When Manly Warringah centre Addison Demetriou touches the ball, destruction is often the outcome.
Short, solid, and very strong, Demetriou calls himself ‘The Bulldog’.
If you have seen him play live, you can relate to the nick-name this author has given him – ‘The Steamroller’ for his ability to do just that. Steamroll his opponents. Many are left sprawling on the ground.
It is little wonder Demetriou leads the way for most tackle breaks in the Holden Cup competition.
Heading into this Sunday’s round 24 clash against Parramatta Eels at Brookvale Oval, Demetriou has made 152 tackle breaks. The next best player – Latrell Mitchell (Roosters) is back on 128.
As for his tryscoring prowess, 16 tries in 20 games is quite an achievement, including a hat-trick in the win over the Raiders last Sunday.
According to NRL Stats, Demetriou has amassed 3022 metres - the most of any player in the Sea Eagles team. He has made 100 hit ups.
“Addison is influential. He is an attacking weapon as is Tom Trbojevic,’’ Heath said.
“The two of them are going ultimately to make tries themselves at some point. I think it has got to do with how the team uses them and can get them into certain points on the field.
“In the 20s, teams win games by using their best players where they can.”
Life as a centre in the Holden Cup only began for the former prop in round 13 against the Brisbane Broncos at Suncorp Stadium as a result of a forced move.
“We didn’t have any changes left at the start of the second half and I had to put Addison in the centres,’’ Heath explained.
“He was dynamic and made heaps of metres. We have just gone with him in the centres since and it is working well for us.
“There have been some challenges defensively for him as he gets little time to rest. “
Demetriou is in his final season of the Holden Cup and will be looking to make an impression in NSW Cup or the NRL in 2016 to earn a new contract with the Sea Eagles after next season.
“Addison still tells me he is a lock and he can play 80 minutes. Wherever he plays, he has a very bright future, ” Heath said.
It seems 'The Steamroller' will be making many more trails of destruction.
