Neilson looks to storm into A grade
Daily Mercury
Dane Nielsen will walk away from the Cronulla Sharks despite making his first grade debut for the club in round 19 of this year's NRL premiership.But the boom three-quarter is set for greener pastures, striking a deal with premiership heavyweight Melbourne Storm.
"I'd like to stay at the Sharks but got a better offer and I needed a change," the 22-year-old said after three years with the Sutherland shire outfit."Although I finally got to play first grade this year it's time to move on and venture elsewhere," he added.
The Mackay Norths junior, who won a Mackay District Rugby League A grade premiership with Moranbah in 2004 and played Foley Shield with the Mackay Sea Eagles, has lofty ambitions with the Storm.He expects to be playing with feeder club Central Coast in the New South Wales Premier League but wants to make his mark in the big league.
"If I play any first grade I'll be happy but I'd like to see myself playing between five to 10 NRL games next season," he said."I know it's a high goal to set but you've got to set it that high to try and achieve it."To do that much training, you've got to picture something at the end of the road."
A major ambition was realised when he received a call-up to the Sharks A grade side in July, when the side battled to a 29-22 loss against Manly.
"When I made my debut it was unreal," he said. "To finally get a crack makes it worthwhile."
And Nielsen knows plenty more opportunities will come after a meeting with Storm coach Craig Bellamy sealed a two year deal with the defending champions.
"I felt a bit nervous meeting a bloke of his calibre but he's a down to earth bloke. We spoke for about an hour and a lot of it wasn't about football," the keen angler said."To crack the team will be pretty hard but you never know what happens in rugby league. A couple of injuries and a change in form and you can get your chance. You've just got to take it if you get it."
