http://rugbyleagueweek.com.au/he-fullback-10-years/
HE may not be a household name just yet but the Bulldogs reckon you’ll be hearing plenty about Brad Abbey over the next couple of years.
Still only 18, Abbey is a sensational prospect and has been earmarked for the fullback position that has troubled the Bulldogs since Ben Barba’s breakout season in 2012.
“He could be our fullback for the next 10 years — that’s how highly Des Hasler rates the kid,” a Bulldogs source tells RLW.
But the modest Abbey, who obtained a release from the Warriors when they signed Roger Tuivasa-Sheck to join the Bulldogs, knows it won’t be an easy transition.
Sam Perrett has done a good job as a makeshift fullback for the past couple of seasons, while Brett Morris and Curtis Rona can also handle the No.1.
“They have a very strong squad — I don’t expect to just walk into first grade,” Abbey says. “But I’m also not coming over to play reserve grade . . . I may have to bide my time but I’m OK with that.”
The Bulldogs clearly rate Abbey highly, beating off an offer from Melbourne to pay decent coin for a rookie who has yet to play NRL.
“The Dogs flew me over and gave me the tour and it was very impressive,” Abbey says.
“It was very flattering and they told me how badly they wanted me. I went to the Warriors and asked for a release and it all fell into place.”
Abbey’s younger brother Daymon, a hooker or fullback who made the New Zealand under-15 squad two years ago, has also signed to play with the club. And Abbey’s partner Makayla Mave, who will make the move across the Tasman with him next month, represented the Junior White Sox in the softball world championship in the US this year.
HE may not be a household name just yet but the Bulldogs reckon you’ll be hearing plenty about Brad Abbey over the next couple of years.
Still only 18, Abbey is a sensational prospect and has been earmarked for the fullback position that has troubled the Bulldogs since Ben Barba’s breakout season in 2012.
“He could be our fullback for the next 10 years — that’s how highly Des Hasler rates the kid,” a Bulldogs source tells RLW.
But the modest Abbey, who obtained a release from the Warriors when they signed Roger Tuivasa-Sheck to join the Bulldogs, knows it won’t be an easy transition.
Sam Perrett has done a good job as a makeshift fullback for the past couple of seasons, while Brett Morris and Curtis Rona can also handle the No.1.
“They have a very strong squad — I don’t expect to just walk into first grade,” Abbey says. “But I’m also not coming over to play reserve grade . . . I may have to bide my time but I’m OK with that.”
The Bulldogs clearly rate Abbey highly, beating off an offer from Melbourne to pay decent coin for a rookie who has yet to play NRL.
“The Dogs flew me over and gave me the tour and it was very impressive,” Abbey says.
“It was very flattering and they told me how badly they wanted me. I went to the Warriors and asked for a release and it all fell into place.”
Abbey’s younger brother Daymon, a hooker or fullback who made the New Zealand under-15 squad two years ago, has also signed to play with the club. And Abbey’s partner Makayla Mave, who will make the move across the Tasman with him next month, represented the Junior White Sox in the softball world championship in the US this year.
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