Tongue's importance not a talking point for Raiders
September 5th 2008 09:28
Alan Tongue has become a superb leader
Canberra Raiders captain Alan Tongue was handed the challenge of leading an NRL side who many tipped to be in the running for the 2008 wooden spoon.
25 weeks later and Tongue is now leading 17 of the most unheralded bunch of footballers into finals football.
The Raiders are on the cusp of securing a top eight birth when they face the Canterbury Bulldogs this Sunday afternoon at Canberra stadium.
It is a game that many predict Canberra will win by miles, despite being stripped to the bones when it comes to their available player roster.
But despite all the challenges, setbacks and new successes, Tongue has remained composed, and only now is he really starting to get the recognition he deserves.
The Tamworth born lock made his debut for the Raiders in 2000, winning the rookie of the year award at the club.
Although not as naturally gifted as Benji Marshall, Frank Pritchard or Anthony Tupou, Tongue stands alone with perhaps Danny Buderus as the NRL's most courageous and passionate player.
Tongue in particular has showcased a work ethic in recent seasons that has no rivals.
In 2006, Tongue broke the record for most tackles in a regular season with 1,087. The next highest ranking player was Nathan Hindmarsh with 911.
But Tongue's abilities go deeper than grabbing ankles and stopping muscular men in their tracks.
Tongue is an integral part of a Raiders arsenal that has been unmatched in recent weeks. He his the perfect team player and has all the necessary skills that have seen him become a utility of the highest value.
Although many will rightly praise Terry Campese for the rise of the 'Green Machine', Tongue has not doubt provided the foundations for a club now beginning to realise its potential.
The 27 year old still has many years left at the Nations capital. And with a bunch of unknown men at his side, Tongue knows he his the right man to lead a Raiders outfit filled with unprecedented glory.
At just 88 kilograms, Tongue plays well above his weight. Sure, he does not have the usual reliance of a Cameron Smith out of dummy half or Darren Lockyer at five-eighth to call upon.
But sometimes players without these privileges often revel in the added challenge. More often than not, they develop into superstars on their own.
After ten seasons in Canberra, Tongue has perhaps become the most important player in dishing up the recent success down at the nations capital.
And as we head into finals football, either Manly, Melbourne or Cronulla will know just how much Tongue means to the Canberra faithful.
| 62 |
| Vote |
subscribe to this blog
