Wests Tigers will unveil one of the brightest young talents in the NRL this weekend, with teenage hooker Tallyn Da Silva set to make his first grade debut against the Melbourne Storm.
The 18-year-old is only a year removed from playing for the Magpies in the Harold Matthews U17 competition, helping them to a grand final victory, but now finds himself up against an NRL powerhouse on Saturday night.
Da Silva was only promoted from SG Ball to Jersey Flegg early this season, before making the jump to playing against grown men in NSW Cup a number of weeks ago.
His rise to the top grade has come swiftly, but there has been no hesitation from the Tigers in promoting their youth under the guidance of Tim Sheens and Benji Marshall.
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Who is Tallyn Da Silva?
Da Silva is a talented hooker from the Wests Tigers, who has shot through the lower grades at a rapid rate.
Still only 18 years of age, Da Silva grew up in the Campbelltown area and even filled in for his local A Grade side East Campbelltown Eagles alongside his father John last year.
In an interview with the club's website, Da Silva admitted he was surprised to receive the call-up to first grade, but is ready to take the opportunity with both hands.
“No way did I think I would play NRL this year, no way did I think it would happen so quickly... I thought maybe next year I might, or even in 2025, but not this year," he said.
“I grew up as a kid wanting this so much, and now here it is, about to happen. It makes me feel really grateful for the opportunity this club has given me.
“I noticed a big difference in the speed of the game and the size of the bodies as I went from team to team.
“From Ball to Flegg, and then Flegg to Cup, I was suddenly playing against grown men who tried to target me, but I handled it ok.”
Da Silva will come off the bench against the Storm, with regular back-up Jake Simpkin promoted to the starting side in the absence of NSW Origin star Api Koroisau.
Tim Sheens praises Tallyn Da Silva ahead of NRL debut
One man who has been known to blood young talent he sees a future in is Sheens, who allowed the likes of the aforementioned Marshall and Chris Lawrence to thrive at a very young age.
Speaking to the media on Friday, Sheens admitted Da Silva had a likeness to a young Robbie Farah, but doesn't want to add any pressure onto the young gun ahead of his milestone game.
“It’s been a rise… he’s played all of those [grades] in the first part of the season – that is a classic pathways rise," Sheens said.
"He’s an interchange, he’s not starting, and we will put him into the game at a time when we think it’s suitable. He’s got some talent, he will worry them around the ruck, but we’re not expecting him to do anything but his job.
“Robbie would like to tell you he reminds me of him, and he does. He’s got leg speed and he’s a competitor and a football player.
"We’re not expecting the world, just for him to do his job, and with Api out for a number of weeks now this is a good chance. It’s nice to get him in for our last game at Campbelltown this year.
"His family, they will fill the hill – he is a popular kid down here. He actually played last year with his father down here in the A Grade competition, not many kids can say they played with their dad.
"I don’t want to put the focus on him, he’s in the 17 and will get some limited minutes.
"It’s handy against a big pack like Melbourne – you know they are going to work your nines over, so it’s good to have two nines… I think it’s important."
