Tom Wright may have thrived in the five-eighth role last season but his future could well be in the centres according to Sea Eagles Coach Trent Barrett.
Whether it was at full-back or at five-eighth, Wright was lethal in attack for the Sea Eagles last season and played a huge role in Manly winning the last ever Holden Cup premiership. It was also the Club’s first title in the U20s competition.
His performances at five-eighth during the finals series were mesmerising at times, including scoring a hat-trick to knock out minor premiers the Cronulla Sharks.
There is no doubt Tom is certainly a talent. He is big, fast, has good awareness, and has blinding speed.
Trent Barrett
Barrett is a big admirer of Wright, with the former Australian Schoolboy rugby player continuing to work hard on his development as he heads into his third season at Manly.
“Tom is probably more seen as a centre than in the halves but it depends on who we have got playing around him,’’ Barrett said.
“From an organisational point of view and how he develops, Tom could end up as a six down the track but there are a few things he needs to work on but he certainly has got a lot of ability.
“Tom has had that much bad luck with injuries over the past two years, so I’m hoping his luck changes this season.
“Unfortunately for Tom, he hasn’t had a real crack at it yet so I’m looking forward to him getting a good run of games under his belt.
“There is no doubt Tom is certainly a talent. He is big, fast, has good awareness, and has blinding speed.
“This year will be a big season for Tom. He will start at Blacktown Workers in the Intrust competition in what will be his first year playing against the men, so it is a big change for him after playing against his own age group.”
