He might have scored a double on debut but Toby Maslen made arguably the most telling statement about what an immense talent he is late in Pirates’ clash with Quirindi on Saturday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
From within his half, Maslen applied the gas and burst through the Lions defensive line before proceeding to weave his way another 50m to set winger Morgan Pennefather up for Pirates penultimate try.
It was a moment that had Pirates coach Mat Kelly, and the Pirates supporters in the crowd, salivating about what the future may hold.
Playing at outside centre, the 17-year old seemed undaunted stepping up to first grade on a day where Pirates’ next generation was on show with Ryan Baker also making his run-on debut, and Will Sorenson and Jack Purkiss getting their first taste of first grade.
All four are part of Pirates’ under-19s side.
Their elevation came after fellow under-19 Tom Dietrich made his debut earlier in the season.
Saturday was his third game and second start after earning his first cap against Narrabri in Round 7.
“I was pretty stoked to find out I was on the bench,” the winger said.
He got on for the last 20 minutes and the following game found himself running on, which he said was a “pretty special” moment.
Baker and Maslen expressed similar sentiments about Saturday.
Both made the transition seamlessly and shared the three best and fairest points with Maslen also earning the plaudits of his peers.
It was the realisation of a long held ambition and an “unbelievable” experience.
“I thought it was going to happen a while ago and got held up by a bit of things but it’s been the biggest privilege of my life so far being asked to come up and play with such a great bunch of blokes,” Maslen said.
“They’re a great influence to run behind and great leadership to follow and lots of experience inside and outside, which helped make first game a good experience.”
Baker admitted the nerves were “kicking in all week” but said the boys were all very supportive.
He said their words to him and Maslen were just to keep their heads up and just keep doing what they’ve been doing.
“It was a lot of fun,” he said.
He started at seven and also finished with a try on debut.
Purkiss saw about 20 minutes on the wing while Sorenson came on in the second row with about 10 minutes remaining.
“It was completely different to junior footy,” Purkiss said.
“The pace was different. It was much faster and there was a lot more experience.”
