Palu takes another step to Test return
Sydney Morning Herald
Monday August 31, 2009
WYCLIFF PALU hopes to be recalled to the Wallabies this weekend despite seeing himself as a player in desperate need of game time, whether at Test level in the green and gold of Australia or as a club player in the dark blue and red strip of the Manly Marlins.The Wallabies back-rower showed what he is capable of when he played for the Marlins in their 30-25 round-21 loss to Sydney University at Manly Oval on Saturday. His impact was immediate and grew by the minute, his only flaw being a lost ball near the Students' line just before full-time that might have stolen Manly a draw or victory.Palu, who last night flew up to Brisbane to join the Wallabies squad to prepare for Saturday's Tri Nations Test against the Springboks, said he relished his 80 minutes for Manly. It was his third game for the club this season and first for them since playing against Parramatta in the early rounds."I felt a lot better [on Saturday] because the couple of times I played for Manly I didn't play too good. I was trying to get more ball. It was good to get the ball early and get a couple of carries," Palu said, adding that he still did not know how his Test selection odds had changed as a result. "I didn't feel too bad after. Hopefully, I can get another run. Either way [for the Wallabies or not] I need a game."Manly coach Phil Blake hopes €“ for Palu's sake €“ he earns the nod from Wallabies selectors. If not, he will welcome him back to Sydney with open arms for the third-placed Marlins' final-round game against Eastern Suburbs, placed seventh, on Saturday."He was good. He was very strong and had some good ball carries. Talking to him after, I think he appreciated playing some football again," Blake said yesterday at T.G. Millner Field while watching Gordon come from behind to beat Eastwood 34-32."All those big guys need game time. He played 80 minutes, which should put him in good stead. To be honest, I hope he plays for Australia. But if not, he will be welcomed back at Manly. 'Cliffy' just needs football. Whether he gets it at the highest level or with us, he will be better for it down the track."Yesterday's gallant win by the Highlanders certainly came in handy for Manly, preventing Eastwood from jumping them into third place.It seemed the Woodies were home when they led 32-20 with 17 minutes to go, but Gordon responded with two converted tries, one in the 73rd minute to leave them 32-27 down, followed by the 74th-minute match-winner.Gordon's win also affected Eastern Suburbs' chances of making the finals. Gordon, who moved up from sixth to fifth, are almost certain to bag another four points against 12th-placed Penrith at home on Saturday.The Beasties play Manly at Woollahra Oval, and would be rated as underdogs to win and push Warringah €“ to whom they lost 58-14 at Pittwater Rugby Park on Saturday €“ out of the top six.Sydney University's victory extended their commanding lead at the top of the ladder.Rugby details €“ Page 22
© 2009 Sydney Morning Herald
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