‘I just needed to lift my attitude’ — Curran’s hot form sparks Warriors
While Reece Walsh has Warriors’ fans salivating about his future following an impressive start to life in the NRL, the 18-year-old whiz kid is the exception rather than the rule.
Most youngsters take time to find their feet in first grade, with some needing multiple chances before the penny drops that talent alone will only take them so far.
Warriors back-rower Josh Curran falls into the latter category.
Starting his third season at the club this year with just six NRL appearances behind him, Curran is only now figuring out how to best apply himself, says coach Nathan Brown.
The result has the 21-year-old poised to make his fourth-straight start today against Manly, and Brown believes it could be the start of something special – if Curran wants it badly enough.
‘‘Regardless with how Josh is doing at the moment, I think he hasn’t even scratched the surface from a talent point of view,’’ Brown told the Sunday StarTimes.
‘‘One, it’s the coaching staff’s job to help get it out. But at times it comes down to the individual and Josh certainly seems to be making some decisions with his attitude that he wants to be a player.
‘‘Last year, ‘Mooks’ (former coach Stephen Kearney) really gave him an opportunity and he probably let himself down a bit. Again, earlier this year myself and the coaching staff, we gave him an opportunity and he probably let himself down a little bit, and he seems to be finding his way now.’’
Curran didn’t shy away from the fact that he needed an attitude adjustment.
His development – and that of the rest of the fringe squad members – wasn’t helped last year by the cancellation of the reserve grade competition due to Covid-19.
The Warriors have since linked up with Queensland Cup club Redcliffe Dolphins, where Curran started the season.
But those dark days in 2020 of only having more training to look forward to if he missed selection in the top side clearly served as a wake-up call.
‘‘The boys that are not making [first] grade, we get to go back and play for Redcliffe and keep the match fitness and footy up. It also lifts the spirits – we actually have a game to play, which is good,’’ Curran said.
‘‘Obviously last year was a tough year. If we weren’t playing grade we were just coming here each Saturday and getting pumped. But I just needed to lift my attitude and stay in there, just keep doing the extras and doing the hard work.’’
It’s an important year for Curran, who is off-contract at the end of the season. But, after being overlooked for the first five rounds, the change in approach appears to be paying off.
Following a couple of honest conversations with Brown ahead of his season debut against the Dragons, Curran was one of the Warriors’ best behind Roger Tuivasa-Sheck.
His left edge was exposed at times by a ruthless Storm outfit on Anzac Day and he was unlucky to be sent to the sin-bin.
But Curran bounced back with another busy performance against the Cowboys.
With the Kiwi club looking for consecutive wins for the first time, he’s aiming to take another step forward at Brookvale Oval today. ‘‘Browny has faith in me and I just want to go out there and repay the favour.’’