Yeo humble as ever in praise for Murray, Barrett
HE’S been credited for revolutionising the lock forward role, but Penrith star Isaah Yeo is adamant the evolution has only just begun.
Yeo is the game’s best No.13, having taken out the Dally M Lock of the Year award for the past two seasons. But his mantle could be up for grabs when he goes head-to-head with South Sydney counterpart Cameron Murray in Saturday’s grand final qualifier at Accor Stadium.
“He’s a great fella first and foremost. He’s a great footballer as well,” Yeo said of Murray.
“He’s in incredible form at the moment. His game on the weekend was outstanding. Ultimate professional. He’s been a wonderful captain for them.”
Murray is similarly effusive in his praise for his direct opposition, admitting that Yeo has set the benchmark for the game’s lock forwards.
“He’s probably up there, the best in the competition, the benchmark,” he said.
Yeo credited former assistant coach Trent Barrett for transforming his entire game three years ago, when he transitioned from the second row into the middle of the field.
He has since emerged as an elite ball-playing forward, linking with halves Cleary and Jarome Luai in the Panthers’ freewheeling attack.
It’s a role Yeo is adamant he is yet to fully master.
“When Trent Barrett came here, that was when I moved to that 13, ball-playing role and that was the way Jake (Trbojevic) was playing there,” Yeo said.
“That was more Trent Barrett, he was the attack coach. He wanted a 13 that could play the link role like Jake could.
“You just try and evolve and work your own little way around that … I actually feel like I’m still trying to figure it out and improve, so I’m really enjoying it.”