Courtesy of the Courier Mail - By Chris Garry
SOUTH Sydney are poised to sign Broncos and Norths Devils halfback Darren Nicholls as their replacement for the injured Adam Reynolds.
Nicholls has been in superb form for Norths and his talent earned him a spot in the Broncos NRL Nines team earlier this year.
A former Australian Schoolboy, the Broncos signed Nicholls halfway through last year from South Sydney but is yet to crack their NRL team.
Souths need halves as Reynolds faces six weeks out with a knee injury and another Intrust Super Cup product in Cody Walker remains suspended pending a court case in which he will plead not guilty to domestic violence charges.
Nicholls, 25, is meeting with Rabbitohs coach Michael Maguire this week and it is expected he will be signed within days.
Nicholls was recommended to the Rabbitohs by Intrust Super Cup commentator Scott Sattler who recruits for the club in Queensland.
Sattler said Souths’ interest in Nicholls proved players in their mid-20s should never give up hope of cracking the NRL.
“Clubs want mature players because there is a feeling that players coming out of the 20’s, especially halves, aren’t ready,” Sattler said.
“Players shouldn’t be disheartened if they are not playing NRL at age 21.
“Darren is in his mid-20’s and playing really well and getting noticed.
“He is a creative half too. I think he’s been one of the best in the Intrust Super Cup for a while now.”
Wynnum Manly were dominant against the PNG Hunters yesterday at Kougari Oval.
Daniel Ogden scored his 100th career try in the match as the Seagulls won 36-18.
The other winners yesterday included the Easts Tigers who edged the Burleigh Bears to emerge 22-20 victors at Pizzy Park.
The Ipswich Jets also made it five wins on the trot when they came from behind late in the game to beat Norths 24-18 at Bishop Park.
The Sunshine Coast Falcons won their second match in succession, beating Tweed Heads 28-24 at Piggabeen while the Townsville Blackhawks thumped Souths 46-20.
The Northern Pride earned their first win of the season on Saturday, beating Redcliffe 18-16 in Cairns.
The Mackay Cutters continued their extraordinary form, beating the Central Capras 14-12 for their fifth consecutive victory.
The Cutters are fast becoming the story of this season as they field a relatively inexperienced side compared to other premiership favourites Wynnum Manly and Townsville Blackhawks.
