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Portugal skipper makes NRL debut for Wests Tigers
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| By John Davidson
9 April, 2006 |
Portugal’s captain, Isaac De Gois, made his first grade NRL debut for the Wests Tigers in its round three clash with the New Zealand Warriors.
The 21-year old played 40 minutes at hooker in the 26-10 loss in Christchurch.
Portugal coach Mal Speers described Isaac’s first match as a solid debut.
“From my point of view he went all right for his first game,” he said.
“He had two stints; he started the match and played the first 23 minutes then he was replaced by Stuart Flanagan for 40 minutes; - Isaac then played the last 17.
“In the second stint he didn’t seem as hesitant to take the ball up; he had a few more runs than in the first.
“His defence was strong.”
Mal says Isaac is a committed player who leads by example.
“He’s very committed, he definitely plays with his heart on his sleeve,” he said. “He strikes me as a very determined young man that is obviously out to succeed.”
“As far as leadership goes he is quietly spoken.”
Isaac got his place in the team after regular rake Robbie Farah was ruled out with a broken hand.
Isaac received the best and fairest award for Western Suburbs in the Premier League last year, and played SG Ball with current Tigers stars Liam Fulton, Bryce Gibbs and Dean Collis.
Mal hopes Isaac, who is equally adept at playing lock and five-eighth, will get more chances in first grade this season.
Isaac’s older brother Eric and younger brother Aaron, who is currently playing Jersey Flegg for Western Suburbs, also play for Portugal who will face the touring British Combined Services team in a match at Henson Park on April 21.
It will be the British side’s first game on tour.
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