Joash Papalii and Damon Marshall have proven themselves to be two of the most exciting talents in the Canterbury ranks. Here’s the story of the duo as they prepare to line up in the U19s Origin.
Two of Canterbury’s most promising young juniors will line up opposite one another as the U19s Origin rolls into Redcliffe on Thursday.
Joash Papalii and Damon Marshall will suit up for NSW and Queensland respectively on the big stage, and the Bulldogs are bullish about their futures in blue and white.
Pathways General Manager Adam Hartigan said the pair have been justly rewarded for strong seasons to date.
“We celebrate the individual selections of players as a result of the team’s effort to get them there,” he said.
“It’s significant for the players and a credit to the pathways coaches and staff who have worked hard to get not only these two young men, but those who just missed out to a position where they are considered.”
THE FUTURE IS NOW
Joash Papalii took out Canterbury’s SG Ball Player of the Year award last year, and despite being still eligible to play in the U19s competition, his impressive pre-season meant he was destined for higher honours.
“He did so well in the pre-season that we didn’t play him in SG Ball,” Hartigan said.
“He’s the type of player Cameron Ciraldo identified that having him at NRL training made the training and opposed sessions better.
“Joash has a lot of utility value. He’s electric with the ball and if there’s a small gap or opening, he’ll take it with both hands.”
Papalii started the season in NSW Cup and has impressed from the opening round as a livewire fullback.
Despite a stint in Jersey Flegg, the young gun is back in reserve grade where he is averaging over 110 run metres per game, as well as handling goal kicking duties when required.
“He started the season as first choice fullback at NSW Cup and earned that spot given he was only turning 19 this year,” Hartigan said.
“Joash did a great job early and then when back to Flegg. It was nothing to do with form. Gus (Gould) wanted to see him go back, get more confidence and dominate, and be a lot more vocal.
“He’s played a lot of good games at NSW Cup level.”
AN UNMATCHED WORK ETHIC
At the start of the year Damon Marshall was playing his football in Townsville and looking to break through the Cowboys pathways.
When injuries struck the forward stocks at the Bulldogs right before the start of the season, the Ignatius Park product was the perfect player to fill the void.
“Damon was with the Blackhawks but didn’t really have that pathway up there (to the Cowboys),” Hartigan said.
“We lost a front rower to an ACL injury in a trial and we ended up signing Damon on the week of the first round of SG Ball.
“He arrived, had two training sessions and played round one. In a year where they had mixed results, his form has been outstanding.
“He’s since gone up to Flegg and is going really well. Damon is an electrician by trade and is working full time while playing footy.
“He’s a very well-liked member of the squad and he has an incredible work ethic.”
Hartigan paid tribute to the professionalism he has shown since linking with the club, and the hard work he puts out every week.
“There’s no luck involved with his success. He works hard, trains hard and is now being exposed to a lot of opportunities to improve his game,” he said.
“We liked his footage. There was a bit of interest from other clubs too. He has good leg speed and finds his front. A real good, traditional front rower.
“He has played a few Flegg games since SG Ball and has played against men in Ron Massey Cup. The more Damon is challenged going up in grades, the better he seems to get.”
Article courtesy of Sean Teuma, originally published as Canterbury Bulldogs future on show as pair of U19s stars prepare for Origin test
