Gebbie ready for NRL

By PARKER TAMBUA
PAPUA New Guinea Kumuls speedster and Wests Tigers recruit Edene Gebbie will be available for selections after round 10 of the National Rugby League (NRL) season.
Tigers chief executive Justin Pascoe told The National yesterday that the 25-year-old had undergone knee surgery after he arrived at the club last month.
He said the Koiari native’s chances of debuting in the NRL this year would depend on his New South Wales Cup performances.
“Edene has been training with our NRL team,” Pascoe said.
“On his arrival where it was our first opportunity to do a medical review of Edene, we found a slight issue in his knee.
“As a result, he had a small operation to clean out his knee.
“He has been recovering from his operation and fitting in well with the team.” Pascoe said the focus of Gebbie’s training for the past month had been physical rehab and he was also getting to know everyone around the club.
“He always has a big smile on his face,” he said.
“Edene’s contract is a train-and-trial deal which allows him to be selected after round 10, should we require.
“His chances this year would depend on his form in the reserve grade in which he should be back playing within the next two weeks.”
Pascoe said their outside backs in previous seasons had lacked speed.
“Edene is a live wire,” he said.
“Our recruitment team identified speed as a factor missing from our squad and Edene has plenty of that.”
“Hopefully, he gives his best in the reserve grade and anything is possible.”