Eels legend Peter Sterling has made the mammoth call that young Titans wrecking ball Moeaki Fotuaika is primed to become “the best front-rower in the game”.
That’s despite the fact that Sterling agrees with the widely held view in rugby league that, at this stage, Brisbane‘s Payne Haas is the best young forward in the league.
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Sterling’s comments follow another exceptional individual campaign, in which Fotuaika averaged 143.8 run metres, including 53.1 post-contact, per match.
The 21-year-old also turned out for Queensland in all three State of Origin games and helped the Titans clinch their first finals berth since 2016.
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“I think in five years’ time he’ll be the best front-rower in the game,” Sterling said on Wide World of Sports’ Sterlo’s Wrap.
“Now, Payne Haas is probably acknowledged as the best young forward coming through.
“Mo Fotuaika already has a pass and footwork in his game and he’s only going to get better.
“He’s already played Origin, as well.
“And I thought in his effort against the Roosters he really took an elite step forward.”
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While the Titans bowed out of the title race in a 25-24 elimination final defeat to the Roosters, Fotuaika recorded 146 run metres, 51 of which were post-contact.
Fotuaika and Gold Coast lock Tino Fa’asuamaleaui were colossal against the likes of gun Roosters forwards Jared Waerea-Hargreaves and Angus Crichton.
“Only young, still only a baby when it comes to being a front-rower in the NRL,” Sterling said of Fotuaika.
“He’s a wonderful talent.”
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