When Wigan Warriors announced the signing of Manly Sea Eagles star Cade Cust, a number of rugby league fans were shocked to hear his name.
The 23-year-old Manly halfback or hooker signed a two-year deal, with the option of a third at the DW Stadium – though the Sea Eagles do hold a re-sign clause in case Cust wanted to go back to the NRL.
Those in Super League were questioning who he was, whilst those Down Under were shocked at seeing such a talent leave the NRL for a shot in England.
The latter was true for the self-professed Rugby League Guru, Nathan Durkin, who – on his podcast – professed that the time was ripe for Cust to establish himself as a quality NRL player at a time when the game needed players like him most.
“It has shocked me, quite often I talk about young guys on this podcast and who could go big but are underachieving,” Durkin said.
“I’m pretty confident on Cade Cust and I always have been for a guy that can jump in at 6, 7 and 9 I can’t believe there’s no one in the NRL who wants this guy.
“It’s blown me away, he’s so versatile and talented – this is just a natural ball player.
“We have a mass shortage of natural ball players at a time when the game is more tailored to that than it ever has been.
“I just cant really put this one together, I’ve got no idea how this has played unless Wigan have thrown a huge amount of money at him.
“We said a month ago that Cade would be a great get for the Dolphins, keep an eye on this space.
“In the meantime, have some coin on Cade Cust to win a Man of Steel over there.”
It would be an incredible achievement for a 23-year-old, but it remains to be seen how well Cust can adapt to the Super League.
