I’ve have been lucky enough to head on down to a few of pre-season training sessions with the Reds! Seeing the teams talent, hard work and perseverance has given me lots to look forward to, come the first match against the Hurricanes.
Before the very close trial game between the Reds and the Waratahs last Saturday, I was able to catch up with Isaac Henry and pick his brains about his experience with rugby and the Reds.
Hey Isaac, thanks for taking the time to chat today!
Q: Congrats on the Massive win against the force over the weekend (4/2/23). How is the team feeling after the trial round?
A: Yeah the team is good! You know it was a great one over in Perth against the Force. It was pretty hot conditions at 38 degrees, I think all of the boys got to test their lungs out in the minutes they played. It was a good hit out and it was sort of a stepping stone for us to launch into this year and hopefully we can give a good crack in 2023!
Q: What’s your headspace heading into this weekends (11/2/23) trial game against the Waratahs?
A: Its another trial, so I think all of the boys are just keen to be back playing some footy. The Tahs have won the last two trials for the santos festival so hopefully we can get one back against them. All of the boys are super pumped and excited for this weekend against the Tahs.
Q: What has been some of your favourite experiences this far with the reds?
A:Probably my debut in Dunedin against the Highlanders, it was pretty cool. I’d never actually been to New Zealand before then, so to do the two legs on the plane and get 10 minutes off the bench, that was pretty special.
Also my starting debut against the Chiefs back in 2021 was awesome. Those two are probably my highlights.
Q: What are some of your goals for this season with the reds?
A: The first one is to hopefully play as many minutes as I can. Last year I was sort of hit with a few injury’s so that was pretty disappointing and unlucky. So this year I’m looking to get as much game time as I can. I’m also really looking forward to hopefully getting many more wins with the Reds and making this State as successful as we can.
Q: Your home club is Wests, what are some of your favourite things about playing for this club?
A: Honestly it’s probably the people, Wests has such a great culture, very inclusive and we’ve got blokes from all over that are happy to put on the doggy’s jersey
Coming out of school, I went to UQ and met some pretty good mates there. I ended up transitioning from there to wests and haven’t really looked back. I have had a really good time there and have loved every minute I’ve got to play with Wests. I love Wests, it’s a great culture and a great club.
Q: What were some of your rugby influences growing up?
A: I’d say as a young fullah, I used to play a lot of flyhalf, playing 10, so I looked up to Matt Giteau and a lot of Dan Carter even though he is a kiwi. As I got older, I really enjoyed watching Sonny Bill play as well as Samu Kerevi.
Q: Have you got any tips or advice for some young and upcoming players?
A: Just to stick with it. Rugby is a very short term thing. I think as long as you have got the enjoyment and you are willing to put in the work, I think you just have to stick with it. There is going to be injury’s along the way, but if you love something enough and you are willing to put your heart and soul into it, I think you’re going to go places.
Q: What are some of things you love to do in your down time?
A: Funnily enough, I’ve gotten into golf in my down time over the last couple of years. So 2020 when Covid hit and we weren’t allowed to do anything, I picked up golf with my dad. I just loved it and it was such a good mental break. I love getting outside and hitting a few balls.
Q: What is your favourite post-training meal?
A: I love an eye fillet steak, it’s probably one of my favourites - even a lasagne! That’s a great question. I’m a bit of a foodie, so if we were to really get into it, I’d probably have a few different suggestions. I’d definitely go for a steak though.
Thanks again for chatting today Isaac, all the best with this season and I’m looking forward to seeing you play!
How good, thanks Tom it was a good chat. Happy to jump on board and hopefully the Reds have a good year this year. I’m really looking forward to playing, great talking to you Tom.
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