16 tries. 2 hat tricks. 5 doubles. 10 career games.
They are the numbers Suliasi Vunivalu is putting up in his rookie year in the NRL.
The rugby league world witnessed first hand on Friday night the athletic ability of Storm’s latest Fijian Flyer.
Two of Vunivalu’s three tries against the Broncos came from the air as he towered over his opponents, making Cooper Cronk’s high balls his own.
His performance at Suncorp Stadium saw him move his season tally to 16 tries, four more than any other player in the competition.
Be at AAMI Park when we take on the Roosters, Saturday 23 July, 7:30pm.
It has been a rapid rise to the top for the 20-year-old who received deserved praise from his skipper after the game.
“He was great tonight, he’s taken a few speccys this year,” Cameron Smith said.
“If we were in Melbourne he would be on the front page of the Herald Sun tomorrow sitting on someone’s head.
“He’s a good young kid, he trains hard. He’s got a lot of natural talent about him but he’s still learning a fair bit about our game given he came from rugby union.
“He’s been fantastic, I love his aggression. Whether it is in defence, he’s hard at the bloke carrying the ball or whether it’s in attack… I’m really pleased with the way he’s going at the moment”
Vunivalu has formed a formidable wing duo with Marika Koroibete, who had two line breaks and two tackle busts himself against the Broncos.
The fellow countrymen are tight knight off the field and a certainly proving very difficult to handle on it.
“Suli tonight was outstanding in the air. It is not just kicks he scores off either, he’s got a great ability to get over the try line either off a pass or run and Marika is the same,” Craig Bellamy said.
“They’re giving us a whole heap at the moment and giving everyone at the Club a satisfaction. We backed those guys in and they are giving us the reward, they are great kids to watch and great kids to coach.
“Marika just puts his head down and does what you ask of him, Suli is so respectful around the Club for a kid his age. They just work so hard and give so much.
“It is a pleasure having those guys in the team.”
