An Epic Conversation with Wallabies and Reds Legend Mark Loane

Recently, I was lucky enough to catch up with the great Mark Loane. For anyone that had anything to do with Queensland and Australian Rugby in the 70s and 80s, the man known now as Doctor Mark Loane will need no introduction. A legendary player both on and off the field, Mark was captain of a world beating Wallaby side, before retiring and pursuing his second “calling” as an ophthalmologist, an occupation which keeps him exceedingly busy. At the age of 63 and still in the prime of his second career, Mark still loves talking about rugby, even if he is unable to watch every game closely. While we chatted, he shared some highlights from his days playing for Queensland at Ballymore and the professional era of today.

Hello Mark, thank you for making some time for me, it's taken a while and you've been really generous.

Well thanks Tom, I feel badly about that.

I love being a Reds supporter, and watching games at Ballymore, do you get out there very much these days?

Well I don’t get out to Ballymore very much, the games are at the stadium [Suncorp] mostly aren’t they? Well, I enjoyed when it was at Ballymore. And I can remember the almost village-like atmosphere out there. The crowd was very close, so it was a very intimate thing playing there. It was only 10 or 15 meters to the crowd. After the game was finished, everyone milled around downstairs, having light drinks and food and whatever. Frequently there was a whole section of people eating barbeques and eating out of the back of their cars.

It was very much a community like atmosphere back in the 70s at Ballymore. We hadn’t done very well prior to that, and we were on the way up, in terms of provincial rugby.

It was a close-knit community at all levels, the supporters, the players, the dynamics of the whole thing. It was always very pleasant, you felt like you were playing for your village. As the French say, you played to the sound of the bell - the village bells. People’s loyalty existed out to the distance that you heard the bell. So you’d play to the village bell.

What's your most memorable game playing for Queensland?

It must have been around about 1976, it was beating New South Wales 42-4. I’d been reared with this idea that as a Queensland player you had to be twice as good, because the selectors at national level were always against you. I remember going out to see games when I was at University where Queensland had lost by 10, 20, 30, 40 points, and that was expected. We started to turn that around.

I can remember Geoff Shaw, the NSW captain at the time, great friend of mine. He said “this is going to be a cricket score.” It was 4-nil to New South Wales. And that was the end of it. We scored 42 points, to 4. The last two tries were scored from about 35-40 yards out. And when we scored the second one, the crowd kept calling “UP! UP! For the up and under!” It was almost like 100 years of NSW winning was expunged in that one afternoon. You’ll have to get the replay out Tom.

You are referred to as one of the great players, and captains, for Queensland, and the Wallabies, when did you officially stop playing rugby? [6:46]

I finished in 1982. There’s very few things you get right in life in terms of timing. I don’t know if you’ve ever seen Maxwell Smart in “Get Smart” [the TV programme], and the doors are closing behind him. I’ve always imagined that life is like that, I call it the Maxwell Smart doors. If you just get it wrong, every door is closed in front of you. And that was one door I got correct. I retired in 82, and I was 28 years of age. I had another year or two in me, but I had enough, I had energy left and I knew I needed to convert that to the next phase of life.

At that stage, I was playing for University, Queensland and Australia and then stopped cold turkey. Gave my boots away, gave any balls I had away, started studying in ’83. That year I had to do this very difficult exam called the first part of ophthalmology which I actually did quite well in. [Points to a certificate in the foyer next to where were sitting]. There it is there, on the far right. I stopped rugby, did the exam, and was fortunate enough to top the country. So ‘82. It was a good time to retire. 

Do you have any great Rugby memories that happened away from the field that you could share?

Yeah, I think there were always interesting things to do. I can remember we played Ireland in, I think, 1982, and we beat them. There was always this idea that rugby touring was about much more than just playing games.

I remember having breakfast on the Sunday after the test match with Greg Cornelsen when our manager Nick came in and said ‘what are you guys up to?’ We said ‘not much’ and he said: ‘come out to the Pale with me’. The Pale is an area around Dublin. We went to this stable, where they had a horse called Habitat, which is one of the most expensive horses in the world, we toured around this paddock looking at these horses and some of them were the most famous stud horses ever. Northern Dancer was there, all the way from Canada. I don’t know if you follow horses Tom. Here’s the thing, “Black Caviar” is the great, great, great grand-daughter of Northern Dancer, this famous horse. So, you were allowed to enter into things like that.

For instance, in 1975-76, we were invited to Buckingham Palace by the Queen, Prince Charles and Princess Anne for a reception there. So, rugby, those days in particular, allowed you entry into things that you couldn’t buy. Particularly with the British Isles tours, 75-76 and 81-82, we used to have what we called the culture club and what we’re do, was if we were in London for example, we’d sit down and go through the newspapers and go through all the cultural events, the ballet, the theatre, the plays, the philharmonic orchestra, whatever you wanted, you’d take the numbers down and then we’d get the tickets for them.

I was in charge of culture for the 81-82 tour. So, when we were say, in Leicester, we’d play a game on the Saturday, travel on the Sunday, train on the Monday, play the following Wednesday, I’d have the bus available to me for the days off. Actually, I remember in Leicester, we visited Bosworth Field, the place where Richard III was killed.

When we toured, you entered into the country, and the people were generous to you.

What are the changes that you've noticed the game has been through since the amateur era, do you think they are better or worse?

I’ve always had a problem with the fact that people appear to be pulled out of their community structure. I always thought that the most you can think about rugby was about 15 hours a week. I worked that out once.

But first of all, you can’t play the game unless you’ve got some talent… you have got some God-given talent. But I don’t know whether you need to be devoting 40 hours a week to it. And they pay them a lot of money, so it’s thought that you should be thinking about the game for 40 hours a week. I would think that they probably should play more games. Whatever you’re doing. If it’s lifting bricks, go and lift a lot of bricks. If it’s playing rugby… why not play some more games. But now, how can you be match fit, with what appears to me to be huge periods of time where people don’t play games.

It used to be only 15 people on the field. I’d like it to go back to that. When we were playing, it was 15, not 22. They only had 2 reserves, and you couldn’t be taken off the field unless a doctor validated it and said that you couldn’t play. So that meant it was a war of attrition, and that meant you could wear people down.

I work a lot in Cape York, and they say amongst the cattle people that it’s a great place to breed cattle, but you can’t fatten them. And I think Queensland, historically has produced a huge number of quality players. We breed them, but it’s hard to hold on to them. They tend to migrate throughout the country, and overseas as well, which wasn’t the case in our time. If you’re asking for differences, you tended to stay in the community where you learnt to play the game. There wasn’t much transitory movement. You tended to stay put. That’s one big thing I think. And the second thing is that you need to devote 40 hours a week to it, instead of 15. And the numbers of players, 15 and not 22.

But anyway… these are theories from old men. (Laughs).

What advice would you give to aspiring rugby players, both girls and boys?

Well I think the girl’s thing’s important. My understanding is that girls Rugby Sevens is the fastest growing sport on earth. Someone told me that. Someone also told me that rugby itself is the fastest growing college sport in the US college structure.

What advice would I give? I think get some talent. You need the gift, and then you need the desire. Some people don’t have the desire. We’ve all known people that were sports people in school or whatever, who should have been an Olympic athlete. And sometimes, the most gifted walk away from the gift.

You can work at certain things, but there is the gift, whether you’re playing tennis, snooker or golf… The second things is desire. I say this to young people all the time, young doctors come to assist me in Cape York, and I say the biggest question to ask yourself is ‘do you want it?’ ‘How committed are you?’

Number one, get the gift, number two, desire, and number three, concentrate for the required period of time. Like all things that are worthwhile, you have to concentrate for the required length of time.

The other thing would be to avoid injury. A lot of people suffer from knee injuries etc.

And probably the most difficult thing would be “divine luck”. I’m not talking about luck in the sense that it’s granted to someone because they “got lucky”. Say if you’re playing in a US Open in golf, and you chip in from 20 meters - at a crucial moment of time, the ball rolls in.

So, there is a bit of divine luck involved in life and sport. They brought this person to Napolean, and they said “he will be an extraordinary general, he’s very, very good”. And Napolean said “yeah, he might be good, but is he lucky?”

You have to have the talent, you have to have the training, you have to have the concentration, you have to have the opportunity, and also a little bit of what I call “divine luck”.

What advice would you give to rugby players in this professional era regarding life after rugby? Also, do you think your rugby career helped you? 14:30

It helped me. And I was still doing things while I played rugby. I was doing a medical degree, and was doing things after medicine, obstetrics and trauma, trying to find my way through what my mature decision would be, regarding whether I was going to specialize. It was possible to live those parallel lives, because there was time made available for it. 

It’s possible to do a couple of things well in life. I’m afraid that the professional attitude from sport almost precludes you from doing something else, particularly skills for later on in life. Sport tends to last from 18 to 28, but life’s much longer than that.

Thanks again Mark for giving us some of your time, I've been looking forward to getting a perspective of a past player and some insight into your experiences!

It’s a pleasure. 

A True Queenslander: A Conversation with Brandon Paenga-Amosa

It’s a new year for the Reds! And what better way to start the year than by getting to know one of the newest players. Brandon received a call-up after two outstanding seasons in the NRC in the New South Wales sides. Even though he is born in New Zealand, Queensland will happily claim him. I hope you enjoy my first interview of the year! You’ll find out, as I did, that he’s a fun, down-to-earth guy.

First of all, welcome to Queensland!

Thank you very much. Thanks Tom.

How are you finding things so far?

Oh bro. I’m loving it aye. Just the weather’s been pretty crazy, but I love it. I’ve got a lot of family up here and the boys here are amazing. I couldn’t have asked for a better group of rugby players to play with. Coming from Sydney, I’ve always had a soft-spot for Queensland. Even during Origin, I’d always go for Queensland. Don’t tell my parents that. [Laughs].

When I got the phone call from Brad, he said “would you like to be a Queenslander”, I said “bro, I’d love to”.

Can you tell Reds fans a little bit about yourself.

You were born in New Zealand. Did you play any rugby at all in that country?

No. So basically I came to Australia before I started primary school. I started playing rugby league down in Sydney, in the Bulldogs comp. Then as a junior, I started playing rugby union, playing Colts from the age of fifteen, for about four years, and then I switched to grade. I’ve been playing South District down in the Shute shield.

From the moment I switched to rugby when I was 15, I just loved it, and I just want to be the best that I can be. Now I’m playing for the Reds, I’m proud of myself, and I can’t wait.

What was it that drew you to play rugby?

Basically, being a kiwi, every young man has aspirations to play for the All Blacks. I did too, even when I was playing League. It wasn’t until I clicked that I can’t play for the All Blacks if I’m playing Rugby League. Then I came to my senses and switched to Rugby when I was fifteen.

And from that moment on, I thought let’s be honest, I’m not going to be an All Black because I’m playing in Australia. Then I thought, yeah I’m gonna be the best player I can, and I’m gonna try and crack the Wallabies. So from that moment on, I was like let’s do this. I wanna be a Wallaby one day. And that’s the dream, to represent the green and gold.

I couldn’t have asked for a better coach too, Brad Thorne. An amazing coach. I look up to him. I used to play X-Box, rugby 2008, he was my favourite player on the game. Now, it’s kind of like a dream come true having his as my coach, to lead me and guide me to be the best player I can be.

Who were your favourite players growing up?

Ok, so Brad Thorne. My top five players were, King Carlos, that’s Carlos Spencer, number ten for the All Blacks. (I can’t wait to meet him at the 10s competition, and say “bro, you are the flippin’ man!") Richie McCaw, he was one of my favourites… Also, I’d say Rodney So’oialo , he was the number eight for the All Blacks from 2002 I think, until 2008. He was a big reason I grew my hair out, because I wanted to mimic him, because I loved his dreadlocks. Also, George Smith, he’s the man aye. He had dreadlocks too… and David Pocock. They were my top five players growing up.

Have you always played Hooker?

When I first started playing rugby, I was actually a “ten” [fly-half] which is pretty funny. But I was a bit too chubby, so I moved to six [blind-side flanker]. I was a six through high school, until year 11, when I switched to seven [open-side flanker], until I was nineteen.

So it wasn’t until I spoke to some of the coaches at the Waratahs, and they said you’re not going to make it as a seven, so you’re going to have to switch to Hooker, or just keep playing park footy as a seven.

So I made that switch, and it got me to where I am today. I wish I’d actually made that switch earlier. A bunch of people down in Sydney used to tell me “you need to switch to hooker”, but I was a bit too stubborn aye. My mindset was that the hooker is the fat guy on the team, the lazy guy.

But yeah, I finally made that switch and I never looked back. Now I’m loving it aye. Scrums are the best part of the game.

What do you enjoy most about living in Queensland so far?

I love the chilled-back lifestyle aye. Like coming from Sydney, Sydney’s full on. Crazy people speeding down the street., a bunch of arrogant drivers. But when you come to Brisbane… I’m the only arrogant driver!

But coming to Brisbane, it’s always beautiful, it’s always sunny, it’s always a happy vibe. Being around the boys, all the boys are always keen to hang out. I’ve got a heap of family around here.

I love the Gold Coast too. It’s one of my favourite spots.

And the question I try and ask everyone... Can you tell us something about yourself that not many people may know?

Ooh ok. I love that. Not many people know this, but I was born on Christmas day. Some people call me black Jesus. Another one is… I love the Disney channel, even to this day. A lot of the time when I turn on the TV, I go straight to the Disney channel. I’m still a kid at heart.

Also… I love playing with toy soldiers, you know the things where your parents stand on them and they get angry, I love playing with those. I’m trying to think of more things aye…

Oh another fun fact is I did two years at bible college, at Hillsong International Leadership College in Sydney. I didn’t have enough money to start bible college straight out of school, so I worked as a garbageman for six months. I finished up there, and I started at bible college, studying to be a youth pastor, and a youth leader. Right now I actually do a lot of youth work with Hillsong at the youth groups. Back in Sydney, I always used to go to prisons, and teach Scripture and teach religious classes, I used to do that in schools as well.

That’s what I love doing in my spare time when I’m not here. I love teaching kids about the good news of God, the good news of Jesus Christ. Also, I just love trying to be a good role model as much as I can to those that don’t know the love of Christ, I just try to shine my light as much as I can.

Thanks Brandon for your time. And good luck with the rest of pre-season training.

Thanks Tom. I really appreciate all that you do around here with the boys, all the support that you give. It’s people like you that we play for.

Thank you for being an amazing man. Thank you very much.

Catching up with Kane Douglas

Reds pre-season training has begun! Several days before they shot off for a Christmas break, I managed to squeeze in my last interview of 2017, and first of the 2018 season!

It was a pleasure catching up with the big man himself, Kane Douglas. We caught up about what the Reds have been focusing on in pre-season training, as well as his own rugby journey, that’s thankfully brought him to Queensland. I also found out that since getting back, he’s landed another “part-time” job, besides rugby!

Thanks again Kane! Before we get into it, I’d like to say Merry Christmas to all my readers and supporters. Looking forward to seeing you at a Reds game in the new year!

Hi Kane, thanks for making the time to catch up. It’s definitely overdue.

No worries.

How’s pre-season training going, and also, what has the team been focusing on?

Yeah, pre-seasons been really good. There’s a lot of young guys, there’s a few guys that have moved on, but it’s a really good vibe. Everyones training hard. We’ve been working on skills, the small skills, heaps of scrums, line-outs, catch-passes. They want us to attack this year with some venom. We’ve been going good.

What makes you most excited about the 2018 season with the Reds?

I suppose what makes me excited… I haven’t been as happy as I wanna be with the last couple of seasons, so I’m really excited about having this full pre-season, and then getting stuck in next year and showing the Reds fans what I’ve got. I don’t think I’ve shown that. So yeah, it’s another season, and another opportunity and I want to do something good here at the Reds. I’d love to play well for Queensland.

You’ve got my support. I’ll be at every home game, as usual.

Perfect. Looking forward to seeing you there.

Can you tell us a little bit about your history? You’re not originally from Queensland…

Yeah that’s right. I grew up in a little town down the coast, not actually too far from Queensland, on the other side of the border, in a little town called Yamba, about three hours from Brissy. Middle child, three boys, grew up in a little coastal town, hitting the beach. I didn’t actually grow up playing Union, I grew up playing Rugby League until I was 15.

My older brother played NRL for about ten years, and now he’s over playing in the Super-League over in England. So I’ve always sort of looked up to him. I decided Rugby was for me in my last year of school.

I think I played five seasons for the Waratahs, I was there for a few seasons leading into that. I started in the academy in 07, and spent time getting bigger. I was a scrawny little runt when I finished school — I had to put a bit of weight on, then made my Super-Rugby debut in 2010, finished with a Super-Rugby title in 2014, then went over and had a season in Ireland. I was supposed to be there for a couple of years, but I just missed home too much, and decided I’d come to the Reds. I got an opportunity at the World Cup in 2015. I got a bad injury in that World Cup final, but I’m loving being back in Australia and with the Reds. It’s great to be in Queensland, Queensland’s home now.

What was the highlight of playing for Leinster, in Ireland?

Probably just the chance to travel around Europe, play somewhere different, and get outside my comfort zone. I’d had it pretty easy. I’d lived at home until I was 17, then I loved in with my brother when I loved down to Sydney and I had a lot of relo’s hanging about. It was pretty easy. It was my first venture off, along the girl who was my girlfriend at the time, now is my wife. Playing for Leinster, we’d shoot around to different cities throughout Europe to play games. Leinster’s such a great club. There’s a lot of history and tradition there. All the Irish supporters are fanatics.

Trying something new, getting into a different environment is what I liked.

You’ve been with the Reds since 2016. What do you love most about playing for Queensland?

I don’t know what I love “most”! I love turning up to Ballymore for training, I love all the boys in my team, I love living in Queensland, I do think Queensland supporters in general, in any sport, are very passionate. You go watch Origin and any Queensland team, the supporters are very passionate about what they do. As I said before, I probably haven’t played what I thought was my best since I’ve been here, I’m hoping that I can do that and I’ll probably enjoy being here even more.

I love the environment. We have a pretty good job, turning up and training with your mates all day, so it’s pretty easy to love what you do.

What do you love most about living in Brisbane City?

I suppose, compared to everywhere else that I’ve lived… Sydney’s all hustle and bustle, and there was a bit too much traffic. Dublin wasn’t too bad for that, but I love that I live close, I’m only in Newmarket. I’ve actually been riding my scooter fair bit - a little scooter that the boys give me a bit of grief for, but it get’s me from A to B, it’s pretty nippy.

Living in Brisbane city, I like all of the little coffee shops. There’s always somewhere cool you can go for a coffee or a feed. I like eating, so that’s a plus.

Brissy’s pretty cool. I love my house, I love where I live. It’s just gotten better actually, there’s a new cinema at Newmarket and a few new restaurants. They’ve doubled the Sushi-Train size. All the boys have been going down there, it’s pretty good.

Can you tell us something about yourself that not many people may know?

You might know, I do a bit of male modelling. There’s a clothing line called Johnny Bigg which specialises in big mens clothing. I’ve posted a couple of posts on Instagram, and if you’ve been into a couple of Westfields, you might have seen me in the window. But not too many people know that a big footballer in the tight-five does a bit of male modelling in his spare time. I suppose that’s all I’ve got for you in the minute. Part-time, plus-size male model.

Thanks heaps for your time Kane. Merry Christmas and happy pre-season.

Thank you. Thanks for having me. It’s been a pleasure. It’s always good to see you down here. I’m sure I’ll see you again soon, see you in the stands.

Follow Your Dreams! An inspiring interview with Eto Nabuli

This week, I was fortunate to catch up with Queensland Reds winger, Eto Nabuli. The 6 foot 5 giant can be intimidating, right up until you start talking with the soft-spoken gentleman himself. His story, about getting discovered by two Rugby League players in Fiji, and eventually making the jump back to Rugby Union, is one about following your dreams and grabbing opportunities when they arrive. I'm really glad he's signed with the Reds again for 2018. I was inspired. I hope you will be too!

Hey Eto, thanks for making the time to catch up, especially this week.

Congrats to you and your team for making the NRC final. What have you loved most about playing for Country this year?

I love that the boys have a bond when we get together; they like each other. I love playing with the younger boys, and representing the country, you know. I come from a country place too, that's why I like hanging around with the boys and doing the best for my team.

You've got my full support this weekend. I hope lots of Reds fans tune in this Saturday night.

I know your focus is on this Saturdays game. I hope you don't mind talking about your rugby journey, and the Reds...

Did you start playing rugby as a young boy in Fiji?

Yeah of course. When I was a young boy, I played rugby and soccer, but I always preferred rugby. That's why, growing up, I wanted to be a professional rugby player in the future. Mostly I played sevens for the village team, and then I played sevens and fifteens. Coming out here, it's been a great pleasure to have an opportunity here.

Who were some of your favourite players growing up?

When I was in Fiji as a young boy, the Queensland Reds were my best team in the comp. I didn't know that I would represent the Reds at the time. At the time I grew up, Quade Cooper was my best player. I was watching the game in 2011 when they won the Super Rugby final... but yeah, Quade Cooper was my favourite player. Because he'd flick-pass and do dancing around.

So as the story goes, you bumped into two well known League players in Fiji, and they recruited you to join the Penrith Panthers. How did that actually happen?

Actually, I was working in the hotel. At that time, I was at the Intercontinental. I worked there, and played sevens. Worked and played, worked and played. Come to the day that I saw these guys - I didn't know them. I started work at 6:30am, and I met them at around 11:30am. They were doing a clinic at one of the schools in our village, named Malomalo Primary School. They said 'are you a rugby player?' I said 'yeah, I'm a rugby player.' They said 'do you ever play League?' I said 'no I never play League, just rugby'. 

From there, the journey started with Brett Fittler and Andrew Johns. They spotted me there, and they told me to go to a clinic at the school. I did some kicks and bombs in the air, and grubbers. I heard that they were the legends from Australia.

From there, they started to call Phil Gough at Penrith, and sent him the video, because they’d made some videos. Phil Gough saw the video and said ‘ok, let’s give him an opportunity to come over.’ So yeah, it was a great opportunity. They paid my fare, and I came over to Australia, to Sydney and I stayed with my manager for three years.

I played Penrith Panthers in the 2nd grade for 2 years, and from there I moved to the Dragons [first grade] for one year. From there I wanted to change back to Union. There were a few club offers, one was from Perth, the Western Force, and one was from the Queensland Reds. I chose the Queensland Reds because it’s way closer to Fiji, and it’s easier for me to travel back and see the family.

That’s when the  journey started… I was working in the hotel as a porter, and now I’m in Queensland, playing for the Reds.

What was it like moving from a Fiji to Australia?

Yeah, going from Fiji to Australia was like, kind of different for me. For the first year, I got a little bit homesick. There was a guy Joe, he was calling and texting me and said, mate, there is an opportunity, grab it, and you'll be fine. 

It was the first time for me to leave the family, back at home. So coming to Australia, I was so excited. I was lucky to have that opportunity. Now I feel like I’m at home, it’s been four years now.

When you first arrived in Australia, did you think you'd end up playing Rugby Union again?

Yes, of course. I was thinking I'd be back in Union, because back at home it was my favourite.

What do you love most about playing for the Reds?

What I love most is playing with the Reds… back at home it was my best team. Some of the boys I’m playing with at the moment, I’ve been seeing when I was young, back at home. Like I said, back in 2011, Quadey was playing. So over here, what I love the most is that he’s still playing, I like playing with him here. And also, the boys, they are friendly, and we are like a family. They are like brothers to me now. We have fun, that’s what I like most about the Reds.

Thanks Eto for your time, again, it's appreciated!

Ah thank you so much Tom for asking questions. I love you, and I love you being at all the games. I see you as like my brother. Thanks so much Tom for your questions, I appreciate it too.

* * * 

NRC Final is this Saturday Night - 6:30pm (QLD time)

This Saturday at 6:30pm, the Queensland Country boys will be playing against the Vikings, in Canberra for the NRC Final. If you're a Reds fan, make sure you tune in. (It's only on Fox, so if you don't have Fox at home, make sure you get down to your local pub and ask them to play it.) The NRC has been great this year. Bring it home boys!

Catching Up with Up-and-Comer Hamish Stewart

Hamish Stewart is a talented up and comer in the Reds camp. Having come through the Queensland and Australian under-20s team, he is set to make his mark with the Queensland Reds.

He's a true (navy-blue) country boy, with his roots in the Darling Downs. He is studying at Bond University, so is a perfect fit for the NRC Queensland Country team!

As well as the NRC, we got to talk about his rugby journey, what it's like being coached by Brad Thorne, and how much he's looking forward to the Reds 2018 season.

Hi Hamish, thanks for taking the time to catch up.

Well done with your teams win over the weekend. How are you finding this years NRC season?

It's been a very good start for country I think, having the four wins under our belt. Over the last couple of years, ever since it started, I think we've only managed to win about four or five (before this season). I think the country boys are really starting to mould well, and it all comes from the influence of Brad Thorne and Paul Carozza. I think they're doing an excellent job with the culture, and it's really showing on the field.

Both Brisbane City, and your team Queensland country are doing well. What message would you give to Reds supporters that haven't followed the NRC closely?

I think this is a building block for the Reds, definitely for 2018. You can see with all the teams they've played, the New South Wales team basically have all of their Super players, and the Canberra team they basically have their Super players in the NRC, and we've been able to knock both of them off. So we're in good stead for 2018. 

Both teams have my support. When the NRC teams do well, it's good for the Reds.

Definitely.

You've had to opportunity to be coached by Brad Thorne this year. What do you imagine he will bring to the Reds that is unique in 2018, and what are you looking forward to next about next season?

I think Brad brings a lot of experience as you can see from his career. He brings a lot of leadership and camaraderie into the team, and most coaches lack camaraderie. He's definitely implemented on mate-ship and every aspect like that. He's a very dedicated coach, and respects the boys, and the boys respect him and that's a big thing as a coach. Hopefully, we can go above and beyond and get into the finals, that's definitely one objective for next year. We can only aim for that next year.

Can you tell us about your rugby story. What first drew you to the game?

What first drew me to the game would probably be the impact that my two brothers had on me. When I was a young boy, they started playing Rugby Union at school, and I sort of followed in their footsteps.  I've never looked back, ever since the day I first stepped on the footy field. I love every moment of it. Hopefully I can have a long career, it just depends on how I go.

What was your journey into the Reds squad?

My journey was through the under-20s Reds squad when we ended up winning the final. I was able to sit on the bench on a Saturday night against the Hurricanes, and I wasn't able to get on, but it was experience just in itself. And then was able to play Sunday for the under-20s, and ended up winning that, so that's probably a memorable weekend for me. But definitely through that under-20s programme with Thorny and Carozza, they really set a platform for the boys to go above and beyond this year - as you can see with all the boys in the under-20s Australian team, we had a pretty good contingent in that.

And finally... can you tell us something about yourself that not many people may know?

Most of the Reds boys would know, but my families real big into horses (thoroughbreds), and that's a real passion of mine. So hopefully, at the end of my rugby career, I can somehow push into horses, like my father did - and with my brother as well. That's one thing that most people probably don't know about me.

Thanks again for taking time to chat Hamish.

Thank you Tom.

Keep training hard, and all the best against Sydney this weekend!

Thank you Tom, I appreciate it.

Ready to Go! (An Interview with... Andrew Ready)

It was great today to catch up last week with Reds Hooker Andrew Ready. We caught up about the NRC season, his club season, and of course - the Reds. It was great to hear his optimism and excitement for the 2018 season (feelings that I share) and excitement about his team-mates potential. Off the field, Andrew is always a gentleman, and great for a laugh. On the field, he’s a force to be reckoned with and has plenty of good rugby in him. Full of potential I say!

Enjoy this weeks Reds Rugby Rules interview….

Hi Ready,

Good to finally catch up for our first proper interview. Thanks so much for making the time!

No worries Tom. I’m glad we got to do the interview as well!

What's been happening today?

Well Tom, we’ve actually had separate gym sessions, the backs go in first and then the forwards come and lift the heavier weights. But it’s been pretty warm weather lately. We’re in the old shed, so there’s no air-con or anything, so the boys are all sweating out. But we all lifted pretty well today - to get us ready for Sunday, the big [NRC] game. 

That's good. By the way, congratulations on being chosen as Brisbane City captain this year in the NRC! Have you enjoyed the season so far?

Thank you very much. I didn’t expect it at all, after the year I had personally. But it’s been a great experience learning the new role and I guess the responsibilities of being a captain. Being across all the information from players, to coaches, to management, being across all the platforms I suppose, and trying to keep everyone on the loop and on the same page - trying to get everyone to understand what we’ve got to do each week - whether that be at training, on the field, or away from the field in our spare time. It’s been tough, but I’ve really enjoyed it. It's been something different. I think the last time I was captain of something was back at Terrace in 2010 [St Joseph’s College, Gregory Terrace], when I was the vice-captain of the First XV. It’s been a while since I’ve had that responsibility, but in general I’ve enjoyed it. And there’s still plenty of games left. I’m looking forward to it.

Your local club is Easts - can you tell us about your club, and how this year has gone for you?

Yeah, Easts is my Senior Club. Can’t forget my juniors, where I came from, which was Norths. I live at Albion, so down the road from Norths. But I made that hard decision to go to Easts as a Colt, and I haven’t looked back since. They’ve really helped me get to where I am today. This year, we missed the finals, we came sixth I think. We were up in the top four for a lot of the season, but didn’t do too well towards the end. This year, I played a lot of club footy, as you’re probably aware, but I really enjoyed that time. I guess I was able to play consistent time in an environment that I loved. I love playing club footy. Everyone's there, everyone's got your back, and it’s an awesome environment to be a part of.

It’s still serious, but not as serious as Super Rugby, where you get 10-15,000 people screaming at you. You get to concentrate on yourself, more so that everything else around you, just like a stadium. It’s been fantastic, I really enjoyed it.

What do you love most about rugby?

Other than getting to tackle people (laughs)… I guess, just being with a group of guys that you call your mates, and meeting new guys throughout the week, it’s not like your typical “job” I think. I suppose making those friendships is what I enjoy most. And also, there’s an added benefit of travelling the world, that’s pretty cool. Just like Samoa when you came and visited us. That’s pretty cool!

How long have you been playing rugby, and what drew you to the game?

Well believe it or not, I played soccer up until grade eight. I was a little bit skinnier back then, I wasn’t as wide.

That’s probably what helped me transition into rugby, growing wider, rather than taller. I started in grade seven at the end of the year. My mate from primary school invited me - soccer was on Saturday, rugby was on Sundays - and he asked if I could come down and throw a ball around, he said they needed some numbers.

I guess I was really lucky to have a fantastic coach, that I still have a connection with to this day. He sort of drew me to rugby, and I found my passion, I suppose, and love for the game. Fortunately I went to St Joseph’s School, on Gregory Terrace, they’re a rugby school. So I ditched soccer, probably for the best, and started playing rugby. Even though I would have liked to get paid like soccer players (laughs).

What do you enjoy most about playing for the Reds?

When I was growing up, I always dreamed about playing for the Reds, and putting that Red jersey on. I honestly didn’t ever think that it would come true. And I didn’t take the normal path, getting spotted straight from school. I did the hard yards at club, then got asked to play [under] 20s, and then finally got the opportunity. It’s funny, I had my first year in 2014, didn’t play a game, I was called onto the bench for three times at the end of the season, didn’t get on. So I had to wait a whole ‘nother year, kept going to the bench, I think five or six times, before I ever got on. And then I got the opportunity and I never looked back. The best bit about that was running onto Suncorp Stadium. I can’t put into words, that feeling you get, when you run out the tunnel in front of your home crowd, especially a Queensland crowd. Every time, I get shivers down my spine running out - I don’t know how to put it into words. And having your family, your friends, and all the other fans that drive hours and hours just to see us play, that’s something that’s really special to me. That would be the best thing about playing for the Reds.

It's been a tough season for the Queensland Reds in some ways. Us Reds fans always have your back though. Always remember that. What are some take aways from this season your taking forward into the next - either personally, or as a team?

It’s good to hear you always have our back, it's fantastic. I think some of the players do forget that, this is our team, the fans love the Reds, they love us. I think, it has been a disappointing year. But we’ve got a lot of young players coming through proving their worth. Just take a look at Lukhan Tui, that big boy. Every time he runs at me at training, I want to run the opposite way. And we’ve got Izack Rodda, we’ve got Izzy Peresi, I reckon we’re still yet to see the potential of Samu Kerevi, he’s got a long way to go, and I can’t wait for him to just smash it week in, week out. And we’ve also got the older fellas here, like George, Squeak and Karmichael, who lead by example, on the field. We just need to give it time for these young guys to come through and just prove their worth.

And I think next years going to be a great year to witness that. And I’m just looking forward to being a part of it, and hopefully get some more game time next year and help prove my worth as well. So yeah, looking forward to it.

Thanks once again for your time today. It's always a pleasure and a privilege.

No worries Tommy. Thank you very much for taking the time to come see me. Thank you.

All the best for this weekends game against Sydney!

Thanks mate. Well we’ll need it after last weekend aye, we didn’t do to well against Perth. We’ve had some honest reviews on Tuesday, and I think we’ll be putting our best foot forward, come Sunday. And we’ve proved that we can bounce back. We lost against Queensland Country, and we came back and scraped through against the Vikings. So I’m looking forward to Sunday, it’s our first game in Sydney. I always love playing in Sydney because I hate them so much.

[Update: The game took place yesterday, and sure enough Brisbane City bounced back with a 41-29 win over the Sydney Rays. Congrats to Andrew and the boy!]

Locker Room Chat with Lachie

I had a great time chatting with another player who’s taken on the challenge of changing his football code. After 70 games for the Brisbane Broncos, Lachie Maranta has just finished his first season with the Reds! Thanks for joining the cause Lachie, and thanks for your time today!

Hi Lachie, How's it going?

Good mate. Yourself? Bit hot? Trying to get out of this heat?

Doing good, bit hot for me too. But I’m glad to be here. Thanks for taking the time to catch up.

No worries, it’s always good to see you down at training.

Has your time with the Reds been enjoyable so far?

Yeah, I’ve really enjoyed it mate. It was a bit new at the start, getting to know everyone and learning the new game, but I’m loving it now, almost a year in. I’m just trying to get better every day.

How's the NRC season been going for you personally?

A little bit up and down. I played the first game against Fiji, had a pretty good game, then had a tight groin for the last three weeks, so I haven’t played since then. All good now, so I guess I’ll get a run this weekend over in Perth.

How have you found the transition back to Rugby Union, after playing League at a high level? And is it easier or harder than you thought it would be?

Yeah, some of the things have been a lot harder - things that I didn’t think would be, the flow of the game, things like that. Obviously in League you get six tackles, and you get the ball back after that. Whereas in Union, you can go without the ball for fifteen or sixteen phases. So I guess learning how to inject myself into the game was the tough thing, but I’m starting to get it now. I’m enjoying my footy and starting to find my feet.

Other than the obvious rule changes, what differences have you noticed between playing for an NRL club, and a Super Rugby team?

Well, I guess, probably what I just said, the flow of the game is a little bit different. I had to get used to not standing up and playing the ball between my legs, that was probably something I was a little bit scared I’d do out of habit. But I’ve managed to not do that yet, that would have been embarrassing.

Has this season for you been affected by any of your previous injuries?

No I’ve been pretty blessed with my injuries, I had one major one last year with the Broncs where I had a bolt put through my wrist, but other than that I’ve been pretty lucky. Touch wood!

What do you love most about living in Brisbane City?

Well I guess, it’s a bit weird to say, but the weathers probably the best thing about Brissy, it’s always sunny. We have the occasional shower and rain, but you can get out of your house nearly every day. But I don’t like the heat when it rolls around to pre-season time. It’s a little bit too hot for the boys, I wouldn’t mind it cooling down. It’s already 35 degrees in Spring at the moment, so I’m sure we’re in for a tough hot pre-season.

What do you love most about Rugby Union?

I think, from this early part, I like how open the game can be. Obviously, in counter-attack, in League, getting the ball back can be a little bit tougher. Looking up at a line of twelve blokes, that was a bit hard, whereas in Union you can have a bit more space. It’s something I’m starting to find, and get through some of those gaps.

Tell us something about yourself that not many people know...

Probably that I wear glasses. I lost them about 6 months ago, and just found them at home. I’ve gotta start wearing them, I’m starting to get headaches from squinting at everything. A few of the boys thought they were fake, but I had to show them and get them to put them on, and they couldn't see properly. I’m starting to get used to my glasses again.

Thanks Lachie for your time.

No worries Tommy, it’s always good to see you mate, like I said at the start.

All the best with the remainder of the NRC season.

Thanks mate. You too, hopefully see you down at training a bit more. Always love having you down here.