Bennett sees bright future for young gun Fifita
TEENAGE talent David Fifita is yet to show the NRL his full bag of tricks – but that’s just how his Brisbane coach likes it.
The 18-year-old former Gold Coast schoolboy, who earlier this season made history as the first player born in the 2000s to play first-grade rugby league, was again up to the task in the Broncos’ 34-0 defeat of the Titans yesterday.
He ran for 101m and made 17 tackles for a side missing seven top-line players due to State of Origin and injury, to impress mentor Wayne
Bennett.
The master coach knows Fifita can offer more, but said it was a sign of his maturity that he hadn’t pushed the envelope.
“They’re very balanced and don’t get ahead of themselves,” he said of the Broncos’ young crop. “I like what David brings because at the moment he’s not trying to be the star of the show.
“I don’t want him to get in front of himself; he’s got a lot more to show us yet but it’ll be a year or two before that comes to the forefront.”
Fifita and fellow Bronco Payne Haas played together at Gold Coast league nursery Keebra Park State High School.
“Between the club and school it’s a credit to them, but more importantly a credit to the young men they are,” Bennett said.