Darwin speedster Malcolm Rosas is set to become the latest talented youngster to debut for NT Thunder when the team face Redland on Saturday night in Darwin.
Fresh off a successful under 16s national campaign representing the NT, where he was given All-Australian honours for averaging 18 disposals, 4.5 inside 50s and four tackles per game, Rosas also played a game for the NT Thunder Academy Under 18 team this year before he broke his finger.
Known for his elite speed and athleticism, Rosas first played for the Darwin Buffaloes Men’s Premier League side as a 15-years-old in the 2016/17 season before going on to play 16 senior games in the 2017/18 season.
NT Thunder Head Coach Andrew Hodges said the now 17-year-old had already added some excitement to the playing group.
“Young Mally is an eager learner, a keen listener and has fit right in at training, getting amongst it.
“The boys are excited to run out with him for his first game, and I’m looking forward to seeing him develop his footy further and showing his capabilities at the NEAFL level,” Hodges said.
Fellow youngster and state combine hopeful, Matthew Green has been named for his second senior game after recovering from the concussion that saw him leave the field halfway through Thunder’s game against Canberra a couple of weeks ago.
Meanwhile, Matt Campbell who coached Rosas at the national Under 16s returns to the side after completing his coaching commitments.
Cameron Ilett comes back into the side after serving his one-game suspension, and Braedon McLean will also take his spot in the line-up after he passed a fitness test on his hamstring.
Unfortunately, Michael Mummery (calf) and Nick Yarran (back) suffered minor injuries at training on Thursday night and will miss this weekend, along with Liam Patrick, who is unavailable and Kaine Riley and Beau Schwarze who have been omitted.
Hodges said the team had put in better performances the past two games and were looking to go a step further and get the win.
“Neither Redland or we have finals to play for so it really is about pride and finishing off the season our way.
“Our two games against the Bombers this season have both been close encounters so we know we have the arsenal to get the win but we also know it’s not going to be easy so we’re prepared to show some grit and fight it out,” he said.
NEAFL Round 19
NT Thunder vs Redland Bombers
6:30pm ACST
Saturday 11 August
TIO Stadium, Darwin
B: Matt Campbell, Sam Dyke, Braedon McLean
HB: Joe Anderson, Tom Davies, Sam Smith
C: Ben Rioli, Abraham Ankers, Matthew Green
HF: Malcolm Rosas, Hugo Drogemuller, Chris Williams
F: Jarrod Stokes, Darren Ewing, Shannon Rioli
FOLL: Jack Monigatti, Patrick Boles, Cameron Ilett
INT: Izaak Wyatt, Dominic Forbes*, Richard Tambling, Tim Brook, Sam Talbot
EMERGENCIES: Coen Hutt, Beau Schwarze, Tylah Saunders
IN: Matt Campbell, Matthew Green, Cameron Ilett, Braedon Mclean, Malcolm Rosas
OUT: Michael Mummery, Liam Patrick, Kaine Riley, Beau Schwarze, Nick Yarran
NEW:Malcolm Rosas
* Indicates 23rd player
You can live stream this game on ThunderVision thanks to Tatts