From: Manly Daily April 07, 2013
THERE will only ever be one Steve Menzies.
But if ever there is a look-alike in build, it has to be talented new backrower Tommy Symonds.
I would never compare Symonds with one of Manly's all-time greats but the new blood nut is already on the way to becoming the bargain buy of the 2013 NRL premiership.
Forced out of his beloved Roosters by the snap decision to bring Luke O'Donnell back from the English Super League club Huddersfield, Symonds was desperately seeking a new club at the start of the season.
Manly swooped and Symonds played his first game for the club in NSW Cup in round one against the Auckland Vulcans.
He was a runaway man of the match and looked like a Ferrari in a billy-cart race.
He has been in the Sea Eagles' top 17 ever since and quickly won over his teammates and coaching staff.
So much so that coach Geoff Toovey started him in the run on 13 against Wests Tigers in Gosford last week.
CROWD PLEASER
The thing that is exciting for Manly fans is that Symonds will get better with every game.
He has the skill and ability. All he needs is an injury-free season and time on the field with his new teammates to enable him to form combinations.
He says it's coming together with each game and his confidence is growing. There is nothing better for a team than a hungry player and Symonds fits that bill perfectly.
He was a constant in junior representative teams and the brightest star to come out of the Easts juniors in many years before he had his career cut short by a series of serious injuries.
Symonds summed up his situation and jumped at the chance to join Manly.
"I have no regrets - I am playing with one of the most professional clubs and best teams in the premiership," he said.
"Each week is more enjoyable. I want to make the most of my opportunity."
LOTS OF REP ACTION
REPRESENTATIVE football will start to have an influence on the NRL from next week.
On April 19 Australia play New Zealand in a Test match in Canberra followed by the annual City v Country match in Coffs Harbour on April 21.
Manly's fine form will see up to six players called into representative action.
Kieran Foran is likely to be in the New Zealand squad while Steve Matai's decision to opt for Samoa ahead of the Kiwis for the World Cup in October may see him left out of the Kiwi side.
That would be a shame because the rugged centre is in outstanding form and one of the early leaders in the Dally M player of the season.
The mail I am getting indicates Brett Stewart will be the NSW Origin fullback.
He hasn't put a foot wrong in the opening four rounds.
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/northern-beaches/symonds-a-chip-off-old-menzies-block/story-fngr8iii-1226613521125
THERE will only ever be one Steve Menzies.
But if ever there is a look-alike in build, it has to be talented new backrower Tommy Symonds.
I would never compare Symonds with one of Manly's all-time greats but the new blood nut is already on the way to becoming the bargain buy of the 2013 NRL premiership.
Forced out of his beloved Roosters by the snap decision to bring Luke O'Donnell back from the English Super League club Huddersfield, Symonds was desperately seeking a new club at the start of the season.
Manly swooped and Symonds played his first game for the club in NSW Cup in round one against the Auckland Vulcans.
He was a runaway man of the match and looked like a Ferrari in a billy-cart race.
He has been in the Sea Eagles' top 17 ever since and quickly won over his teammates and coaching staff.
So much so that coach Geoff Toovey started him in the run on 13 against Wests Tigers in Gosford last week.
CROWD PLEASER
The thing that is exciting for Manly fans is that Symonds will get better with every game.
He has the skill and ability. All he needs is an injury-free season and time on the field with his new teammates to enable him to form combinations.
He says it's coming together with each game and his confidence is growing. There is nothing better for a team than a hungry player and Symonds fits that bill perfectly.
He was a constant in junior representative teams and the brightest star to come out of the Easts juniors in many years before he had his career cut short by a series of serious injuries.
Symonds summed up his situation and jumped at the chance to join Manly.
"I have no regrets - I am playing with one of the most professional clubs and best teams in the premiership," he said.
"Each week is more enjoyable. I want to make the most of my opportunity."
LOTS OF REP ACTION
REPRESENTATIVE football will start to have an influence on the NRL from next week.
On April 19 Australia play New Zealand in a Test match in Canberra followed by the annual City v Country match in Coffs Harbour on April 21.
Manly's fine form will see up to six players called into representative action.
Kieran Foran is likely to be in the New Zealand squad while Steve Matai's decision to opt for Samoa ahead of the Kiwis for the World Cup in October may see him left out of the Kiwi side.
That would be a shame because the rugged centre is in outstanding form and one of the early leaders in the Dally M player of the season.
The mail I am getting indicates Brett Stewart will be the NSW Origin fullback.
He hasn't put a foot wrong in the opening four rounds.
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/northern-beaches/symonds-a-chip-off-old-menzies-block/story-fngr8iii-1226613521125
