Hurricanes pivot Marty Banks might not have the superstar status of his Blues opposite Benji Marshall just yet, but he produced a standout performance for the Hurricanes in their 38-35 pre-season win in Masterton on Saturday.
In the build-up to the match, all the focus was on Marshall playing his first game of rugby union since switching from NRL side West Tigers.
But it was Banks who made the early impact as he set up Chris Smylie’s opening try in the sixth minute with a break down the blindside, then he sprinted 70 metres for his own try just minutes later as the Hurricanes made a blistering start to lead 19-0 by the end of the first quarter.
Banks, who was signed after a stellar ITM Cup campaign with Tasman, looked comfortable directing play in his first start at this level and he showed plenty of mettle on defence too.
When he sat out the third quarter, the Hurricanes faltered to be trailing 35-24 heading into the final spell. But his return sparked the turnaround and tries to Hadleigh Parkes and James Broadhurst sealed the win.
“I thought Marty was confident and composed. Sometimes you get guys like that who come along and nothing seems to rock them,” said Hurricanes coach Mark Hammett.
“Beauden (Barrett) was a bit like that. (Andrew) Mehrtens in the early days was similar. They don’t seem to get too stressed. I thought Marty’s defence in general – that was a highlight for me.”
Banks, who struck up a friendship with Marshall at the Super Rugby launch, certainly seemed to take the whole experience of playing against the league star in his stride.
“I won’t lie. I was a little bit nervous about marking him but it was exciting at the same time,” said the 24-year-old.
“He had the odd word to say to me during the game. I don’t think he stepped me so I don’t have to go down in his highlight reel at the moment.”