When coach Craig Fitzgibbon revealed to the Sharks’ teammates during a meeting that the naive fullback would be making his NRL debut on Saturday against the Cowboys, Liam Ison’s teammates broke down in tears.
At Townsville’s Queensland Country Bank Stadium, the 19-year-old speedster will wear Shark #561, having been selected to take Will Kennedy’s place while he is suspended.
“To finally get the debut is a surreal feeling; it means the world,” the junior player for St. Mary’s Saints told Sharks Media.
“The news was broken by Fitz (coach Craig Fitzgibbon). Our group was having a meeting. Daniel Holdsworth, the assistant coach, had previously stated that all that was needed was a day’s attendance. It was not really what I expected.
“It was good that Fritzy told me in front of the boys because everyone else was able to figure it out. It was an amazing sensation.
Arriving at Cronulla from Penrith over the summer, the dynamic custodian gave credit to the Sharks’ environment for his success.
He remarked, “It feels like home.”
“It’s a great culture that makes you feel safe and at ease.” We’ve been playing some excellent football lately, so perhaps we can maintain the momentum.”
Ison began the season with the under-21 Jersey Flegg Cup team before making a name for himself with Cronulla’s feeder club, the Newtown Jets, in the Knock-On Effect NSW Cup.
With nine tries, five try assists, and seven line breaks in 10 games for the Jets, Ison has captured attention thanks to his incredible speed, natural attacking timing, and ability to play well above his weight.
The courteous young player known as Ice has had a challenging ascent, but his teammates are sure he can make the transition to the highest level with ease.
Centre Jesse Ramien stated, “He’s impressed a lot of the boys from the moment he’s come with his attitude and his work ethic.”
“He’s been creating some really amazing games for Newtown. He won’t disappoint anyone, in my opinion. Every boy has complete faith in him. I’m excited about it.
“He’s just quick and explosive. I suppose he’s the kind of guy who can ruin a game. His footwork and speed, along with some of the things he does in training, make the boys look foolish.”
Ison was referred to as a “ball of energy” by Braden Hamlin-Uele.
“He simply never gets tired. The prop went on, “He can stop on a dime and change direction. He’s so quick to get across the ground and so nippy around the ground.”
He also plays the vocals. We respect and listen to him when he directs his older brothers where to go on the pitch. He’s probably excited about it. He’s going to work for us.”
Ison has been a regular for Newtown, and playmaker Daniel Atkinson continued, saying: “When we go against him in training, he’s hard to handle, quick on his feet, and he just backs himself.” He’s just a football player at heart.”
Ison will make her Sharks debut this season, joining Billy Burns (Round 3), Sam Stonestreet (Round 7), and Tuku Hau Tapuha (Round 2).
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