Brian Pouniu continues to make his mark at NRL level, producing an impressive performance in just his second game for the Dolphins on Friday night.
The Redcliffe junior played the full 80 minutes in the Dolphins’ win over the Eels, running for 179 metres, including 76 post-contact metres, in a strong showing in the forward pack.
For Head Coach Kristian Woolf, Pouniu’s emergence is particularly significant given the pathway he has taken to first grade.
Pouniu is the first player to progress through every level of the Dolphins Academy before reaching the NRL, having grown up in the local area and played his junior football with Redcliffe.
“He’s our first academy player to come through and play at every level of the academy,” Woolf said.
"He’s a Redcliffe junior. He’s grown up in the area. He’s played through the club. He’s what the club’s about.
“He’s played every level at the club as well, so it’s outstanding.”
Pouniu made his NRL debut against the Canberra Raiders earlier this season, getting his first opportunity in the centres.
His second appearance saw him move into the forward pack, where Woolf believes the youngster’s long-term future lies.
“He made his debut against Canberra and did a really good job there in the centres,” Woolf said.
"We see him as a back-rower. He’s going to get an opportunity in the forwards.
"I just think he’s a really exciting and exceptional talent coming through the club and he’s got a little bit of everything about him.
"You watch the way he moves, he’s got a work ethic, he’s got a toughness, he’s got a skill set.
“I think he’s ready to be a first grader and we’re going to give him some opportunity to show that.”
After progressing from a local junior through the Dolphins pathway and into the NRL side, Pouniu’s performance against the Eels offered another glimpse of what the young forward can bring at first-grade level.
