Manly star turns to NBA legend after Achilles injury; Premiership winner inks new deal — NRL Daily

Sea Eagles behemoth Taniela Paseka has taken inspiration from NBA legend Kevin Durant as he continues to “find his feet” on the field a year after he ruptured his Achilles tendon.

Paseka, 28, suffered the catastrophic injury while playing against Canberra in round 3 last year, with Manly unable to fill the massive void he left in the middle.

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The rehab process was a long one but the signs are encouraging, with the prop forward averaging 123m per game in the opening two rounds of the season, three metres shy of his career best that he set in 2023.

It will still take a long time before Paseka returns to his best, but his speed off the mark and power through contact will come back as he regains full strength in his calf.

“It’s been good, I’m just finding my feet,” he said at a time when the game is getting faster.

“I think I’ve had three games now under my belt, including a trial, so I feel more than ready to be back to that level I left at and hopefully keep going.

“My calf obviously has lost a lot of strength in that, and I am right-footed, so I’ve lost a little bit of that push and explosiveness just on the right side.

“I think it takes maybe a year or two to get back, so if I can just get it back quicker, it would be good, but we shall see.”

Achilles injuries are one of the toughest to return from, with stars like Alex Johnston, Cam Murray and Jayden Brailey just a few of the players who have had to fight their way back.

But perhaps the best comparison for someone like Paseka, who stands at 1.97m tall, is NBA superstar Durant, who suffered an Achilles rupture in the 2019 finals.

Durant is 14cm taller than Paseka and was almost 31 when he got hurt, but he’s back to his best and recently became the fifth-highest scorer in league history.

“I actually searched up on YouTube because everyone was speaking about ‘KD’ and his return, and I just watched a little bit of his clips and how he did it,” Paseka said.

“I didn’t really look to anyone (else). I just had my partner with me, she was there, and that’s sort of who I leant on. And then all the trainers in here, the rehab trainers.”

The Sea Eagles need Paseka to be at his best on Thursday night against the Roosters as they look to win their first game of the season.

Manly’s pack has been criticised for lacking mobility, and their man mountain says the outside noise stings.

“Yeah, for sure,” he said.

“Obviously, it’s never good getting spoken about, but every week we have an opportunity to fix it.”–

- Martin Gabor (NCA NewsWire)

PREMIERSHIP WINNER LANDS NEW DEAL

Linked with multiple rival teams, Penrith Panthers back-rower has decided to extend with the club for a further two seasons, which will keep him there until at least the end of 2028.

A two-time premiership winner, Garner has been an integral part of the club’s roster since arriving at the foot of the mountains from the Wests Tigers.

“Luke has been an outstanding addition to the Panthers since arriving in 2023 and we’re excited to have him commit to the club for a further two seasons,” Panthers GM of Football Shane Elford said.

“He is a true professional who prepares diligently and consistently delivers for the team. His work ethic, versatility and team-first attitude are highly valued within our group.”

Able to play in the forwards or in the centre, Garner, who has racked up 130 appearances in first grade has built his reputation based on consistency and hard-work.

“Luke is not only a high-quality footballer, but a terrific person who represents our club with integrity,” CEO Matt Cameron said.

“He is someone who genuinely invests in the community, whether that’s through charity work or engaging with our fans, and he consistently gives his time to make a positive difference.

“We’re proud to have him at Panthers and pleased he’ll continue to be part of our organisation for the next two seasons.”

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