‘I want to be an enforcer’: Paulo to end Eels’ long wait for tough prop
https://static.ffx.io/images/$width_144%2C$height_144/t_crop_fill/q_86%2Cf_auto/635402f1698dc5687fb8f98be5c093fe76cbc56f 2x" alt="Christian Nicolussi" />By Christian Nicolussi
Junior Paulo wants to provide Parramatta with what they have sorely missed for the best part of two decades - a front-row enforcer.
Even the most rusted-on Eels supporter would admit that while they have produced plenty of classy props like Nathan Cayless and Tim Mannah in that time, their front-rowers never really struck fear into the hearts of opposition packs.
Eels legend Peter Sterling breaks down the team’s chances in the 2021 NRL Premiership with James Bracey.
Reagan Campbell-Gillard has had his moments for the club, as did cult hero Fuifui Moimoi, while Manu Ma’u was often described as the most frightening man in rugby league but played on an edge - leaving Dean Pay as arguably the last Eels prop to consistently dominate opposition sides.
Paulo, however, wants to change all that, starting with Friday night’s trip to Suncorp Stadium against Brisbane.
“I certainly want to be known as an enforcer in the game,” Paulo told the Herald. “I know it’s a big statement. Canberra has Josh Papalii, the Roosters have Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, all the good teams have one of them.
“It’s a big tag but one you need if you want to make a name for yourself. You want to be that bloke your teammates want to play with and be that person who can change the game on its head when the time is needed. It’s definitely something you want to be known for.”
https://static.ffx.io/images/$zoom_0.295%2C$multiply_0.7082%2C$ratio_1.776846%2C$width_1059%2C$x_0%2C$y_78/t_crop_custom/q_62%2Cf_auto/1645c2318384a88062cc51d586a993103d5139e3 2x" alt="Eel-forcer ... Junior Paulo wants to dominate rival packs this year." />Eel-forcer ... Junior Paulo wants to dominate rival packs this year.CREDIT:GETTY IMAGES
Lock forward Nathan Brown never takes a backward step in the heat of battle but can only dream of having the same intimidating physical presence as Paulo.
The fact Paulo destroyed Neville Costigan in the boxing ring during last month’s Footy Fight Night will not be lost on any props who go to shirt-front the Parramatta powerhouse should things become heated.
Paulo’s inclusion in the NSW Origin squad at the end of last season has only added to his experience and, he says, his desire to lead from the front foot.
“I’ve come back in better nick than I have in previous years, I was 128kg at the start of the summer, I got out to 139kg during the World Cup [with Samoa in 2017], now I’m 119kgs,” Paulo said.
https://static.ffx.io/images/$zoom_0.166%2C$multiply_0.8862%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0/t_crop_custom/q_62%2Cf_auto/4c35441e183353d277aa3f5252b17727dbbcd17f 2x" alt="Junior Paulo enjoys a push and shove with Queensland’s Lindsay Collins in Origin II." />Junior Paulo enjoys a push and shove with Queensland’s Lindsay Collins in Origin II.CREDIT:GETTY IMAGES
“Fitness was definitely one of the first areas I wanted to improve this year. And I also want to get the balance right when it comes to knowing when to play footy and when to play that tough, grinding-style of footy, which I know I can do.
“In terms of leadership, you pick up traits when you’re around the quality players and coaching staff at Origin, and you want to be able to bring that back and impose it here at the Eels.″
Eels coach Brad Arthur has spoken in recent weeks about the need for Paulo to become that enforcer in his pack. If Mitchell Moses is to go to that next level, the No.7 will need Paulo and the props to be getting the team on the front foot.
It is a shame Paulo, now 28 and entering his best years as a front-rower, will not square up with Payne Haas, with the young Broncos giant to serve the first of a three-match ban for his X-rated rant at police over the summer.
Replies
It’s good to hear Paulo is thinking this way, he’s got some inner mongrel that’s been bottled up for too long
No enforcers for twenty years?obviously never heard of Gareth Hock.
Good news, ive mentioned many times over the years i thought junior was a bit too passive on the park.
He needs to get more aggressive but not undisciplined agressive.
I hope he can still find room for those clever offloads.
Can anybody believe this fucker is claiming Timmy never struck fear into oposing packs, this dopes off his rocker, what a hair brain claim and insult to one of our greatest ever.
Many opposition forwards had sleepless nights worrying about playing Timothy .
Can only imagine how many school kids who were eels fans got teased in the playground because Tim played for Parra . .
fralflmao
Lets hope someone does it.
The Tigers talking shit to Matto last year, him getting knocked out and then Packer standing over him yelling in his face while our pack did nothing.. was soft as hell. Someone needed to get in his big bald face. Was around the time our season fell to shit too.
Well ... get fuckun angry Jnr!
intimidate everyone and for fucks sake, knock that Packer cu%t on his back and stand over him like knockin Costigan out in the Ring
who in our fwds can match it with Nelson A-S ? Or AFB or Murdoch Masilla or Haas or ....
Mongrel Prop req'd
The Bear was and still is the yard stick when it comes to great Parra props. Since Bob's retirement back in '81 we have only produced one good local prob - Greg Drake, obviously.
I agree Junior needs to add some controlled aggression to his game, but it's icing on the cake, he doesn't want to be overlooking those silky skills he has.
-
1
-
2
-
3
of 3 Next