Daine Laurie: A Surprising Star in Vegas
In an unexpected turn of events during a recent match, Panthers’ utility back Daine Laurie stepped into the spotlight as an unlikely hero. Called into action just three minutes into the game to replace injured winger Casey McLean, Laurie was initially filled with apprehension. Uncertain about his performance due to past experiences on the wing, he nevertheless rose to the occasion, scoring two vital tries that helped secure the victory against a determined Cronulla side.
Laurie admitted to being nervous about stepping onto the field, especially since he preferred playing as a fullback, centre, or in the halves. “Playing wing hasn’t gone well for me before, so my confidence was low,” he revealed. Despite these concerns, Laurie’s instinct to support his team took precedence, and he embraced the challenge.
His performance exceeded expectations; not only did he score twice, but he also made two crucial line breaks, showcasing his agility and skill on the field. Coach Ivan Cleary recognised Laurie’s contributions, praising him for delivering under pressure. "He did an unbelievable job when he came on," Cleary said, highlighting the difficulty of being the interchange player and the importance of Laurie’s versatility.
As for McLean, he was able to recover quickly following a heavy hit to the head. Coach Cleary reassured fans, stating, "He’s not too bad," indicating that despite the scare, McLean’s condition was not serious.
Laurie’s impressive outing in Las Vegas illustrates how quickly fortunes can shift in rugby, proving once again that every player has the potential to make a significant impact when called upon.