Redcliffe star earns NRL contract
Published 3:10pm 25 August 2022
Words by Nick Crockford
Redcliffe back rower Jeremiah Simbiken has earned an NRL contract with his big-match displays in the Hostplus Cup.
Simbiken has agreed to a three-year deal with the Dolphins which will see him hold development contract status when the new NRL team begins pre-season later this year.
He capped off a big week for his future with three tries against the Northern Pride on Saturday as Redcliffe extended their unbeaten run to 13 matches with a 49-10 victory.
Smart choice
Simbiken was born in Papua New Guinea but moved to Canberra when he was 11 years of age.
He spent some time in the Canberra Raiders’ junior system but had limited opportunity with the NSW competition suspended because of COVID and contemplated walking away from the game.
The
22-year-old air conditioning and refrigeration mechanic made the move up to
Redcliffe for the 2022 season and it has proved a smart choice.
He has been one of the Dolphins’ best in the Hostplus Cup as the team has moved up the ladder to entrench itself in the top four with one week to go to the finals.
Dolphins’ chief executive Terry Reader said the club was pleased to give Simbiken the chance to prove himself at NRL level.
“Jeremiah has been in tremendous form in the Hostplus Cup and that has made us sit up and take notice of him,” said Reader.
Attacking weapon
“He has demonstrated what an attacking weapon he can be with 13 tries in 14 matches for Redcliffe, including eight tries in his last four games.
“We are pleased to be giving a player that has joined the Dolphins at state league level a chance to graduate into the NRL.”
Simbiken will complete the Hostplus Cup season with Redcliffe before joining the Dolphins’ first NRL pre-season training group in November.
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