Super Freak
International Captain
Forum Staff
- Jan 25, 2014
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ONE of the first things young Broncos forward Jai Arrow thought when Wayne Bennett handed him his debut earlier this year was that his opportunity had come too soon.
But, two months later, it is clear it was an NRL debut that was not just well-deserved but greatly needed.
The former under-20s star has long been touted as the young gun to replace Corey Parker when his time is up.
And with the Broncos skipper announcing his retirement last month, it seems the succession plan is under way with Arrow set to earn his fifth first grade appearance against the Roosters.
While Parker suggested Arrow’s increased game time was a result of injuries, suspensions and Origin absences, it appears the 20-year-old has actually skipped ahead of the likes of Joe Ofahengaue and Herman Ese’ese on the forward pecking order.
This will be his third game since Parker’s announcement.
And even if it is just coincidental, Arrow says he will not be taking this time for granted.
“Getting named the last couple of weeks, I’ve been really surprised,” he said.
“It’s been a big relief. I’ve been playing footy since I was four years old and I am really enjoying my time here. Just to play with a great bunch, it’s something I am relishing.
“With Corey leaving, there is a spot that’s opened up and a chance for a lot of boys here.
“I will have to have a good pre-season next year and if the spot is there, I will train my hardest for it.”
Arrow admitted Parker is one of many forwards he looks up to at the Broncos and someone whose game he wants to emulate.
He said while he did think his debut “came earlier than expected”, he has used the chance to learn more from the likes of Parker and the senior forwards at Brisbane.
“They’ve all been really good for me,” he said.
“Corey’s really good around the club. He leads by example ... with his enthusiasm on the field.
“He does the little things right and never gives up on anything he does. That’s what I strive to do. He’s the best lock in the world and that’s something I look up to and want to be one day.”
Arrow will come off the bench again in the crucial clash with the Roosters in Sydney.
He has mostly been a bench player for the Broncos, but did enjoy one starting appearance two weeks ago against the Rabbitohs.
Parker said he always found satisfaction in seeing the likes of Arrow succeed at first grade and hoped that one day he might even get to see him play representative footy.
“We’ve seen he can certainly hold his own in the top grade,” Parker said of his young protege.
“He’s got a good engine and a good work ethic. There’s no reason why he can’t be part of this side for a number of years.
“I get great satisfaction out of working with guys like that.”
No Cookies | The Courier Mail
But, two months later, it is clear it was an NRL debut that was not just well-deserved but greatly needed.
The former under-20s star has long been touted as the young gun to replace Corey Parker when his time is up.
And with the Broncos skipper announcing his retirement last month, it seems the succession plan is under way with Arrow set to earn his fifth first grade appearance against the Roosters.
While Parker suggested Arrow’s increased game time was a result of injuries, suspensions and Origin absences, it appears the 20-year-old has actually skipped ahead of the likes of Joe Ofahengaue and Herman Ese’ese on the forward pecking order.
This will be his third game since Parker’s announcement.
And even if it is just coincidental, Arrow says he will not be taking this time for granted.
“Getting named the last couple of weeks, I’ve been really surprised,” he said.
“It’s been a big relief. I’ve been playing footy since I was four years old and I am really enjoying my time here. Just to play with a great bunch, it’s something I am relishing.
“With Corey leaving, there is a spot that’s opened up and a chance for a lot of boys here.
“I will have to have a good pre-season next year and if the spot is there, I will train my hardest for it.”
Arrow admitted Parker is one of many forwards he looks up to at the Broncos and someone whose game he wants to emulate.
He said while he did think his debut “came earlier than expected”, he has used the chance to learn more from the likes of Parker and the senior forwards at Brisbane.
“They’ve all been really good for me,” he said.
“Corey’s really good around the club. He leads by example ... with his enthusiasm on the field.
“He does the little things right and never gives up on anything he does. That’s what I strive to do. He’s the best lock in the world and that’s something I look up to and want to be one day.”
Arrow will come off the bench again in the crucial clash with the Roosters in Sydney.
He has mostly been a bench player for the Broncos, but did enjoy one starting appearance two weeks ago against the Rabbitohs.
Parker said he always found satisfaction in seeing the likes of Arrow succeed at first grade and hoped that one day he might even get to see him play representative footy.
“We’ve seen he can certainly hold his own in the top grade,” Parker said of his young protege.
“He’s got a good engine and a good work ethic. There’s no reason why he can’t be part of this side for a number of years.
“I get great satisfaction out of working with guys like that.”
No Cookies | The Courier Mail
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