Touch of magic
his game improved.’’
It all seems so natural and flowing.
Ask Johnson about his brace against the Roosters, especially about that touch-esque first try and you’ll get humility. He just does what he does.
‘‘It’s just something that naturally comes to me,’’ he said. ‘‘I remember in the touch days that was probably classed as a small jump step, compared to some of the ones going around back then. A lot of boys were doing the big ones. I’m just happy to bring some sort of step out.’’
Shaun Johnson. One of 17 blokes on a footy field. Be it Mt Smart No 2, Eden Park on test night, or the NRL’S grandest stage of all – the Grand Final. Australian National Club Under-18 Championship for Brisbane club Norths Devils.
‘‘The Broncos were always my dream team, so I was pretty excited when they approached me,’’ Tuala said. ‘‘It’s been a rough road but it’s been pretty good. A lot of hard work has gone into it and a lot more to come too.’’
Tuala’s coach Kurt Richards said the youngster was be eased into Toyota Cup football over the coming months but has been impressed with the skills he’s seen so far.
‘‘We’re just going to try to use him in short patches now and extend his time out a bit. Hopefully, towards the end of the year, he’s making his mark in the competition,’’ he said.
‘‘We want him to hang around the club. We see a bright future for him.’’
Though coy on talk about moving back home, Tuala said he plays best with family around him. With family on both sides of the ditch, there’s a chance to blossom at both clubs.
‘‘I’m not sure yet, but it’s pretty good to hear,’’ he said.
‘‘I can only play well with family there, so I need a family base around me. It doesn’t matter – I call both home. If they [the Warriors] come, I’ll keep my options open and see what comes.’’