A rake's progress

Skyhunter · Posted: Sat Feb 02, 2008 12:14 am Post subject: A rake's progress

A rake's progress

Jason Avedissian

31 January 2008

MANLY hooker Matt Ballin has received a strong endorsement from one of the club's finest as the man to replace Michael Monaghan.

Sea Eagles great Max Krilich believes Ballin will comfortably step up to fill the sizeable void left by Monaghan.

The 24-year-old Queenslander made a highly impressive NRL debut in round two against the Wests Tigers last year.

He went on to play 13 games for the season, taking a back seat to Monaghan as the Sea Eagles rolled into the grand final.

But now with Monaghan gone, Krilich sees Ballin as the man to take over the No 9 jersey.

"I was very impressed with him last year and he's now got the opportunity to go out there and just go for it," Krilich said yesterday during a round of golf.

"He stood behind Monaghan last year and was outstanding when called upon.

"I can't see any reason why he can't make it ... he's just got to perform."

Ballin said he was feeling the pressure but was confident of grabbing Monaghan's jumper.

"I've just got to keep training hard and I think I'll get it," he said. "Last year Michael was here, this year, it's a different feeling for me.

"It's up for grabs and it's mine if I'm good enough.

"There wasn't much pressure on me last year; this year, there's a little bit of expectation from Manly fans and the coaching staff.

"I've just got to use that pressure in a good way."

And already the strongly-built rake is working on his all-round game to ensure his place in the starting line-up.

Ballin is part of a small group of Sea Eagles which gather twice a week at Narrabeen to work on their kicking.

The group of halves, hookers and outside backs practise their 40-20s, goal-kicking and general field kicks.

"I've been working hard on my kicking this year," Ballin said.

"It's always improving, always been good, but it can improve.

"Last year, I kicked a little bit, but this year I'll be looking to do more, to take some pressure off Ox (Matt Orford) and Killer (Jamie Lyon)."

Source: http://www.manlydaily.com.au/article/2008/01/31/8504_sports.html

Skyhunter · Posted: Sat Feb 02, 2008 12:27 am Post subject:

It's always a healthy thing for a club that has more than one player playing in the same position all pushing for a spot in the top grade.