Sharks backrower Teig Wilton is determined to hound rookie half Hugo Savala throughout Saturday’s sudden-death semi-final as Cronulla look to shut down the Roosters’ high-powered attack.
Wilton has been one of the quiet improvers for the Sharks this year, with the edge forward surpassing the 100-game milestone and growing in confidence with every week.
The 25-year-old has made a habit of putting pressure on opposition halves in the run to the finals and has helped shut down some of the best playmakers in the game.
It’s a mindset Wilton will carry into Saturday’s elimination final at Sharks Stadium when he lines up opposite Savala.
599″, “>809”, “>959″]”
data-eqio-prefix=”video-post-screen”
ref=”root”
>
Up Next
/
Replay
Play Next
Teig Wilton Try
“You want to do your role for the team and as a back-rower, the opposing halfback is opposite you in defence,” Wilton said. “It’s my job to apply that defensive pressure.
“Every team in the NRL, and our team in particular, we want to put pressure on the opposition in defence. That’s my job and that’s what I’m trying to do.”
Wilton ensured Isaiya Katoa had a night to forget when the Sharks defeated the Dolphins in Round 19, while his ability to pressure Cowboys’ halfback Tom Dearden left Andrew Johns raving in commentary a few weeks later.
The edge forward made sure Lachlan Galvin was never comfortable in last Saturday’s dominant win over the Bulldogs at Accor Stadium.
The focus now turns to a 23-year-old preparing for his first finals game. Savala has played well beyond his years since making his debut in Round 2 and has showed no signs of struggling under the bright lights of the NRL.
599″, “>809”, “>959″]”
data-eqio-prefix=”video-post-screen”
ref=”root”
>
Up Next
/
Replay
Play Next
Hugo Savala Try
Finals are a different equation but Roosters skipper James Tedesco backed the youngster to handle the pressure.
“Hugo’s handled everything this year so well,” Tedesco said. “For a young guy who debuted this year, he’s got an old head on his shoulders. He’s very mature and nothing much fazes him, which is awesome. We’ve just got to keep encouraging that.
“It’s been pressure games for us the past 5-6 weeks and he’s handled it so well. We’ve just got to keep encouraging him because he’s starting to run the ball now and is feeling more confident, more comfortable.
“He’s not just a guy who can kick the ball long, he’s a great footy player who’s been leading us around really well.”
Wilton is in his sixth season at the Sharks and has developed into a leader both on and off the field at the club.
The forward’s voice has been crucial since skipper Cameron McInnes tore his ACL last month, with Wilton and hooker Blayke Brailey stepping up to help fill the void.
599″, “>809”, “>959″]”
data-eqio-prefix=”video-post-screen”
ref=”root”
>
Up Next
/
Replay
Play Next
Teig Wilton proving his worth
The pair are close friends and Sharks coach Craig Fitzgibbon is confident they are both the present and the future of the club.
“Teig is a developing leader,” Fitzgibbon told NRL.com. “He is able to identify who the spiritual leaders are for the opposition and he knows how to go after them. He’s been doing that for a number of years but has increased his form this season.
“He’s always had that in him but he’s been playing some stronger football and like Blayke, has started getting noticed for playing some strong footy. They’ve always been consistent but they’ve taken it up a gear.
“They’re two young guys who have grown up together and are following the same trend as leaders. Teig has always been a good defender but he’s having a good run of form and people are starting to take notice.”
Among the biggest beneficiaries of Wilton’s development has been his left-edge half Braydon Trindall.
The five-eighth has thrived with a bodyguard by his side as the Sharks won seven of their last eight to charge towards the finals.
599″, “>809”, “>959″]”
data-eqio-prefix=”video-post-screen”
ref=”root”
>
Up Next
/
Replay
Play Next
Braydon Trindall Try
Trindall said Wilton’s presence takes the pressure off him defensively and allows him to focus on orchestrating Cronulla’s attack. It’s no coincidence they have averaged 29 points a game during the eight-game stretch.
“It’s awesome having him there and making all those tackles,” Trindall told NRL.com. “He’s a bit of a bodyguard for me and is doing an awesome job. I can’t thank him enough for making my tackles.
“He’s put some massive pressure on the other halves and the ball doesn’t get past him too many times. Then ball in hand, he’s been doing an awesome job too. He’s a good back-rower to have on my side, he runs the ball, tackles well and is a good all-round player.”