Sydney Roosters teen sensation Joseph Suaalii bagged two tries for the North Sydney Bears in his first senior competitive game at NSW Cup level.
The Bears today were thrashed 48-20 by Manly's feeder club, Blacktown, as Cade Cust put his hand up for another shot at first grade with three tries, which will no doubt leave plenty for Sea Eagles coach Des Hasler to think about.
However, the Bears could count themselves rather unlucky after they were forced to play a man down when Matt Ikuvalu was sent off in the 59th minutes for his involvement in a tackle which left forward Haumole Olakau'atu with an elbow injury.
Blacktown scored four answered tries to run away with the match following Ikuvalu's departure.
But all eyes were on Suaalii who showed plenty of positive signs for the Sydney Roosters feeder club, notching two tries and finishing the game with 72 run metres while playing in the centres.
Former rugby league hardman Mark Carroll said he was disappointed the Bears didn't use Suaalii more often during today's match but conceded the young star "stood out like a beacon" every time he found the ball.
"I would've liked to have seen a bit more work from him or maybe get the ball to him more," Carroll told Fox League.
"Every time he got the ball, he stood out like a beacon. I just think he needs a little bit more effect.
"He went in the middle a couple of times but they've got to work a way to get him the ball a lot more.
"He certainly put his body on the line, his defence was great.
"One of the best things about him, for a young kid out there watching, he's wearing a helmet. Does it help you? It gives you confidence. So any kid out there, so if you want to follow a young kid in rugby league, we had Thurston wearing the helmet, now we've got Suaalii – a fantastic kid to follow."
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