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Laurie’s talent roars in NRL’s Indigenous Round

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Emma Pritchard, Clarence Valley Independent

When he ran onto the ground at Bankwest Stadium on May 28, talented Wests Tigers fullback Daine Laurie wasn’t just playing for himself, his teammates, or his NRL club.

Daine Laurie
Wests Tigers fullback Daine Laurie. Image by NRL Photos.

He was also playing for his family and representing his Indigenous culture.

The son of a proud Bundjalung man and proud Yaegl woman, Laurie was raised in the Clarence Valley with a strong connection to country, a connection he passionately carries with him onto the footy field.

Describing himself as excited to play in his first Indigenous Round, Laurie was once again instrumental as the Wests Tigers took on the St George Illawarra Dragons for the second time this season.

Wests Tigers centre and fellow Indigenous star James Roberts opened the scoring in the 15th minute, followed by a second try to winger David Nofoaluma 10 minutes later.

With his side leading 12-0 after 28 minutes, Laurie caught
a beautiful pass from centre Tommy Talau on the 30m line to race away for what experienced Channel Nine commentator Phil “Gus” Gould described as a great fullback’s try, the fourth of his career.

Showing his fearlessness early in the second half, Laurie demonstrated his vision close to the line to set up a beautiful try for Talau, earning further praise from Gould in the commentary box.

“He’s a beauty this kid,” he said.

Laurie finished the game with 152 running metres, one try and two try assists.

His consistency as one of the best players on the paddock also impressed Wests Tigers coach Michael Maguire who said the young fullback is “coming along nicely” during a post-match interview.

Speaking to Channel Nine following the game, Laurie admitted he had been nervous in the lead up, but he was proud to represent his culture and walk away with the win.

Laurie will face off against his former NRL club and current competition leaders the Penrith Panthers on June 4 when they travel to the Wests Tigers spiritual home, Leichhardt Oval for a highly anticipated clash of the big cats.

Clarence Valley Independent 2 June 2021

This article appeared in the Clarence Valley Independent, 2 June 2021.

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