It was the moment Reuben Garrick had visualised many times over.
The thought of crossing for his first try in the NRL.
That dream became reality at Christchurch Stadium last Saturday when Garrick crossed for Manly’s final try in the 46-12 win over the Warriors.
Playing on the wing, a crosskick from half-back and captain Daly Cherry-Evans saw a Warriors player spill the ball for Garrick to score in the 78th minute.
“It was a pretty good feeling to score. I thought I had one earlier in the game but it was disallowed on a forward pass call. I was a bit shattered,’’ Garrick said.
I had pictured that moment many times
Reuben Garrick on scoring his first NRL try
"To be involved in a win like that was massive and is the biggest moment of my career obviously so far.
“Once I knew we were going to win, I just took it all in and it felt good to just be out there.”
In just three games, Garrick has impressed many with his strong runs with the ball, skills, speed and footwork on the wing – a position he is adjusting to in the NRL after playing in the centres for St George-Illawarra in the lower grades in recent seasons.
Garrick made his NRL debut for the Sea Eagles in the opening round loss to the Wests Tigers. The Gerringong Lions junior was again impressive on the wing in the round two loss to the Sydney Roosters at Lottoland.
“Centre is where I love to play but I am playing first grade and if I am needed on the wing, then that’s where I will play. I’m just happy to be out there with the boys,’’ he added.
Garrick said he relished the opportunity to play alongside full-back Tom Trbojevic for the first time against the Warriors.
“Tommy is a great player. He is one of the best full-backs in the game and to play with him is pretty special,’’ Garrick said.
“He gives you a lot of confidence at the back and his talk is second to none.
“If you push up and support him and Daly Cherry-Evans enough, then there is a good chance you are going to be put through a gap. I just have to make sure I’m in the right spot at the right time.”
Whilst happy with his first try and first win in the NRL, Garrick’s focus is now on tackling the undefeated South Sydney Rabbitohs at Lottoland this Saturday.
“They are a great side. It is going to be a very tough game but we can take confidence from the weekend, especially with our defence,’’ he added.
“There was a period there where we defended our line for about six sets so we can build off that.
“Hopefully we can get a good home crowd behind us at Lottoland. It will certainly help lift the boys.”
