If you look back at the first five rounds of the SG Ball season, you won’t find Drew Langdon’s name on any try-scorers lists.
While the hard working second rower may not have a four-pointer to his name, he is at the top of his team’s stats sheets most weeks.
“That’s what I like to pride myself on. I like to take a lot of runs and try to get the boys moving forward. I like to run hard, tackle hard, and make it easier for the backs,” Langdon said.
Standing 184cm tall and weighing 91kg, it’s safe to say the 17-year-old is not afraid of hard work, and this hasn’t gone unnoticed under the watchful eye of coach Shaun Timmins.
“Drew’s been outstanding for us. He had a good off-season and trained hard on the field and in the gym, which shows in how he has been going,” Timmins said.
“He is fit, strong, and durable, always plays 70 minutes.
“He’s been doing a really good job for us out on the right edge, but it’s on the back of him having a really good pre-season.”
The prototype
A Shellharbour Stingrays junior, Langdon played Under 18’s for the Warilla Gorillas last season before making his first-grade debut for the Group Seven club.
“I had a lot of the older boys sharing their experience and teaching me.”
While he is attempting to make a name for himself in the back row, somewhat surprisingly, Warrior’s halfback Shaun Johnson was Langdon’s childhood hero.
“I always looked up to him growing up. His highlight real is insane. I look more to players like (Brisbane Broncos) Jordan Riki now; I like to look at all the backrowers and how they lead their kick chase.”
Read More>> Team List Tuesday
He’s been a real leader in our pack | Timmins
Timmins compares Langdon to one of the standout NRL backrowers in the modern era.
“He reminds me a lot of Cameron Murray, that type of build. He’s fit, a strong ball carrier, and has done a good job on the right edge for us.”
“He has a high work rate, carries the ball a lot, and does plenty of defence. Even though he is a year young, he’s been a real leader in our pack.”
Reflecting on last week’s 24-16 loss to Penrith after four consecutive wins, Langdon says the Panthers wanted it more.
“They needed the win to keep their season running. That was our first loss of the season, so that gave us a kick up the backside to get back in the winner’s circle and give it to the Warriors.”
While he is excited for this week’s trip across the ditch to take on the New Zealand Warriors, Langdon says it’s important to come away with the two points.
“Going up there, flying out, coming off a loss as well, we’ll be keen to get back in the winner’s circle.
“It will be tough, but I think we have it in us to get the win.”
Upcoming Fixtures – Round 6
Sunday, 10 March | Navigation Home Stadium, Pukekohe
- 8.00am (AEDT) – Harold Matthews Cup | Steelers v Warriors
- 9.45am (AEDT) – SG Ball Cup | Steelers v Warriors
Images: Allan Barry & Mark Newsham
