Former Sea Eagles prop Jason King has praised Darcy Lussick for his leadership qualities during a tough season for the team.
King (pictured) played 217 games for the Sea Eagles from 2003-14. The ex NSW prop played in Manly’s 2008 premiership winning team.
“I think Darcy has had a sensational season. He has made an enormous contribution to the team,’’ King said.
“He was always a good player when I was playing with him at Manly. He brings that aggressive element which is important in rugby league.
“What I have noticed this year is that he is really trying to lead the team. He has put it on himself to be the one that shifts that momentum. He is certainly going out there to make a big impact every time.
“It has been a hard season for the club and there has been a lot of injuries and untimely suspensions.
“I admire the resilience being shown by the boys. No one is speaking negatively and they are all focused on the task at hand and the next game. They certainly are putting the effort in and are representing the club with distinction.
“Manly thrive on resilience. I’m sure this team is focused on the back end of the season to finish on a positive and scrape into the finals to do the club and their fans proud.”
King said he was looking forward to watching the Sea Eagles forwards take on the big Warriors pack at nib Stadium in Perth tomorrow in a must win home match for Manly.
Lussick, Jorge Taufua, Jamie Lyon, Daly Cherry-Evans, and Jamie Buhrer played alongside King in the last match the Sea Eagles played against the Warriors in Perth in 2012.
The Sea Eagles trailed 18-0 after 32 minutes before producing a superb second half to win 24-22 in front of a crowd of 20,000.
Unfortunately for King, he suffered a chest injury in the 16th minute and was forced to leave the field.
“Their winger, Manu Vatuvei, sat on my chest when I was making a tackle. I ended up in hospital with a couple of fractured ribs,’’ King recalled.
“I missed seven weeks with the rib injury but I guess the one positive was that I got to sit in business class on the way home because of it.
“It was a great second half. The mighty Sea Eagles got the victory and it was a great experience playing rugby league in Perth.
“The Perth community certainly embrace rugby league and they enjoy the game. The more people we can get supporting the game, playing the game, and attending matches is a fantastic outcome for the NRL.”
King is now working in a commercial role for the NRL after finishing his business and law degrees.
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