Laumape, Tupou vie for same position
Warriors coach considers resting 19- year- old after three- week stint in first grade Campese return keenly anticipated
by Michael Brown Ngani Laumape is in danger of missing out on a spot in the Warriors side against Canberra tonight, despite being one of their best over the past three weeks.
The 19- year- old has made an immediate impact since making his debut against Cronulla last month and scored his first NRL try playing at centre last weekend in the 24- 22 loss to Souths.
He i s a strong runner, solid defender and makes good decisions, which generally puts him in the right place at the right time.
But the return of Dane Nielsen from a rib injury and coach Matt Elliott’s insistence Manu Vatuvei will play on one wing means Laumape and Bill Tupou are fighting for one spot on the other wing.
It’s a difficult decision — Tupou has also been in good form — but Elliott might be leaning on giving Laumape a rest. He’s seen plenty of youngsters plateau in their third or fourth week as they struggle with the demands of first grade.
In the back of Elliott’s mind, however, i s the question of whether Laumape is the exception to the rule.
‘‘ In the past I have always taken them to that threshold where they played dead,’’ he said.
‘‘ Maybe I am a little bit smarter this week. I’m not sure yet.’’
Laumape could play for the under20s side in the Holden Cup this weekend but there’s a concerted move to expose a lot of their under- 20s players to the NSW Cup through the Vulcans.
It’s often been said the jump from the Holden Cup to NRL is a massive one — there are always exceptions like Ben Matulino, Russell Packer, Konrad Hurrell and Kevin Locke — and Elliott is prepared to sacrifice success at the under- 20s level if it translates into NRL success.
All three teams play a similar structure with the same play calls and terminology so players don’t have to learn a new language if they are promoted.
The Warriors have been one of the strongest clubs in the under- 20s competition since it was introduced in 2008, winning in both 2010 and 2011.
They made a slow start to this year’s competition, losing their first t wo games including a 46- 8 hammering from the Eels, but have won their last three to sit fifth.
‘‘ I don’t know if it’s a sacrifice because we are in the NRL comp,’’ Elliott said.
‘‘ That’s what we are here to do. There’s certainly a prestige in winning the 20s but I’m quite sure our fans would prefer a first- grade grand final win over a 20s win.
‘‘ It was part of my interview process, taking a club- wide approach and making sure we are developing players for first grade through all grades. The 20s comp has been fantastic, however, my memory is long enough that when I was 17 and I first started playing against men it’s a bit of a spin- out. Even if they are 25, there’s an intimidation factor.’’
Laumape still qualifies to play under- 20s but began the year with the Vulcans before earning a start with the NRL side because of the unavailability of Vatuvei ( injury) and Glen Fisiiahi ( bereavement).
Prop Jacob Lillyman ( ankle) and utility Elijah Taylor ( ribs) are major doubts for tonight’s game against the Raiders when the Warriors will be looking for only their second win at Canberra Stadium and their first since 1997.