Bobby Muth
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Rangey second rower Phillip Giordano and the athletic Bobby Muth, both from University of Delaware, have earned their first grade opportunities after five weeks of playing and training with DUR.
Phillip takes the place of the injured John Shelbourne, a former player with the Chicago Lions and 2006 DUR Athlete.
Shelbourne now lives in Sydney and comments that, "Phil will do great this weekend. It will be a good test for him. The standard of play that he can expect will be the equivalent to a Super League game so it will be a step up for him. He has a high work rate and an ability to break through tackles with his long fend, so I expect him to continue to be a dangerous out there."
DUR Director of Rugby Matthew Bowman is blown away by the progress Muth has made in Australia.
"When we first assessed Bobby he was very raw. He looked a good athlete but his skills and know-how were average at best,” said Bowman. “He is the most dedicated player we have had attend DUR, now in its third year.
“His hard work has paid off as he is now a polished footballer and deserves his chance in the top grade. Bobby has been developing his game at flyhalf but this weekend will take the field at fullback - a position that may suit him best long-term. I look forward to enjoying and analyzing his performance this weekend."
DUR has this year positioned all athletes with UNSW as it best suits the ability of the athlete group. The other DUR athletes will play 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade and 4th Grade this weekend.
UNSW has five men’s grade teams and one U-21 team and provides an environment for players to be placed in teams that suit their ability and give them the best chance to take their game to the next level.
It is possible that all DUR athletes could be pushing for 1st Grade spots by the end of the program.
