Former NRL star and current Ipswich Jets Coach Shane Walker says Manly recruit Matt Parcell is the ‘new breed of hooker’ in rugby league in 2016.
Walker, who played 11 seasons in first grade at Brisbane and South Sydney, is a massive fan of Parcell after coaching him at Ipswich Jets this season. Parcell scored a record five tries in a finals win and was the talk of the competition.
“There is no doubt that Matt will be a great acquisition for Manly. He is the new breed of hooker,’’ Walker said.
“Gone are the days where slow hookers can survive. Even more so next year with the interchange going from 10 to eight players.
“It is vitally important that you have got a quick hooker in your team who can take advantage of what is happening in the ruck. Matt certainly does that and he will be huge for the Sea Eagles.”
Walker, who co-coached the Jets to the Queensland Cup and National Championship with his brother Ben, said Parcell was different to other young players.
“There are a number of things that make Matt a unique character,’’ Shane said.
“Compared to modern day rugby league, Matt didn’t go through the 20s system. I guess he and his parents had the confidence to stay at Ipswich and resist the temptation to go down the familiar 20s route.
“Off the field, Matt is a qualified engineer. He has had a different life experience to most young players who come through the 20s and the professional system.
“Matt has got a real composure and a confidence that sets him apart. Whatever he does on the field will be of huge benefit to Manly.”
The Walker brothers will be in the new position of shutting down Parcell when the Ipswich Jets tackle the Manly Sea Eagles in a trial at Pittwater Park on Saturday, February 20.
The trial match will be the final hit out for both sides before their regular seasons begin.
The Sea Eagles will soon announce when tickets go on sale.
2016 Trials
Cronulla Sharks v Manly Warringah Sea Eagles
Sunday 14 February
Remondis Stadium, Cronulla
Manly Warringah Sea Eagles v Ipswich Jets
Saturday 20 February
Pittwater Park, Narrabeen
Click here to secure your 2016 Membership.
