Paulo, young gun, get first crack at centre

JAXSON Paulo will have first crack at proving why he should replace Dane Gagai as South Sydney’s new starting centre, but he’ll face plenty of pressure from one of the club’s most exciting young backline talents.

Gagai returned to the Knights on a three year deal, and the battle to replace him in new Souths coach Jason Demetriou’s Round 1 squad has been wide open.

Campbell Graham has one spot locked down, leaving the likes of Paulo, Taane Milne and young gun Josiah Karapani to fight for one spot.

Demetriou said the club’s first hitout will not have a huge bearing on the first official squad he names since taking over the head coaching role, but it is the perfect opportunity for the club’s younger and fringe players to show why they should be considered come Round 1.

“Very little, it’s more about individually getting out there, getting used to some contact, expressing yourself and showing the coach you’ve had a good preseason and you’re ready to put yourself in the frame,” he said.

Paulo and Karapani can stake their claim for the right to face the Broncos in Round 1, and grand final winger Paulo has the inside running.

One of only a handful of grand final players in Saturday’s trial, Paulo has started all 25 of his

NRL games on the wing, but Demetriou sees him as a centre.

Karapani seems the least likely, at least for Round 1, but the agile flyer, who has a build and style compared to a young Michael Jennings, will be able to showcase his talent.

“It’s a big reason why Jaxson is playing (Saturday),” Demetriou said. “He’s played a lot of first grade on the wing, he hasn’t played a lot in the centres, although I think that’s his position, I think he’s a centre, and he’s been one of our best in the preseason. As has Karapani, those two have been a shining light throughout the pre-season.

“They’re two very different players. Jaxson’s a tall, big body, similar to Campbell Graham, and a good skill set. Karapani is a short, powerful, fast, really good feet and very strong.”

Souths’ head of elite pathways and player development Joe O’Callaghan will take a keen interest in the performance of some of the Rabbitohs’ fresh crop, with players like Karapani and backrowers Ben Lovett and Tallis Duncan up for their first appearances in cardinal and myrtle.

“That’s the first crop I’m seeing from recruiting and coming through on their journey,” O’Callaghan said.

“It’s an exciting time to be part of it, a bit nervous. I’m excited to see them have a go.”