Canberra Raiders under-20s coach Mick Mantelli believes winger Jeremy Hawkins is capable of playing NRL if the club’s outside back injury crisis worsens.
The Junior Kiwi scored a try, ran 111 metres from nine runs and made two line breaks in Canberra’s 34-32 win over North Queensland on Sunday.
With first choice speed men Jack Wighton (groin), Edrick Lee (arm) and Blake Ferguson (suspension) sidelined, the 20-year-old is pressing hard for a first grade debut.
Hawkins proved his toughness last week with 182 metres and 33 tackles playing back row in last week’s loss to Souths.
“I reckon he [Hawkins] could handle one or two [NRL] games now,’’ Mantelli said.
Read more:
http://www.canberratimes.com.au/rugby-league/raiders-coach-backs-hawkins-to-make-the-grade-20130707-2pk3k.html#ixzz2YRfJCLYr
Topic: Raiders coach backs Hawkins to make the grade
