Laurie’s Masterclass Puts Ricky Stuart in a Quandary
The pre-season trial against the Melbourne Storm at Seiffert Oval was meant to be a warm-up, a chance for the Canberra Raiders to shake off the cobwebs. However, for young gun Daine Laurie, it was a resounding declaration of intent, a performance that has undoubtedly presented coach Ricky Stuart with a delightful selection headache heading into the season proper. The Raiders ran out convincing 28-4 victors, but it was Laurie’s electrifying display of versatility and skill that stole the show, sending a clear message to his teammates vying for a starting spot.
Laurie, in his first outing in the crucial No. 7 jersey for a first-grade match, showcased a maturity beyond his years. His vision and execution were on full display, most notably with a perfectly weighted grubber kick that found Michael Asomua unmarked on the edge for the Raiders’ opening try. This seemingly simple play, however, drew significant praise from league legend Michael Ennis.
Ennis, watching from the commentary box, was effusive in his admiration for Laurie’s contribution. He highlighted that Laurie isn’t just a utility player filling a gap; he’s a genuine contender for a starting role. “He is not here to be a back-up fullback. He is here to play first grade,” Ennis stated on Fox League. He further elaborated on the pressure Laurie’s performance places on other emerging talents within the Raiders squad. “With Ethan Sanders, Coby Black coming in over the summer … Ricky Stuart getting Daine Laurie in the No.7 today may just be the opportunity for him to find himself. (Ethan) Sanders, we understand, is the long-term option. With touches like that from Laurie, it may just put a bit of pressure on Sanders.”
Post-match, Laurie himself remained grounded, expressing his willingness to adapt to whatever role the coaching staff requires. “I was a bit of a five-eighth today,” he admitted. “I will play anywhere Stick wants me to. I’ll always put my hand up.” This team-first attitude, coupled with his undeniable talent, makes him an invaluable asset for the Raiders.
The Raiders’ dominance wasn’t a one-man show, though Laurie’s influence was undeniable. The team displayed a potent attack that the Storm struggled to contain throughout the match.
Key Moments and Try Scorers for the Raiders:
- Michael Asomua’s Opener: Capitalising on Laurie’s sublime grubber kick, Asomua crossed the line early, setting the tone for the Raiders’ offensive prowess.
- Asomua’s Second: Just before halftime, Asomua bagged his second try, further extending the Raiders’ lead and demonstrating his attacking threat.
- Saxon Innes Extends the Lead: After the break, Ethan Alaia produced a remarkable flick pass, a moment of individual brilliance that set up Saxon Innes for another Raiders try, making it 12-0.
- Sebastian Kris Adds to the Scoreline: Kris continued the try-scoring spree, adding his name to the list of scorers.
- Sione Finau’s Corner Try: The Raiders’ attacking fluidity was evident as Kris played a role in sending Sione Finau over in the corner.
- Jalen Afmasaga Joins the Fray: Afmasaga also found the try line, contributing to the Raiders’ commanding performance.
- Finau Seals the Deal: In the dying minutes of the game, Sione Finau crossed for his second try, putting the icing on the cake and cementing the Raiders’ comprehensive victory.
While the Raiders showcased a formidable attacking unit, they also had moments where their kicking game faltered. Chevy Stewart initially handled the kicking duties but missed the first three conversions. Alaia eventually took over, but despite a strong overall performance, no conversions were successful from the Raiders’ efforts.
The Melbourne Storm, a team known for their resilience and defensive grit, found themselves largely on the back foot. They managed to find a single moment of respite when, with the Raiders reduced to 12 men following a dangerous tackle by Mark Tuialii, Liam Williams powered over to put the Storm on the scoreboard. However, this late consolation try was not enough to shift the momentum, and the Raiders responded with another try from Finau to secure their emphatic win.
The victory, while a pre-season trial, carries significant weight. It demonstrates the Raiders’ potential for the upcoming season and, more specifically, highlights Daine Laurie’s emergence as a genuine force. His ability to play multiple positions with such impact, coupled with his clear desire to contribute wherever needed, makes him a player Ricky Stuart will undoubtedly be weighing carefully as he finalises his starting lineup. The competition for jerseys within the Raiders squad is now fiercer than ever, thanks in no small part to Laurie’s stellar performance.
