Marika Koroibete
Age: 21
2013 NRL games: 9
Koroibete burst onto the NRL scene in 2012, scoring seven tries in just six games. In just his second match, the Fijian-born winger scored an amazing four tries against Parramatta at Campbelltown Sports Stadium.
High expectations were set for the 21-year-old this season, with an unfortunate run of injuries resulting in Koroibete taking the field on just nine occasions. With limited opportunities, the speedster showed his brilliance on numerous occasions, including running for a massive 223 metres against Penrith in Round 2.
Returning from a dislocated elbow in Round 22 against Parramatta, Koroibete scored a double before fracturing his eye socket in a try-saving tackle. The talented winger joined a host of other Wests Tigers stars sitting out the remainder of the season through injury.
One of the real excitement machines in the NRL, 2014 could be the year for Koroibete provided he has better luck on the injury-front.
KEY STATISTICS
-5 Tries
-5 linebreaks / Average of 114m per game
- 29 tackle breaks (3.2 per game)
MICK POTTER SAYS
Marika is a player that has been a sensation since he burst onto the scene. I think that was because its something that came natural to him and all of a sudden its become a bit complicated for him. Now he is thinking a lot about his Rugby League, where before it just came to him easy. Theres a lot of situational things that he needs to assess and its got him thinking a little bit too much. I want him to get back to that natural sort of stuff but still know situations. I want Marika to understand what opposition teams are going to do, how they are doing it and what he can do stop it. So he is still learning the game and there is a lot he has to learn.
What I love about Marika is his fearlessness. Its just on the verge of crazy but we need to help him a little bit there because it can get him into trouble. The collision injuries that he is causing himself, such as the dislocated elbow and fractured eye socket, are just because he is fearless.I would still like him to have that fearless ethic about him but to have it tempered and know the situation. I think he is doing it on instinct at the moment rather than being smarter as a Rugby League player who can survive the game. Otherwise he is going to keep getting injured, he needs to know how to protect himself. Its really important to know your body and what it can and cant do. In his position, sometimes he needs to jump in the air when the opposition have free shots at him. Running into 120 kilogram players and trying to fend them off when you are giving away 30 kilograms is hard at the best of times. Even though his body is very strong he needs to realise that there are players out there just as strong and they can do some damage.
Marika certainly hasnt lost any speed. He has had a foot, elbow and eye socket injury all in this season; its been unfortunate to say the least. We miss his dynamic movement on the edge and his yardage that he gives the team. Marika shows great enthusiasm, but we need to spend a little bit more time with the subtleties of the game and getting him to avoid situations where he is going to hurt himself. I know that sometimes it is unavoidable in this game but certainly I need to help protect him and give himself some longevity in the game.
READ PART 1: DAVID NOFOALUMA
READ PART 2: SAUASO SUE
READ PART 3: AVA SEUMANUFAGAI
READ PART 4: JAMES TEDESCO
READ PART 5: JACK BUCHANAN
READ PART 6: CURTIS SIRONEN
READ PART 7: JOEL LUANI
READ PART 8: TIM SIMONA
READ PART 9: SHAUN SPENCE
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