How Newcastle wrecking-balls Greg Marzhew and Bradman Greatest cast rugby league’s latest brotherhood of destruction

On the floor, Knights duo Greg Marzhew and Bradman Greatest do not appear to have a complete lot in frequent past an affinity for leaving carnage behind them as they trample over defenders.

Greatest was a toddler prodigy of a junior footballer, the form of participant whose ascension to first grade was not simply anticipated however awaited. He entered the NRL at 18, grabbed a attempt on debut and appeared like he’d all the time belonged.

Marzhew was a later bloomer who spent 5 years in his teenagers competing internationally as a hip hop dancer earlier than specializing in rugby league. He bounced between a couple of completely different golf equipment en route to creating his NRL debut at 24.

Greatest is from Woy Woy on the New South Wales Central Coast, so Newcastle, the town and the staff, have all the time been part of his life. 

Marzhew, by his personal admission, did not know something in regards to the Hunter till he arrived on the town for this season as a part of a commerce with Gold Coast.

However now, with the Knights using a nine-match successful streak and gearing up for his or her first house closing in virtually twenty years, Greatest and Marzhew are enjoying like they have been all the time meant to seek out each other, sharing a expertise for brute-force working that leaves defenders battered and bruised, and followers clapping like seals.

The duo have but to fulfill a rugby league drawback this 12 months they could not remedy by working laborious, combining for 33 tries, 36 line breaks and 224 sort out busts this season.

With Marzhew inking a contract extension that can preserve him within the Hunter till the top of 2026, their brotherhood of destruction is simply getting began.

The brand new deal was a reward that is been a very long time coming for Marzhew, following stints within the decrease grades on the Titans and Eels

“It was powerful at occasions, particularly with COVID after I could not play reserve grade and present what I had,” Marzhew mentioned.

“I needed to stick it out and I do know coaches noticed potential in me, that is why they stored me round, however as soon as I had my daughter it kicked into gear.

“This woman hasn’t seen me play footy and I would like her to see that daddy can play. I wanted that additional push however I would not have it every other manner, I discovered my classes on the best way and I discovered to be affected person, I discovered that if I get dropped there is a motive. It is a type of issues that needed to occur.”

Carrying the ball has all the time been straightforward for Marzhew – he is the form of man who has muscle tissue in locations most individuals do not and he usually bench presses north of 200 kilos within the Knights fitness center.

That power and energy has all the time translated effectively with ball in hand. Again in 2017, Marzhew made the Below 20s staff of the 12 months after scoring 17 tries, working for over 4,000 metres and breaking 206 tackles in simply 19 video games. And whereas he continued placing up related numbers in reserve grade, defence by no means got here as naturally for the 26-year previous.

That is one thing that has helped enhance his mixture with Greatest, who had additionally come below hearth for his defensive play prior to now.

“He compliments my recreation huge time, particularly defensively. We have each copped a little bit of criticism on our defence and we’re attempting to point out the individuals critiquing us that we will play footy, we wish to show all of them unsuitable,” Marzhew mentioned.

“He does all of the work anyway, I simply catch the ball and put it down.

“He is a larrikin, when you get to know him he’ll inform jokes for days. He is like a brother to me, it is fairly cracker.”

Greatest himself has been within the type of his younger life since starring on debut for New South Wales in State of Origin III.

The 22-year previous’s choice was thought-about a bet by some however Greatest rose to the event in tremendous fashion, scoring two tries in a romping Blues win and he is taken that type again to Newcastle the place he is been the league’s in-form centre through the Knights current successful streak.

“It boosted my confidence and self-belief, enjoying in that area with such high-calibre gamers. It reveals I do belong there, that I am made for any problem.

“I needed to come back again and convey that confidence to the boys and we’re exhibiting that we’re able to something.

“We have got a mad chemistry, we love being collectively. Greggy deserves all the pieces he is getting and he is a beast, I like enjoying with him. He is a personality as effectively, I am simply glad I haven’t got to defend him.”