Former Waikato and King Country rugby player Valynce Te Whare has announced himself as a future NRL star, after an eye-catching debut.
Te Whare, who only started playing rugby league a year ago, scored two tries in his first game for the Dolphins in their 36-16 win over Cronulla Sharks.
The 120kg centre shrugged off three tackles, including Kiwis winger Ronaldo Mulitalo, to crash over for his first put down and send the commentators into a frenzy.
He also showed a good turn of pace to score his second in the corner, with comparisons to rugby league legend Mal Meniga ramping up.
Te Whare, 22, had to wait 10 weeks to make his NRL debut in the competition's Magic Round, after starring in the Queensland Cup.
Just less than two years ago, he was playing for King Country, before being signed by the Dolphins in December 2021.
Teammate Felise Kaufusi believes the performance is just the beginning for the New Zealand-born star.
"You have just seen a glimpse of his potential," he said post-match. "He is so big, so powerful and so fast for his size. He scored two tonight.
"I guess that is a credit to our recruitment who saw some potential in him. I'm just happy for him to get a start in the NRL."
