The ACT Brumbies are garnering attention this Super Rugby Pacific season, particularly due to the rising star, Tom Wright. The fullback has evolved from his roots with the Manly Sea Eagles, and he attributes much of his success to the mentorship he received from players like Daly Cherry-Evans. Wright's early experiences have shaped him, transforming him from a promising young player to one of the best fullbacks globally.
Wright's 2017 season with the Manly under-20s was pivotal as he played five-eighth for a team many didn’t expect to advance far. They finished eighth but managed to win the premiership through sheer determination. He recalls the finals vividly: "We scraped our way to the top eight on for and against. We ended up playing against the red-hot Cronulla Sharks side, who were basically unbeatable. But we managed to knock them off first." This victory was just the beginning for Wright, who went on to make his NRL debut alongside Cherry-Evans, which he credits as instrumental to his growth.
Reflecting on the lessons learned, he said, "The professionalism, how to train, and what extras look like for you are key aspects I picked up during my time at Manly. I had great teammates then, like Blake Green, who influenced me significantly. I still carry those habits with me today." Moving to the Brumbies, he continued to adopt the principles he learned, now translating them to the rugby union format, which differs significantly from league.
Another player stepping up this season is 18-year-old Zach Fittler, son of rugby league icon Brad Fittler. He recently came off the bench for the NSW Waratahs A squad against the Brumby Runners, hinting at his potential path within the sport separate from his father's legacy. His decision to sign with the Waratahs reflects a drive to forge his own identity within rugby.
Meanwhile, the Brumbies engaged with the Waratahs A team for valuable training sessions, bolstering their preparations for upcoming fixtures. The road trip to face the Waratahs aims to refresh the young talent of the Brumbies and provide them with much-needed competitive experience, especially with the Waratahs poised for their second game of the season.
On the field, the Brumbies faced challenges with their execution during matches, with lapses leading to unexpected intercepts. A recent game highlighted this struggle, where Andy Muirhead's long pass gifted the opposition's Harry Potter with an easy try, showcasing the need for improved decision-making. The Brumbies will have to tighten their gameplay if they want to remain contenders this season.
Fans are eager to see how both Wright and Fittler will continue to perform as the season progresses. Wright's growth as one of Australia's premier fullbacks demonstrates the potential within the team, with each match presenting opportunities to refine skills and forge stronger bonds among teammates. The influence of experienced players cannot be overlooked, as newcomers like Fittler watch and learn, eager to seize their moment on the field.
Overall, the Brumbies' season marks both challenges and opportunities, positioning them within the competitive structure of Super Rugby Pacific. With strong performances from rising stars and seasoned players alike, there’s no telling how far this team can see success.