The Melbourne Storm has this year unearthed the imposing figure of front-row forward Louis Fanene in the under 20's Toyota Cup competition. This 19-year-old is still growing and paints a daunting image for opponents facing this 105kg joyous giant.
His boyish innocent smile is deceptive, as his coach Brad Arthur – an important part of first grade coach Craig Bellamy's coaching team – expressed: "Louis is one of the most likeable players at the club. He is always joking around, smiling and in good spirits. But when he crosses the white line to play, he is a different man!" Aggression combined with burgeoning skill has become characteristic of Fanene's on field play.
Coach Arthur parallels Fanene's skill and playing style to that of a fellow Melbournian and New Zealand representative.
"His playing style is very similar to Jeff Lima; he just needs to match Jeff's on-field work rate. He's talented – got good feet, can offload and runs hard at the line," Arthur told The Epoch Times.
Louis's passing game both before and through the line has many observers baffled and curious, as his skilful offloading game is normally attributed to second-rowers, not front-rowers.
Louis, who aims to be a PE teacher upon completing his footy career, has more than just a skilful passing game.
"He is big, strong, over six foot and 19, so he is still growing," Arthur beamed.
We won't argue upon learning; he bench presses 130kg for breakfast. This strength has allowed him to shrug off many defenders in the under 20's competition.
Most Toyota Cup players are encouraged to pursue off-field employment. Fanene is no different. "He works for the ARL as a development officer…it's absolutely perfect for him," explained Arthur, 33, and one of a new brigade of successful younger coaches.
Fanene's future as a first-grader is very promising with Arthur, claiming: "Louis would have the capability of getting into the NRL full-time squad next year."
Having been recruited from Queensland Cup team North Devils, Fanene, who followed the trendy "rite of passage" switch from rugby union to rugby league in New Zealand, is one of an ever-growing pool of young Melbournian talent.
In an era where gifted footballers are being lost in the wave of large athletes, Fanene is a breath of fresh air displaying both attributes.
Game by game, Louis's reputation continues to fly.
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