By STEVE MASCORD
AUSTRALIAN Test warhorse Ray Price was once quoted as saving that “Steve Ella and Brett Kenny are the most naturally gifted players I’ve seen in my decade of first grade.”
It is, therefore, an enormous tribute to the officials at Central Park that in two short seasons, they will have had both the Parramatta superstars wearing the cherry and white of Wigan.
Last year, Brett Kenny blitzed all-comers in his first – and most probably last – season in British Rugby League, highlighted by his brilliant Lance Todd Trophy-winning Wembley performance.
And now, as the 1985-86 campaign gains momentum and the Australian season winds down, Wigan fans and officials alike are rubbing their hands with glee at the opportunity of seeing “the Zip-Zip Man” himself, Steve Ella, in action once again on British soil.
Indeed, no one is looking forward to the season more than Ella.
“English football is attacking football – and that’s what I’m best at. There’s a lot more room to move in England, which suits my style of play. I enjoy attack.
“And of course, Wembley’s a huge attraction to any player in the world. Naturally I’d love to play there,” he enthused.
Ella’s attributes as a footballer read like a R.F.L. textbook. He steps bewilderingly oft both feet, swerves precisely, and his anticipation, speed off the mark and kicking game are almost without peer.
English audiences were first introduced to his dazzling style during the all-conquering tour of the 1982 Kangaroos. During that series of games Ella amassed 21 tries, including four in the international against Wales and an amazing seven against Villeneuve, equalling a record set by the immortal Cec Blinkhorn 50 years earlier.
The 25-years-old cousin of Union stars Gary, Glen and Mark, Ella was probably the most sought after player of the close season.
“I had three offers – Oldham, Hull and Wigan. They were all about the same, but I chose Wigan because they’re the Challenge Cup holders and because Brett Kenny told me that there’s a good atmosphere there.”
Ella first joined Parramatta in 1977 from East Mount Prichard in the local juniors and persevered in the lower grade for two years.
Then, in 1979, he broke into the big time. After only four matches in Firsts, however, it all seemed-to be over. Ella tore both the medial and cruciate ligaments in his left knee and for a time it appeared he would never play again.
HARD WORK
But after 21 months of exhaustive hard work, Ella gamely returned and soon became one of the hottest properties in world Rugby League.
Last year, Ella did similar damage to his right knee and suffered the disappointment of being forced to leave the pitch only a few minutes into a Grand Final.
Yet, typically, he was one of the first players ‘on deck’ for the Eels this year, holding the tort at stand-off while team-mate Brett Kenny completed his British commitments.
The Sydney speedster is shaping up as the pearl of the season. He finished the Australian competition rounds as equal second highest try scorer on 14 and had a successful representative season, culminating in his selection in the first 13 for the third Test against New Zealand.
Ella knows all about waiting, so he his not the sort of fellow to pass up the opportunities that his present status in the game now afford him.
“I set goals every year and when I achieve those goals, I set new ones. England is part of that. At the moment I still want to win more Sydney Premierships with Parramatta … and play for Australia. I still want that.
“England, for me, is something different. It’ll be great for my family – they get to come overseas with me, we’re provided with a house and a car and I can do what I do best – play football.
It’ll be a great experience.
“I’d certainly consider going back if I enjoyed it,” said Ella.
BIGGEST DISADVANTAGE
The slick utility back has played every backline position for state and country. Indeed, it’s his versatility that has sometimes been his biggest disadvantage.
Representative selectors have all too often opted for the comfort of having a player on the bench w ho can fill in anywhere in the backline.
Judging by the amount of time he spends on the sidelines at rep games, it would appear that selectors see Ella as a jack of all trades, but master of none.
“I’m playing five-eighth!” he said with a tone of resolution in his voice. “I’m taking Brett’s place.
They’re big boots to fill, but don’t be surprised if, come Wembley time, Ella replaces Kenny not only on the team roster, but also in the Rugby League history books.
September 26, 1986
