Sunshine Coast’s Trent Loiero has made the most of a call-up to the Melbourne Storm, with a barnstorming display on his home turf.
The 20-year-old was a late replacement for Tom Eisunhuth (concussion) and he notched 80 minutes in a 20-14 win over the Titans at Sunshine Coast Stadium.
He scored an eye-catching try, brushing aside Brian Kelly, and made a game-high 49 tackles, in front of 7630 spectators.
It was just his third NRL appearance, after coming off the bench twice last year.
Loiero was praised by experienced team-mate Dale Finacune.
“It was the first time he’s started and he was playing in the back row, so I thought he did really well for us,” Finacune said.
“And he got a try in front of his home crowd, so I’m really exited for him and for his family to be able to celebrate that with him.
“I thought he was really strong for us and hopefully that’s a sign of things to come.”
Loiero said last week he hoped to get some game time during winter, when some of the Storm’s best players are on representative duty for the State of Origin series.
“If I do get the opportunity to play more, then I’ll take it with both hands and try and do my best,” he said.
Loiero said he was inspired by fellow Sunshine Coaster Reed Mahoney, who is on the verge of Queensland selection.
Both men came through the ranks of Kawana Rugby League Club.
“I watched Reedy when I was younger,” Loiero said.
“He played with my brother, and I think he took my brother’s position one year.
“I look up to Reedy. I’ve watched him come through, and you can see there is a clear pathway (to State of Origin) from the Sunny Coast.
“Hopefully, one day maybe I’ll get to do that.”
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Loiero said he’s been working hard at training and is determined to be more physical in games.
“I’ve narrowed my focus to try to do the little things right,” he said.
“Melbourne Storm really value the little things.
“(But) probably the biggest thing (I’ve worked on) is my size and the physical side of things.
“That’s still my main focus, to get bigger and stronger. There’s still a lot to work on.”
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The Storm’s encounter with the Titans was relocated to the Sunshine Coast after there was a spike in COVID-19 cases in Melbourne.
The Storm are familiar with Sunshine Coast Stadium, after playing there several times last year.
