Dare to Jahream: Naden predicts big Bula things amid Laurie return

Injured Wests Tigers centre Brent Naden believes the club’s latest rookie Jahream Bula has a long NRL career ahead of him but backed close mate Daine Laurie to bounce back from losing the fullback spot.

Bula is the latest debutant called in by coach Tim Sheens to try and help solve the club’s No.1 woes after the likes of Laurie, Charlie Staines and Adam Doueihi all tried but struggled to make an impact at fullback in the opening six rounds.

The Runaway Bay product will get his chance at Campbelltown Sports Stadium on Sunday against a Manly side coming off an impressive win over the Storm. 

It comes at the end of a huge week for the 21-year-old who was promoted to the Tigers' Top 30 squad on Thursday and signed a contract extension through to the end of 2025.

Naden, who is targeting a return from a shoulder injury next week against Penrith, said Bula had impressed him over the pre-season after joining Wests Tigers in 2022.

“He’s fast, fit and strong. I think he’s deserving of this debut. He’s very diligent with his recovery – he’s always in the ice baths, saunas and doing his extras,” Naden said.

I see him having a good and long career in the NRL if he stays injury-free.

“He’s just got to go out and play his game. I think a lot of players would be nervous before their first NRL game but he’s got to remember what he did to get there and play his natural game.

“I’m a bit frustrated I couldn’t make it back for this game and play alongside him.”

The inclusion of Bula casts doubt over the immediate future of Laurie in the starting side, who has been named on the bench and is likely to play a utility role.

Laurie has endured a mixed start to 2023, starting the season at fullback before being dropped to reserve grade by Sheens and picking up a knee injury.

The former Panther also came under fire off-field earlier this month for ‘liking’ an Instagram post of Selwyn Cobbo scoring a try against the Wests Tigers in Round 5.

“Daine was in All Stars camp with Selwyn and is good mates with him,” Naden explained.

“It might’ve been against the Tigers but I got a bit frustrated at that for him. None of the boys were upset about it. They understood he was just liking something his mate did.

“He’s had a tough start to the season but he’s good, he’s always upbeat and brings the energy to training every day. He’s got an infectious laugh and gets a crack again this week.

“I don’t know where he’ll play but he’s worth his weight in gold, he’ll try anywhere and he’ll give 100%.

“He’s got a fair bit of fire in the belly… a bit of a point to prove.”

Naden made no secret the side was desperate for a victory after starting the year 0-6 and said the bye week allowed for everyone to reset physically and mentally.

“The vibe hasn’t changed since pre-season,” he said.

“It’s been a rough start to the year but there’s no point kicking stones about it. We’re the only ones who can change it and we truly believe we can turn our season around.

“We do have good football in us but it’s about putting two halves together. You can’t play good for one and not the other.”