At the Storm, we've always had a high opinion of Friendy but he's unfortunately always had the incumbent Australian hooker in front of him at the club.
This year he was really given a chance to shine both during Origin and off the bench and he proved his worth over tenfold. People speak of the Bailey's and the Prince's to look forward to watching in 2007, but Nathan Friend will always be the quiet achiever who goes about his business unassuming and will hopefully reap the rewards (media wise) come 2007 at the Titans.
He's always been a tremendous tackler and passer of the ball, but if he can improve the running and kicking side of his game in 2007 then I believe that he could rise to the Top 2 or 3 hookers in the competition. As it stood this year anyway, I believe he could have started at Number 9 for most other clubs anyway.
All Storm supporters will miss the contribution that Friend gave to the club over the years and although I somewhat rue that Bellamy gave Cartwright a call to recommend Friend to the Titans for their inaugural year, it's an opportunity that Friend deserves to embrace and make the most of.
And i'm sure he will. Watch out for him in 2007.