‘Mr Reliable’ in the Sharks 17, Jayson Bukuya ran out for the Sharks on 25 occasions this season, and very rarely put a foot wrong in his work.
Most often used as an impact player of the bench, Bukuya was also asked at times to fill the void in the side’s starting backrow, never looking out of place went doing so.
Bukuya played his 100th game for the Sharks in the side’s Round 21 match with the Titans on the Gold Coast.
Bukuya also put pen to paper on a contract extension mid-season to see him remain at the Club until at least the end of the 2018 season.
Take Notice:
Only a brave man would question the hunger or drive of Jayson Bukuya, who’s will to win rivals the very best across the League.
In the Sharks Round 2 clash with the Dragons at Southern Cross Group Stadium, Bukuya’s desire was on show when crossing for an athletic try in the game’s second period.
Up by plenty and the result all-but beyond doubt, Bukuya’s effort remained as high as ever as he trailed through a grubbing kick to dive, and to score his first of the season.
Magic Moment:
Though not a moment that will make highlight reels, a play which typified Bukuya’s season was that of a carry in the Sharks Preliminary Final win over the Cowboys.
Faced with bigger bodies in front of him, Bukuya returned serve from a Cowboys goal line drop out to carry James Tamou, Matt Scott and a third defender for the better part of 15 metres.
His Words:
Speaking with Sharks TV after signing on for another two seasons, Bukuya sang the praises of the Club that would go on to be crowned the League’s best some two months later.
“I didn’t want to leave the Club if I didn’t have to … I learned a lot going over to Auckland, and what I sort of took for granted in the people I had around me here at the Sharks.
“These people have played a massive part in my life, more so than what I’d probably realised at the time. I was happy to get back here, and I’m even happier to be here for at least another 2 years.”
Year in Review: Jayson Bukuya
Games played 2016 - 25
Tries: 4
Offloads: 13
Average tackles: 24
Tackle breaks: 34
Statistics courtesy Big League Magazine and FoxSports.com.au
