To be a good halfback, you need good timing – and to get a chance to make it in the NRL, you need some good luck.
While he plays like he has it on his side as he surveys his options on the field; off the field - Todd Murphy is at time's mercy.
However, they say patience is a virtue and he would be hoping the effort he has put into biding his time as he works towards an NRL debut will soon be rewarded.
A versatile player who can also fill in at five-eighth and hooker; he was again named as a reserve on the Broncos bench in Team List Tuesday earlier this week.
On Monday however, as he trained with the team in the dummy half position; it seemed his moment to step up and answer the call for the injury-hit Broncos was destined to become a reality for tonight’s game against the Bulldogs.
But the remarkable healing ability of Andrew McCullough – while welcomed by all at the club, including Murphy – has forced him to again play the waiting game.
Rugby league fans can watch him in action this Saturday afternoon at he guides the Norths Devils around the park in their 1.10pm Channel 9 QLD match against the Mackay Cutters.
He was at his controlled best last weekend as he guided the Devils to a tense 18-16 win over the Easts Tigers in Round 8 of the Intrust Super Cup.
Before the game, his coach Rohan Smith described him as a player with “quality footy instincts”, praising his long and short kicking game and his “calm and composed head”.
That kicking game came to the fore in the win as he put in a perfect kick for Herbie Farnworth to score in the 20th minute. He also landed a sideline conversion for the two points that would ultimately prove the difference at fulltime.
That composed head was evident in the 76th minute when he held up the ball and delivered the last pass for Sam Tagataese to score the match winner.
Former coach Mark Gliddon described the Caloundra Sharks junior as one of the best organising halves he has ever coached – but also praised his toughness.
“He’s very tough,” Gliddon said.
“He’s a confident defender. He is used to defending on an edge and having to make decisions.
“(But) if he plays 9, he won’t have to make decisions because the players will just be coming at him.
“(For a NRL team) he would be very good as a number 14, and he can play 6,7 or 9.”
Murphy, who played for Queensland Residents in 2014, is noted as being a fierce competitor who would make the most of his opportunity – whenever that might come.
“A key attribute (to his play) is competitiveness. He doesn't like losing,” Gliddon said.
“He demands the best out of the players around him. Expects them to be just as competitive.”
For the man himself, the key is to stay focus and prepared for when his chance may come.
“It is a goal (of mine) to play first grade,” Murphy said.
“I have been in (the Broncos) system since 2016 … I know the players and the system and my role in the team.
“I just want to play, Wayne is the coach and I'll play wherever he wants me too. I'll do whatever is best for the team.
“Preparation is the vital thing; and being prepared if the opportunity comes along.”
*The Norths Devils will host the Mackay Cutters in this Saturday's Channel 9 (QLD) TV game.
