Luckless back Jacob Loko is the man who can solve Canterbury’s fullback conundrum according to Terry Lamb, with the Bulldogs great comparing him to a young Sonny Bill Williams.
The former Parramatta Eel has begun training with this year’s NRL grand finalists after four years of setbacks due to a series of knee injuries and complications.
When he debuted for the Eels in 2011, good judges ear-marked him a possible future representative player and he was part of the Blues’ emerging squad.
But injury restricted him to just 23 NRL appearances since then.
After being off-loaded to the Dogs in the middle of this year to ease pressure on the Eels’ salary cap, he has made a strong impression on Belmore officials, including club ambassador Lamb.
The Bulldogs have been searching for a longterm fullback since the departure of Ben Barba.
Sam Perrett acquitted himself admirably during the side’s run to the 2014 decider and is in the running for the role next year along with Loko and Brett Morris, who has been recruited from St George Illawarra to join brother Josh in the backline.
Loko, 22, has had miserable luck with injury in his young career, not just undergoing two knee reconstructions but twice suffering staph infections.
He has not played since round 13 2013 but Lamb said he was in awe of the youngster after watching him during pre-season training.
“He’s got the body of Sonny Bill, seriously,” said Lamb at the Jack Newton Celebrity Classic golf tournament in NSW’s Hunter Valley.
“I went into the gym and I looked at him. I saw Sonny when he first came through and I saw how his body was. Jacob has a very, very similar body.
“Almost the same height and everything.”
Loko is in pre-season training with the Bulldogs and is running but is yet to do full contact work.
It is not known if he will be ready for the 2015 trials with coach Des Hasler unlikely to make that call until the New Year.
Lamb’s advice to Loko was to aim to make slow but steady progress in 2015, including spending time in NSW Cup, but said he had the potential to be the best player in the squad with a few seasons under his belt.
He said Loko was his pick to wear the No.1 jersey next year and he would partner Brett Morris with his brother in the outside backs, having played together there at representative level.
“Everyone’s saying (Morris) should be fullback but I think he should be on the wing,” Lamb said.
“You don’t break (their combination) up. If it doesn’t work, it doesn’t work.”
casper
Guest
Loko by name and nature, how drunk can you get behind the wheel. it's a wonder he could open the car door. Is this a case for going back from keyless car entry so the drunks have to find the keyhole? maybe that would have saved him. It might have been funny if he hadn't put other innocent road users at risk. another wasted talent who will be excused for a 'misdemeanour' if he starts to show form on the training track & the bulldogs need a fullback or centre.
Jerry
Guest
In hindsight, this is amusing. Drunken bum.
The Barry
Roar Guru
Even the greatest player of all time gets it wrong sometimes...
Dallas
Guest
Lock is a just a third front rower these days and needs to be one of if not the fittest player in the team. Eg corey parker, paul gallen and ash harrison. Loko biggest weakness would be his fitness IMO. His best position is obviously in the centres, and he would make a good edge runner if he can handlle the work load that is required. But no way would he make a good fullback, what is terry lamb thinking? From what ive seen of loko he doesnt have the endurance, involvement and awareness to make it as a fullback. But if he stays injury free for a couple of seasons he has the ability to become a very good centre or 2nd rower. Good luck to him, he is one player i would like to see stay injury free and reach his potential, he is a monster.
Parrafan
Guest
Dogs I was a big fan of Loko coming through Parramatta. He definitely has talent in the truck loads. However, the constant knee injuries are quite a concern. As was his poor attitude coming back from his most recent knee injury. Fullbacks need to have a lot of lateral movement and be quick and evasive. To be honest after so many knee injuries I can't agree Terry Lamb. In my opinion Loko's best spot would be playing at lock if he can add some more bulk as he has a good pass and runs very hard.
The eye
Guest
Remember 2 seasons back Broncos/Eels game.Loko took on Hodges in the centres and absolutely owned him with power and speed..if he was going out of the centres you'd think it would be into the backrow,particularly if he's morphed into Sonnys stature..wish him well,could be anything..
maximillian
Guest
Fair call. I would normally consider 600K for a winger ludicrous money even if it is arguably for the games best in B Moz.You'd have to think they picked up Loko for minimal money given his injuries but if he has any ball playing ability to match his undoubted size he could be a good pickup for fullback.
MAX
Guest
Des and his team have done wonders with players who have had their careers interrupted by serious injury. Jacob Loko impressed as a blackbooker when on the paddock and I wish him well. A courageous and confident Sam Perrett will only go better at F/B with the Morris brothers either side.
Dogs Of War
Roar Guru
It's not like SBW left the Dogs at 16. It was much later, so a decent comparison can be made.
Dogs Of War
Roar Guru
I think it's 600K but with the Dragons paying something of that for the next year. Either way, having seen Brett play Fullback at the Dragons, he is only a slight upgrade on Perrett. I have no problem with the Dogs trying others at the back first, with Brett as the fallback option.
maximillian
Guest
How much did the Dogs pay for B Moz? You wouldnt fork out a lot of money to play the guy on the wing so if they offered him anything over 450K Id expect to see him at FB.
JayBob
Guest
Difference being SBW was 16 years old, Loko is 22. SBW has grown a lot since then.
Dogs Of War
Roar Guru
But he is the man to talk to about learning how to be a great support player.
E-Meter
Guest
That's why Terry Lamb is not a coach in the NRL.
Dogs Of War
Roar Guru
Love to see Loko at the back. Great having a Fullback with a bit of size about them.