RUGBY LEAGUE
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“HE’S a man-child ... he’s playing red-hot footy”.
Orange CYMS player-coach Mick Sullivan confirmed hulking outside back Todd Murphy retained his place in the green and golds’ backline for this weekend’s clash against the Blayney Bears after a near flawless debut against Hawks last week.
Murphy was superb on the left wing in CYMS’ 50-16 demolition of Hawks, trampling his opposite men at times despite being just 18, but shifts to the centres for Sunday’s second-versus-fourth fixture against the Bears.
“I’ve been reasonably impressed (with Murphy) for a while now, there’s been a few times I’ve wanted him to play but he hasn’t been able to,” Sullivan said.
“But he was very good out there against Hawks and he’s a man-child, he’s a big kid. He’s playing red-hot footy at the moment and has some confidence there.
“Young Toby Westcott will make his run-on debut as well this weekend, he’s replacing [Sam Hill] who found out [on Friday] he has stress fractures in his feet. He’ll miss about six weeks.
“We’ve had a few more unexpected injuries out of that game, but I think we’ll be alright. Ryan Griffin will miss this weekend too, Matty Morris comes into five-eighth for him.”
Westcott came off the bench against Hawks and immediately provided CYMS with some welcome spark around the ruck, which Sullivan said he’ll be looking for again against a Bears side boasting a giant pack - although Terawhiti Cooper and Dane Howarth are set to miss the clash.
“[The trio’s] enthusiasm is a good thing for us too,” Sullivan said.
“They’re all CYMS juniors and they’re really keen, it’s great for the club.
“I’ve always said the first grade spots are up for grabs if a player is playing well enough so these guys have their opportunity now to step up and try and cement a spot.
“Last week probably wasn’t as physical as we thought it might have been so we need to be ready for that aspect (against Blayney).
“We need to be winning these sort of games. They’re up there with us so a win here it’s a chance for us to create a bit of a gap between us, if the other results go our way too.”
CYMS travel to Blayney to take on the Bears, with kick-off at King George Oval scheduled for 2.30pm.
ORANGE CYMS: 1 Ben McAlpine, 2 Semisi Katoa, 3 Todd Murphy, 4 Rob Mortimer, 5 Dylan Wood, 6 Matt Morris, 7 Mick Sullivan, 8 Simon Osborne, 9 Toby Westcott, 10 Mitch Davis, 11 Brock McGarity, 12 Larsen Marabe, 13 Tim Mortimer; Bench: 14 Kain Earsman, 15 Cam Jones, 16 Adam Stanford, 17 Jerome Harrison
