According to most local pundits, Kurri Kurri teen Jye Linnane has the sporting world at his feet.
And, after watching his first grade debut for the Bulldogs in Tooheys Newcastle Rugby League (Real NRL) at the weekend, it would be a brave man to argue with them.
Even though his side suffered a 46-18 loss to The Entrance Tigers on Saturday 20 May, the 17-year-old stamped his class against the bigger, more experienced rival outfit.
He not only scored a sizzling individual try, leaving a number of players in his wake, but Linnane never shirked his responsibility in defence either.
“I’m gassed,” he said afterwards.
“That was tough, very tough.
“The Entrance is a big team.
“It’s definitely a lot harder than what I’ve been playing.
“However, I expected it would be very fast and physical… and I wasn’t wrong.
“The Tigers have a massive pack, so it was definitely a tough initiation into the Denton Engineering Cup.
“It’s disappointing we couldn’t get the win at home.
“But, I was thrilled to be out there with the boys, as well as fellow debutant Nick Scott, and experience it all.
“Although, I’ll admit, it was nice to get a try on debut.”
The Linnane surname is synonymous with the famous Kurri Kurri club.
His father and head coach Danny, uncle – and former St George Dragons halfback – Steve and cousin Jason are part of Bulldogs’ folklore.
The trio starred in the organisation’s historic premiership hat-trick, from 1993 to 1995, in the Newcastle Rugby League competition.
Older brother Brodie is also in the 2023 senior squad.
“Making my debut for Kurri Kurri was a very, very proud moment,” the young halfback said.
“So, I was stoked to get my chance.
“Obviously, it means a lot in my family.
“Dad got a bit choked up at the jumper presentation in the sheds, but he told me to back myself and play my usual footy, while it was great to have my grandfather (Alan Bailey) hand it to me.
“It would have been good to play alongside Brodie, too.
“It’s disappointing he wasn’t out there, due to injury.
“Hopefully, that happens in the future.”
Already, it’s been a huge 2023 for the Newcastle Knights junior.
Apart from donning a Bulldogs jumper in the top grade, he also captained the NSW Country under-18 side in its battle with City earlier in the month.
“Even though we didn’t get the result in Sydney, I was happy to be selected,” Linnane told the Newcastle Weekly.
“However, one of my season goals was to play first grade at Kurri Kurri.
“So, it was good to tick that off my list.
“I’m not really sure what’s next going forward.
“I will wait and see what happens.
“I’m still with the Knights’ Jersey Flegg squad.
“So, I’m training down there and, with any luck, will get a run throughout the year.
“I’ll always have here to play if I don’t make that team.
“And, after having a taste of first grade with the Bulldogs, I’m keen to do it again.
“But, for the moment, I’m just taking it week-by-week.”
Kurri Kurri will face the in-form Northern Hawks, who stunned the Central Newcastle Butcher Boys 38-6, at Tomaree Sports Ground on Sunday 28 May.
Tooheys Newcastle Rugby League
Denton Engineering Cup
Round eight results:
- The Entrance Tigers d Kurri Kurri Bulldogs 46-18
- Cessnock Goannas d Lakes United Seagulls 34-14
- South Newcastle Lions d Wyong Roos 44-20
- Maitland Pickers d Western Suburbs Rosellas 40-10
- Northern Hawks d Central Newcastle Butcher Boys 38-6
- Bye: Macquarie Scorpions
Round nine draw:
Saturday 27 May
- 3pm: Lakes United Seagulls v Macquarie Scorpions (Cahill Oval)
- 3pm: Maitland Pickers v The Entrance Tigers (Maitland No 1 Sportsground)
- 3pm: Wyong Roos v Cessnock Goannas (Morry Breen Oval)
Sunday 28 May
- 3pm: Central Newcastle Butcher Boys v Western Suburbs Rosellas (St John Oval)
- 3pm: Northern Hawks v Kurri Kurri Bulldogs (Tomaree Sports Ground)
- Bye: South Newcastle Lions
For more sports stories:
- REAL NRL: Tigers too strong for gallant Bulldogs
- Newcastle teen basketballer headed for Virtus Global Games
- Lake Mac football prodigy Eli Gorton kicking new goals
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