billy Slater around him he’s in great hands.”
Gasnier believes young players deserve an opportunity to develop and mature for the betterment of themselves and the game.
“They deserve time to develop as a player and a person outside – without that early unnecessary pressure,” he said.
“I think it’s a little unfair when we start labelling them as the next great superstar – or expecting them to shine so early in their career.
“We need to give them time and space to mature and naturally adapt to being a professional footballer
“If we pile that pressure on them and they fail it doesn’t help them or the game.”
Croft, who made his debut against the Dragons in 2016, will have to deal with extra attention this season as he fills the role left vacant by Cooper Cronk.
Despite pundits and fans calling for Croft to “develop his own game”, Gasnier believes the young halfback would be doing himself a massive favour by emulating the Queensland and Australian representative.
“Why wouldn’t you want you to model parts of your game and approach to it on someone like Cooper Cronk? He’s one of the best halves to ever play the game,” Gasnier said.
“Melbourne don’t need him to be another Cooper Cronk – but he (Cronk) has a lot of admirable traits.
“The important thing is for Brodie to pick and chose what works for him and the team.
“Given time, Brodie will develop his own game and if he can stay injury free he’s got a great future.”
BRODIE, THOUGH; HE’S A REAL TALENT AND HE’S EXACTLY WHERE HE NEEDS TO BE AT MELBOURNE.
MARK GASNIER