Loko headed for stardom

The surest fire way you'll know that a Junior is on his way to stardom is when they're able to go up a grade and still look head and shoulders above the kids they're playing against.

Last year, Pat O'Hanlon did exactly that. Finished up with the SG Ball side and came straight into NYC and started laying on tries immediately.

I'm not sure how many of you got to watch the NYC game, but Jacob Loko has done exactly the same thing. You may remember I picked him as my top player to watch after the SG Ball grand final and he's come straight into the NYC team and he already looks the best of our backline despite the fact he's in the Under 18s. He's fast, strong and skilfull. I don't think we've truly had an outstanding back come from our juniors since Inu/Hayne but watch out for this kid - he's the goods.

From what I can understand there are four or five SG Ball kids who are now training with NYC. I'm trying to confirm this but I understand its Loko, his centre partner Trent Jennings, Jarrod Azzar (who missed most of the season with injury) and I think Jacob Gagan. Big step for Gagan as he is a year below the others.

"You are entitled to your opinion Clint, but Mahoney's passing is one area where he outranks Smith if there is one. Mahoney has one of the best passes in the competition for a Hooker. Smith's passing is good, it is clean and can make the necessary…"

"Smith is already better than Reed in my eyes. He's a much better passer of the ball and a better defender. Reed was like a pinball in defence at times and couldn't make it through a full season. Problem was BA didn't try any other hookers on the…"

Replies

ŦōmMýþØΨ-Parra Till I Die! May 23, 2010 at 4:45pm

Jacob Loko is a gun.His solo effort try last night, nearly ended the Eels ,9 game losing streak.

Definitely a player to watch for the future, a hell of alot of skill that has already been unearthed in him, with the potential to be as good a player if not better than Hayne.
- Gerad Elias > ŦōmMýþØΨ-Parra Till I Die! May 23, 2010 at 4:47pm
  
  Yh i ive watched this guy play a few times. His awesome.
David May 23, 2010 at 5:07pm

He's a definitely the next backline player to watch. Though his defence is going to be a worry if he plays in the NRL in 2 years and so he needs to work on it. Then again our entire Toyota Cup team's defence is a problem.
- ŦōmMýþØΨ-Parra Till I Die! > David May 23, 2010 at 5:10pm
  
  Not just our NYC Squad!
  Having watched plenty Toyota Cup games this year, i think the average combined game score , across the whole competition would have to be 50+ points , or there abouts. Every game is a close one with a cricket score.
Normo May 23, 2010 at 5:11pm

Is Jacob Loko maybe part of the reason why the club didn't seem too interested in re-signing Inu?

P.s. Was a fantastic individual try. He does look like a footy player. Reminded me of Jaryd a bit.
- David > Normo May 23, 2010 at 9:33pm
  
  He's still got 2 years at least. In 2 years time he will still be a defensive worry. Maybe 3 years and he'll be perfect.
Pugger May 23, 2010 at 9:47pm

I was extremely impressed with this Loko. He always looked threatening in attack. I just hope doesnt turn out to be another taulima tautai.
Fui Fui Moi Moi May 24, 2010 at 9:34am

totally different player to tautai. Loko is alot more skillful. Reminds me of a bigger young inu that was fast.... Tautai just runs hard and straight but is very slow
Fui Fui Moi Moi May 24, 2010 at 9:36am

Also that lang siu in the second row. Correct me i i got that name wrong. Hes only 17. Definetly has some potential
iamnot May 24, 2010 at 11:30am

Yep, I agree. Will it be manly or Cronulla who snare him??