Broncos teen Taylor is freakish: Petero - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Broncos teen Taylor is freakish: Petero

By Wayne Heming 26/07/2007 03:46:59 PM Comments (0)

Brisbane coach Wayne Bennett may not want to give him a rap but the game's best prop Petero Civoniceva says teenage forward giant Dave Taylor is "freakish".

One of Civoniceva's many regrets about leaving the Broncos at the end of the season will be not sharing in the 19-year-old's development which he expects to take off in 2008.

Taylor, who scored his maiden NRL try earlier this month against the Gold Coast Titans, turned in a performance off the bench against Parramatta on Monday night which left Civoniceva in no doubt about his potential.

"Freakish is the word that comes to mind," said Civoniceva of Taylor's 33-minute onslaught which included a try assist, two line-breaks, 23 tackles and 132 precious metres in hit-ups.

Most starting front-rowers would love to have those kind of stats every week.

"We've seen glimpses of his potential every time he gets on the field but the other night he was incredible," Civoniceva said.

"It's pretty scary to think he's just 19. He's got the football world at his size-16 feet."

Taylor, remarkably agile for a young man of 115kg, burst onto flat passes at high speed against the Eels, terrorising the defence several times in the second half.

Civoniceva, 31, has been carting the ball into the teeth of opposition defences for a decade at the highest level and knows what is required from a player.

"It takes a lot of courage," said the Queensland and Australian prop who has played 20 Origins and 29 Tests.

"It takes big hands as well, have you see the size of his hands? They're unbelievable.

"The size of him and the way he can move is just freakish.

"He's awfully skilful for a big guy and the most exciting thing will be to see how he develops over the few years."

While Taylor has been heralded for his ball-playing ability, Civoniceva said the youngster could also do the tough stuff.

"Here's a big guy who can take the ball to the line. He's even got a kicking game as well which is unbelievable for a big guy," he said.

"The good thing about Dave is he's got a good head on his shoulders. He's down to earth.

"He's always the first guy who comes up to me in the sheds for a chat and we sometimes have coffee and talk about things.

"It's a good sign. He's not overawed."

Originally from Blackwater in central Queensland, Taylor earned the wrath of his coach for displaying too much emotion when he scored his first try against the Titans.

Bennett declined to praise his outstanding effort against Parramatta but Civoniceva believes Bennett appreciates what Taylor offers.

"If Wayne didn't want him he wouldn't be in first grade this weekend," Civoniceva said.

"You don't want to be getting too many raps too quick when you're a young talent but I know quietly Wayne would be loving everything Dave's been doing.

"He's exciting.

"Next year he's the type of player you can build a pack around with Ben Hannant, Sam Thaiday.

"It all looks pretty rosy for the Broncs."

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