Dyldam Parramatta Eels forward Pauli Pauli made his return from a knee injury this week as he led the Wentworthville Magpies to their second win of the NSW Cup season, defeating the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 25-18 on Saturday afternoon at Pirtek Stadium
“It felt really good,” Pauli said of returning to the field.
“Good to be back with the boys and get a run with the young fellas as well,” he added.
The Magpies put early points on the board through tries to Zack Dockar-Clay and Lionel O’Mally along with Jarrod McInally and Fabian Goodall who scored doubles.
“It was good to see one of the bigger boys score tries too!” Pauli said of Goodall’s double.
Pauli played his first game since he was injured while playing for the Magpies in Round One, and the he earned a Man of the Match performance from his strong outing, as he prepares to make his return to first grade.
“It just took a bit longer to warm up in the beginning, as you see I done my leg in the beginning, but as soon as I started warming up I started getting better,” Pauli said.
The Magpies forwards dominated for most of the game, with Richie Fa’aoso and Pauli leading the team up the field, creating room for the backs to find the line.
“Credit to the forwards, not only the forwards but the backs as well, catching the balls out the back as well so it was a team effort,” Pauli said.
Beau Henry sealed the win for the Magpies with a field goal with two minutes remaining, taking the lead out to more than a converted try.
Wentworthville will now look to prepare for their next game against the Newcastle Knights on Sunday at Hunter Stadium.
