Young gun's new deal 'almost didn't happen'

Rabbitohs officials are delighted after signing the youngster who stole the show at the recent Koori Knockout tournament.

A host of clubs were chasing 17-year-old half/five-eighth Shaqueil Saunders after a video of an amazing try he scored at the tournament went viral.

Saunders brought back memories of the legendary chip-and-chase king Phil Blake when he did a little kick over the defence with his right foot, followed by another with his left, to score a stunning try for Combined Countries.

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But for the Bunnies, snaring the Indigenous youngster almost didn't happen.

"They couldn't contact Shaq despite trying for several days," said manager Gavin Orr, who had his own troubles finding the youngster before signing him up.

"The recruitment officer, a scout and even head coach Jason Demetriou were trying to track him down for days without any luck.

"They eventually got hold of him and now he's a Bunny."

While officials had trouble finding Saunders, fellow Indigenous players did not.

Bulldogs flyer Josh Addo-Carr got hold of him, as did Souths champion Latrell Mitchell, who put the Bunnies onto his case.

Now the teenager is driven five hours each way, three times a week, to Souths training by his parents from their home in the Karuah Aboriginal Community, north of Newcastle.

"It's a long way to the big city and a massive cultural change, but Souths are looking after him well," Orr said.

"The club has had plenty of brilliant young Aboriginal players down the years and we thought they would be the best fit.

"He is still young and will play in the SG Ball Cup next season – but he is a special talent and the club are over the moon to have him."

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