Canberra’s four-try hero Brenko Lee admits he cried when telling coach Ricky Stuart earlier this month that he would be taking up a contract with Canterbury next season.
Stuart was responsible for promoting Lee into the NRL squad when he first returned to the nation’s capital as coach in 2014, but has only just begun to reap the rewards for the development.
In his third game deputising for injured cousin Edrick Lee, Brenko bagged four tries in the Raiders’ 28-18 win over Parramatta on Sunday to help secure a top-four berth.
Lee said he was simply happy to be considered for selection after struggling to come to grips that he would be leaving the club that brought him down from Brisbane as a teenager.
“I come here when I was 16 but I started training grade when ‘Sticky’ (Stuart) came in,” Lee told AAP.
“He’s helped me become a better player, always telling me to focus on the little things and work to get the errors out of my game at training.
“When I first told him I was a bit teary because I know I wanted to be a one-club man under him. But to get an opportunity to play my preferred position and to further my game is one for my family.”
The 20-year-old conceded he is playing on borrowed time, with Edrick understood to be closing in on a return from a calf injury, possibly as soon as next week’s clash with Manly.
But instead of kicking stones, Brenko is intent on doing his best for the team as they seek to become the first Raiders team to lift the premiership trophy in over 20 years.
“It’d be good to leave here with a premiership, or being part of a premiership squad,” he said.
“I don’t know when Eddy’s back or when I’ll get told I’ll be sitting out. But I just have to be ready and confident for each chance I get to play.”
The Barry
Roar Guru
Great response Geoff. It's nice to see someone wishing a departing player the best instead of the usual mercenary calls that get thrown around.
Geoff from Bruce Stadium
Guest
Brenko has played a few solid games for the Raiders. He just needs to get rid of his occasional error to solidify a spot in first grade. Unfortunately he is behind his cousin Eddie in the pecking order in the backs at the Raiders. But when he's filled in he's done a good job. Brenko came down to the Raiders as a youngster and fought against homesickness unlike mummy's boy Milford. He was almost on the plane back to Brisbane but Eddie talked him into staying. Wish him all the best at the Dogs. Who knows he could be back in lime green in the future. He certainly hasn't burned any bridges here in Canberra.
Alex L
Roar Rookie
Very much so, I would think he was buying Croker celebratory beers.
Armchair expert
Guest
Good luck to Brenko, but really Croker layed on a catwalk for him.
The Barry
Roar Guru
I hadn't heard that Brenko was coming to the Dogs. Great news. He's a great talent. He was outstanding in his debut year in 2014 (I think) but faded a bit last year with injury and looked a bit overweight and slower when he did play. Looks like he's rediscovered his form.
Dogs Of War
Roar Guru
Can't wait. Brenko Lee and Jamal Idris together on the right side. Really we just short an amazing fullback, and someone to direct the team. Please come here Foran.