Ex-union star finds feet
Potential star: Tyson Frizell (left) lines up a Souths opponent at Toyota Stadium, Cronulla. Picture: John Veage
FORMER rugby union schoolboy star, Tyson Frizell, is making the best of his switch to rugby league with the Cronulla Sharks under 20s side in the National Youth League competition.
The 18-year-old Australian Schoolboys representative, who played at Southern Districts last year and was tipped as a possible NSW Waratahs representative, made a last-minute decision to sign with the Sharks for 2010.
“The opportunity came up and I thought it would be a new challenge,” said Frizell, who has a Welsh and Tongan background. “So far it’s been great. Joey [coach Joe Grima], the team and the club, have been helping me ease into league.”
Although a Wollongong resident, Frizell never received an offer from St George Illawarra Dragons. He had just returned from a rugby union trip to Ireland, England and Wales when he found out about the Sharks offer.
“The footy trip overseas really helped in the off-season,” Frizell said. “As soon as I came back, it was straight into training with the Sharks, so it was perfect. “I’m just happy to be playing and focused on giving 100 per cent to the Sharks. I am looking to see how far I can go in league.”
The towering backrower was mixing up positions on the field but was comfortable playing out wide, from the second row.
“During the trials I played centre, but for the past couple of games. I’ve taken on a similar position I played in union,” Frizell said.
Frizzle missed the Sharks 38-18 loss against Brisbane on Sunday after he tore his calf muscle last week. He is expected to miss another fortnight of competition.