Catching up with the Brother: Harry Wilson (Club Finals Week Interview)

In case you’ve been living under a rock in Queensland rugby land… this weekend is the Premier grade club final. This Sunday afternoon, I’ll be at Ballymore stadium watching Brothers go head to head against arch-rival UQ, (or “Uni” as we normally call them.)

It’s gonna be a big game. There are Reds players on both sides, so it’s set to be an exciting one. In the lead-up, I paid a visit to one of the clubs and Harry Wilson of Brothers was nice enough to sit down for an interview! I did ask him about next years Super Rugby season and the NRC. But overall... this is the week to find out who will hold the hospital cup on Sunday night! All the best to both teams!

Hey Harry, thanks for coming in early and making time to catch up. First of all, congrats to you and the whole team for making the finals this weekend. 

Thank you for having me here. I’ve been looking forward to this. Yeah, it’s awesome for the team going so far and being selected for the Prem-grade final. It’s a huge honour playing in the hospital cup final and hopefully we get the win

How excited are you and the team?

I think only three boys in our team have ever been in a Hospital Cup final. Yeah, there’s been a big turnover since 2016. I can’t really say how excited we are. For a fair few boys, it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity to be in this type of thing. Obviously, you hope to be in a few, but you never know with your footy career…

There’s so much history behind Brothers too. You kind of feel that a Premiership at Brothers means a lot more than just for a playing group - it’s for the Old Boys, for the young kids, your playing for the whole club rather than just yourselves.

What’s one or two things your team will have to do to beat Uni on Sunday?

Well, I think we’re a very good attacking team, so we can score a lot of points. So I think our defence will be our main focus. I know Tate McDermott, he’s the Reds number 9, he’s very quick and “steppy” so if we can shut him down in front of the ruck, we’ll shut down a lot of their front-foot ball and also the other one’s probably Jock Cambell. That’s probably their two big threats.

On the kick returns, hopefully we can have a straight line, not let them through and I’m sure that if we can shut down those two players and we’ll go a long way to shutting down their team.  Obviously the forwards… we’ll have to step up and “equal” their forward pack. There’s a few Reds representatives in there as well.

Have you been thinking about next season with the Reds?

Yeah definitely. That’s kind of in the back of your mind. You try not to think about it, but it’s hard not to, when every day you’re preparing for the final and NRC, but the big goal at the end is I guess to play for the Reds next year and have a very successfully season with the Reds. So hopefully a win this weekend and a good season with NRC and I guess [Brisbane] City too, will give the Reds a lot of confidence for next season.

Will you be playing again for Country next season?

Yeah. Of course… Yeah. The better results for Queensland Rugby, the better it is for everyone…

But when it’s Country versus City in the NRC…

Oh, I hate them that week. (Laughs). It’s like at the moment at Ballymore, with Tate, Jock, Hockings and Korczyk, getting away from them because it’s Brothers vs UQ. You’re not gonna be mates this week.

With Fraser McCreight and Harry right before training

What are you looking forward to most about NRC?

I guess it’s kind of a level up of club footy, so I guess it’s a chance to prove yourself at that level… last year I got to play a fair bit of it, but I didn’t get to start much, so hopefully this year I’ll get to start at number 8 and show my ability to everyone. Obviously you get to play with a lot of Reds players and try and build some combinations. Just another chance to get better at footy leading into pre-season with the Reds and next years season.

And then next year, you’ll want to do Scott Higgenbotham proud?

Yeah definitely. Obviously it’s known that I kind of want to take his spot and I guess he’s always been one of my favourite players growing up, so I guess to try and play like him and have as much impact as he had on the Reds would be great, but yeah probably need to just focus on getting there first and if I get the opportunity to try and be in his spot, that would be awesome.

Well I’m cheering you on. I think you’ve got all the potential you need to do that.

Cheers Tommy.

How long have you played for Brothers rugby club?

I moved to Brisbane from Gunnedah [in New South Wales] when I was 10. So my first year at Brothers was Under-11s. So I’ve played all through Juniors here and then my first year of Seniors was last year. So I probably would have been here about 10 years altogether.

What do you love most about playing for Brothers?

I guess it’s probably not as much pressure as other footy. It’s more.. get down here, play with your mates and have fun. Some people don’t really enjoy going out with their club, it’s a bit of a chore. I know with Brothers, it’s something I find so special. I know with Fraser. myself, every time we get to a chance to play for Brothers, we make the most of it. You play with some of your best mates you went to school with and everyone stays around and has a few beers together which is awesome. That’s probably one of the best things about club footy.

Who’s the biggest joker on your team?

That’s a good one. Since it’s club footy, we’ve got a few jokers. But definitely Ryan Smith, he’s a big tall second rower. He makes training quite fun, especially in line-outs when it’s just forwards together, he likes any chance to muck around, he’ll take the opportunity and give us a good laugh.

Thanks for your time Harry. I’m looking forward to seeing both teams on Sunday and watching a great game!

Cheers Tommy. Enjoyed it a lot too.

Brothers go head to head against UQ this Sunday, 3:05pm at Ballymore Stadium.

It's Club Finals Time! Ruan Smith and GPS are Rearing to Go

With another exciting round of club finals coming up, I decided to head down to GPS Rugby Club in Ashgrove, ahead of their Premier grade knock-out game against Uni this weekend. (If you're interested in looking at my Jeeps club profile, from this time last year, click here.)

They went down to Brothers last week, but they have another chance at making the finals, this Sunday (11th August)… and the winner of that game will progress to the finals the week after, against Brothers! 

To mark the occasion, I wanted to try and catch up with GPS and Reds prop, Ruan Smith. Thanks Ruan for making some time, especially when you had a long drive back to the Sunny Coast ahead of you!

Hi Ruan,

How did training go with GPS tonight?

It went well Tommy, it went smooth. A lot of mistakes, we’ve been working on a few things, coming to this weekend, we want to change… but that’s why we’ve trained so we can fix the mistakes. We’ve got another run tomorrow night and we’ll smooth it out from there.

It’s do or die against Uni this weekend. What’s the mindset of the team this week?

Exactly that - I know it’s an old cliche… but we did there same last year, lost our first game and had to beat Uni again, so it’s the same team again. Whoever wants it more, like the old cliche goes. Hopefully Jeeps aye!

How’s JP at the moment?

JP had surgery on Tuesday morning. He’ll be out a few months. He had a tear in his knee tendon. So what they did is they went and cut it and had to let it bleed and heal properly. So he’ll be out for a while. But he’s recovering, hopefully good. He’s doing nothing... Eating, growing fat.

You’ve been back in Queensland now for around 2 seasons. What’s been your highlight, playing rugby here so far?

Mate, my highlight is just being back at my club, where it all began in 2011. This is the club that gave us the opportunity, this is where it all happened. So that’s my highlight, being back here at Jeeps.

You must be proud of the GPS boys season so far...

Oh, for sure. But all the hard work has to reflect in the next two games. If we don’t win anything, it doesn’t mean much does it. I’m proud of them doing well and I’m excited to be part of it now.

Are you looking forward to NRC starting back up?

I am mate, I am. I think the City team this year will be a lot of fun. Instead of focusing on being too professional and having a bit more fun and enjoying it.

Thanks for giving so much back to club rugby. I’m still very glad you and your brother are playing here in Queensland.

Awesome Tom. Always good to see you and always a pleasure my friend. Are you coming this weekend?

I’ll be there! [Sidenote once again for readers: Ballymore Stadium Sunday, August 11th, 3:05pm]

Perfect we’ll see you then. And hopefully in 2 weeks, you’ll get a picture with the trophy.

🙂

Alright, I’ve got to run back to the Coast to take care of JP, because he can’t do anything…

No problem. See you on Sunday at Ballymore!

It was also great to run into Bryce Hegarty, who's also pumped for this weeks game!

Wise Words from a Playing and Coaching Legend: Michael Hayes

This week, I have a special treat for all my Reds Rugby Rules readers, a great interview with experienced player and coach Michael Hayes. I met Michael last year while he was coaching the Queensland Women’s Super W. (Since Super W began last year, it’s been awesome following and catching up with the QLD Women’s XV team and watching Australian women’s rugby take off.) Interviewing Michael last year didn’t quite work out and now, he finds himself at Norths, the club I wanted to visit and profile next!

So this week doubles as a look back at last years Super W season and Part 2 of my Norths Rugby Club interview series (click here for Part 1.) Michael’s enthusiasm and passion for rugby is extremely contagious - plus he shares lots of wisdom and knowledge here for all rugby players and coaches.

I hope you enjoy reading one of my best interviews yet!

Hi Michael, we didn’t get a chance to do an interview last year, so I’m glad it’s finally happened! Happy to be catching up with you at Norths!

Yeah, absolutely mate.

If it’s ok, I’d like to back-track a little bit, to the Super W season last year. What is your best memory from Queensland’s 2018 season?

Do you know what, I’ll tell you what, one of my most treasured memories was when they kicked the penalty goal (New South Wales) to win the game. And it was purely because, it was the end of what I thought was an outstanding rugby campaign, for women’s rugby. I sat there and I saw the ball go through the posts and I went: Well there you go. Fair enough… we’ve lost a titanic game of rugby where I thought we were probably the better team and yet these girls are probably going to celebrate with each other. There’s the “agony and the ecstasy” and 20 minutes later, they were holding each other and hugging each other and I thought to myself “that’s special.” That’s my most treasured memory. I let out a big sigh and thought “that’s the end of a magnificent campaign.”

That’s an interesting answer. Especially for someone who’s cousin is Grace. [New South Wales captain.]

That’s right. Yeah I know Gracie really well. She’s at Scotts [College] and I was down there a couple of times last holidays because I did some stuff at Scott’s college - leadership stuff… and I had a great chance to catch up with Gracie then too.

She’ll be one of my interviewees for this blog soon!

Is she? Well, you give her my regards.

I’ve loved supporting the Women in the Super W campaigns. Travelling down for the final was fun, tough way to end though. Thanks for your role in the campaign!!

(Laughs) Do you know what? We loved having you as a part of the campaign too. It was able to put women’s rugby on another platform. It’s a really great step, the way we can promote the Queensland women and just women’s rugby in general.

As a result, you can see what the IRB’s done, they’re really getting behind women’s rugby, enormously. It’s got a huge platform now. So to have yourself as a part of getting women on that stage, it was wonderful as well mate.

Some of the women's team at Norths. A couple of them were injured,
but still showed up at training to support

And how did I feel about the loss? It’s just a game of sport at the end of the day. And with it, comes the agony and the ecstasy… and the lessons you learn from that are great character lessons that hold you in good stead, for life.

Queensland’s women’s rugby has benefitted from your 35 years of coaching experience. What brought you to Norths?

Mate, that’s very very kind of you to say that. What brought me to North was an opportunity to teach some girls, who’ve never picked up a ball in their life the opportunity to enjoy what I enjoy about rugby. Camaraderie, becoming part of a team, working collectively and giving the girls an opportunity to enjoy the social aspect of rugby too. Cos it’s such a great family. Kids, adults, men, women, it doesn’t matter, rivalries… we’re just a part of this huge international family, which I love with a passion, because mate… I’ve played overseas, my eldest sons about to go and play overseas… and if you’ve got a pair of boots, it’s a passport to the world, rugby. You can go anywhere mate, that’s the beauty of it. So you know what? It’s just another chance to give back, that’s why I took up the job at North.

What do you love the most about this great club?

I’m sort of only involved with the women. But it’s the fact that it’s given these girls a family outside there own families. There’s young girls, 17, 18, 35 year old women here and one of my gracious experiences from coaching at Super W was seeing the love for the game, amongst women. And I see the same thing here at Norths. So, it just gives them an extended family. That’s the beauty of seeing the girls as a part of Norths. 

I’d love to hear about your rugby journey. When did you start playing the game? Also, what led you to start coaching when you were 20 years of age?

Geez mate, you’ve done your homework! You are brilliant.

I grew up in rural New South Wales. My Dad was a rugby player, but we didn’t have rugby in our town… a little town called Crookwell and Goulburn was the nearest town. I was seven years old and my Dad said, “do you want to go and play rugby?” He said “I won’t even buy you a pair of boots, but you can play your first game in your riding boots - your RMs” (which are 3 sizes two big) and he said “if you like it, I’ll buy you a pair of boots”. So we drove from Crookwell to Goulburn. I played for Goulburn Norths, my very first team and I loved it.

My rugby journey… it’s amazing, on Facebook at the moment there’s this “10 photo” thing going and the photos I’m seeing come up are incredible. I was thinking “how am I gonna find 10 photos?” But the ones that people have sent me… I’ve played in Dublin, Argentina, in New South Wales Country, I’ve played in Brisbane, Sydney, I’ve toured New Zealand, I’ve played in Fiji…

To me, my rugby journey has been one of following a game that, like I said with the girls, has given me an extended family and I love what this game can do. I think it’s one of the greatest character builders available, for young boys and girls.

Michael coaching his squad at Norths Rugby Club, Wooloowin

In todays society, we lack this capacity to have a rite of passage and rugby gives kids a rite of passage. Because it’s one of the few games where, you’re gonna feel discomfort, you’re gonna feel pain, you’re gonna get hurt, but you know what, you’re doing it for 14 other people. And they’re doing the same for you. Now that’s a pretty special thing. If you’re prepared to put yourself in that position, to allow 14 other people in a game of sport, that’ll do it for me.

That’s what rugby does and I say that to a lot of other kids too. It’s one of the few sports where you can tackle someone that doesn’t have the ball, you can present and exert yourself in a way that young boys are struggling with these days. There’s not really an opportunity to be masculine anymore and rugby can do that for you. For women, it has that same quality where you can be part of a team whereby your sacrificing, sometimes your own well-being to allow people to have a game of sport. That’s why I love rugby.

It’s a fantastic rite of passage for young people, but also it’s so unbelievably character building. I love rugby.

And you know what? To me, sitting with you, is a humbling experience. Because, you’re also passionate about the game. And that’s what inspires me mate.

Mate that’s awesome, great words. What advice would you give young players coming through the ranks, particularly to women?

Righto. My advice is this. Skills, skills, skills. And I’m reflecting upon my own journey. I was a country kid who always prided himself on his fitness, and you know, going to the gym. And I wish I spent more time, or as much time on the skill components, as I did in the gym. Because my boys who now play, have got more talent in their little finger, than I have.

As a Dad and a mentor to them, I would say to any aspiring rugby player now, I would say go and work on your skills because I see it’s an area that I feel is neglected these days.

And it’s fairly prolific when we see Wallabies and Super Rugby players unable to pass a certain side, or unable to chip kick… kicking’s a very important part of the game. Especially with this rushed defence. You’ve got to be able to put the ball in just behind. You know, strategic kicking…

So my advice is, go and work on your skills. The fitness will come, if you work on your skills, at high intensity, anyhow. The rest will follow.

Michael, thanks for your time, it’s been a pleasure.

Nah, it’s been my pleasure. Serendipity mate.

For more info on Norths Rugby Club, click here. And keep an ear out for Super W news as we get closer to 2020!

Club Rugby Rules! A Profile of the Great Norths Eagles

For all my first time readers, I'm glad you stopped by! This is where I cover all things Reds related. As every Queensland rugby fan should know, grassroots is where it's at!

Last week I had a lot of fun visiting Norths Rugby club and chatting to a number of the players and coaches. Located in Wooloowin, on Shaw Road, Norths is known as a great “family” club with a history that stretches back 90 years.

According to their website, their goal is to develop players and everyone involved in a “safe, challenging and enjoyable environment”. From my visits and conversations with players and coaches, it looks like they are achieving this!

I loved catching up with an old mate, Michael Hayes, (now the Eagles Women's XV coach) and Dane Zander, a talented up-and-coming prop, who is also the youngest player in the Premier squad! Dane's great interview is down below, and I'll post Michael's as "Part 2" next week!

Chatting to those guys and a bunch of other players and coaches, I got the impression that this really is a friendly, hard-working club. They are focused and yet as Hayesy puts it, a "family away from family". 

Enjoyed watching the mens Premier team train and meeting them afterwards

Watching the 3rd division mens team train (on the left) and the women's team (on the right)

Met some of the Women's Eagles players, after catching up with their coach Michael Hayes -
(his interview will be coming next week, you don't want to miss it!)

For my first Norths club interview, let's meet Dane Zander. A talented prop who is now the youngest player in the Norths Eagles Premier side! A nice, down to earth guy, I'm sure many people will enjoy meeting and perhaps even interviewing him in the future.

Hey Dane,

How are you feeling about your teams season so far?

Yeah, I’m feeling really good about the team. We’ve had a bit of a slow start to the season, but we’ve worked on a lot of things. We’ve had a few injuries as well, which has slowed us down a bit. But I feel like our teams looking really well coming into this weekend. I’m keen to rip in this weekend.

What was the focus of tonight’s training?

The focus of tonights training was getting all the little things right. We’ve been doing really well with our pick and drive, so with the forwards, we’ve been working really well on that. Kick-offs as well… we’ve been working hard on that too. Been looking good.

That’s the forwards. I don’t know what the backs have been doing. Passing the ball, doing nothing. (Laughs).

How does it feel being the youngest players in the squad?

It feels good. I get to learn off a lot of the older people that I’ve been playing with, like Jordan Tuapou - and Tonga Ma'afu’s been a really good help.

Being the youngest person’s good, because I get to take a lot of things in, learning from a lot of the guys with a lot experience. 

What do you love most about Norths rugby club?

The thing I love about Norths rugby club is it’s a big family club. Everyone’s welcome, there’s always an open door at Norths. It’s a fun club to be around, all the times of the year.

How long have you been playing Rugby Union?

I’ve been playing rugby union since I was probably 8 years old.. about 11 years.

What inspired you to play the game?

What inspired me to play the game was.. at school, one of my mates started playing the game and I just wanted to have a run around with them, meet knew people.. And yeah, blow some steam off in the weekend.

What’s your favourite thing about rugby?

My favourite things about rugby is playing with 15 of my mates every weekend and they’ll always have your back on the field.

How long have you played for Norths?

I’ve played at Norths since I was a Colt, so this’ll be my third or fourth year. I was at Albany Creek for my juniors, with all my mates and a few the guys I played with there have moved here.

Thanks for your time Dane. I’ll see you around, for sure.

No worries. It’s a pleasure talking Tom.

A few weeks back - I enjoyed watching a few teams from Norths play against Uni.
The third division team scored some great tries on their way to a win.

North's Women playing against the Uni Women's side

Sideline with some of the crew. Thanks for making sure I had a good spot to watch the game!

Hayesy. Make sure you check back next week for my great interview with this experienced player and coach.

Thanks to the Glen for arranging my visit and to Norths Rugby Club for having me!

A Family Affair: Catching up with Wallaroos Captain Grace Hamilton

This weeks Reds Rugby Rules blog is a little bit different. I'm interviewing an outstanding rugby player who happens to be the newly appointed captain of the Wallaroos (the Australian Women's rugby team, for those who don't know)... it's that much more special because she happens to be my cousin!

I, like many commentators, think she's a natural fit for the role. She's always been a go-getter, and a high achiever in her interests and endeavours and I don't see why she'd be any different as the Captain of the Wallaroos.

Obviously, the Wallaroos are combining the forces of women from Queensland, New South Wales (Grace's home state) and around Australia. An extended squad of 46 women was revealed a while ago and the team is now preparing for two matches to be played against Japan in Newcastle (Saturday 13th July) and Sydney (Friday 19th July). New caps selected for these matches include Queenslanders Lori Cramer, Alysia Lefau-Fakaosilea and Shannon Mato.

After a family get-together this month, Grace agreed to do this interview via email. Thanks heaps Grace for your time and for getting back to me so quick! I hope your team picks up lots of new supporters in the coming weeks and months!

Grace after playing for her club - Sydney Uni (old photo).

Hi Grace, first of all, a huge congrats on being given the Wallaroos captaincy! I know I might be biased, but I think you’ve earned it.

Haha, thanks Tom, you are my cousin though.

How did you respond when you heard the news?

I actually didn't have anything to say. I was scared, nervous and excited, but lost for words, all at the same time. I remember sitting on the lounge at home alone just looking out the window and crying, before I called Dad. He was out cutting wood wth Harry (my brother) and in true form, not giving much away, he just goes "oh yeah, good on your Gracie" and I still didn't know what to say.

First of all, what’s your message for rugby fans, ahead of the tests against Japan next month?

Come out and support all the wonderful women! Cheer loud, grab a Wallaroos beanie and grow the support for womens rugby, not just for us, but for all the girls who are going to play in the years to come! Let's make it a really special experience.

You and your team are playing everywhere this year, including Perth, on the same night as the Wallabies and the All Blacks! Which Wallaroos test in 2019 do you think will be the toughest?

Look, I don't like to think too far ahead. We have a job to do this coming week and each week we move onto the next job. We haven't spent a lot of time together yet, so it's about us developing and improving in every aspect of our game and learning.

Dad, Grace and I at Suncorp after Grace's NSW squad
played against our Queensland girls!

The new Wallaroos squad has 16 uncapped players! A number of women from Queensland and also New South Wales have been named. You must be proud of the players who have stepped up!

I'm so proud of every single girl, not just in the Japan playing group, but the whole squad and every girl that put their best foot forward throughout the Super W competition. It takes a lot of hard work and commitment to be apart of Super W and Wallaroos training sessions and it's a testament to each girls worth ethic and commitment to be recognised for this.

We’ve spoken about this before… but I do want to congratulate you again for your Super W win! I do run a Reds blog, but I want to say one more time I am super proud of all that you do.

Haha, I know it's hard to swallow every time we play the Reds, but you're their number one supporter and although I'm committed to the Sky Blue you know I love what you are doing!

Thanks Gracie. I know it’s a busy time, so thanks heaps for taking time to chat! Hopefully I’ll make it down for one of the Japan matches.

Yes, I hope to see you there. I can't wait!

To check out my 2017 interview with Grace and her teammate Emily, click here.

At Suncorp Stadium with Grace and former Wallaroos captain Ash Hewson - after their
hit-out at the Brisbane Global 10s. (Who won this time around?)

A Conversation with Hamish Stewart

Last time I caught up with Hamish Stewart, he was a pretty new to Super Rugby. Now, a couple of seasons on, he’s come a long way as a player, with his kicking game is as on point as ever.

For Reds Rugby Rules this week, he shared his thoughts on the 2019 season so far and the future of the Reds. (Spoiler alert - he still wants you to be a believer.)

And right ahead of this weeks game against that team from Auckland, New Zealand, he and the boys are pumped to “beat the Blues”. It looks set to be another great night at Suncorp!

(Old photo... don't hate)

Hey Hamish, How are you this morning?

I’m very well. Lovely to see you on a beautiful day like this.

I hope you’re looking forward to Friday’s game as much as I am?

Yeah definitely. I think Friday’s game, we’re more playing for a bit of pride and respect for Queensland. The boys are pretty pumped up and the vibe around the team’s good. We’re gonna see a few boys go unfortunately, it’s gonna be a good send off for them at Suncorp.

What are your thoughts on the season as a whole so far?

I think it’s been an up and down season. We had moments in games when we lapsed and we didn’t put our foot down when we should have and that’s really been the disappointment for this year, we should have really closed our games. Close games we should have won. But I think we’ve earned a lot of respect from Queensland the way we’ve been playing, we’ve really been playing an exciting, expansive game of footy, not like previous years when it’s been ‘hit the forwards, hit the forwards’. I think the backs have made a contribution this year and I think building into next year, things are very strong. All the young blokes are getting blooded and gaining experience so I think that’s one of the most important things.

I’ll always be a believer. What’s been your highlight so far from the 2019 season?

It’s good that your a believer, because I think most people are jumping on the bandwagon, which is exciting. Probably the most exciting thing was at the  start of the year when we started getting a few wins under our belt, I felt like we started getting momentum and you could tell with the mood around the boys, we were really starting to build something. But just like I said before, we just lost critical games and you know, it always dulls the confidence when you loose close games. But narrowing it down to one thing, probably the win against the Sharks in Durban would have to be the highlight of the season. 

It’s been a while since our last official catch up for Reds Rugby Rules. Since that time, your game has come a long way. How do you feel your game’s developed personally in the last few seasons at the Reds?

It has been a long time! When was the last time, 2017? Time flies when you’re having fun I guess. Personally, I’ve grown up and I’ve matured a lot. Coming fresh out of school, you’re a bit new to everything. Super Rugby, it’s a hard sport to really nail down and try and play a full season. I’ve learnt a lot of things and had a lot of people help me and contributed to my game and I’m very grateful for that. I think, moving into 2020 - crazy to say isn’t it - I think we’ve got a solid base and if people still believe, I think it’s gonna be an exciting year. 

Will you be playing any games for Bond as the Super Rugby season comes to a close?

That’s a very good question. I was going to play this weekend, if I don’t get many minutes, but I’ve gotta work. But in the future, I’ll definitely be playing some games for Bond.

Do you have a message for Reds fans ahead of this Friday’s game?

I think for the fans, just stay and believe. Cos when you think about it, Rome wasn’t built in a day and things like this take a little while. You can see in our game how we’re improving and it’s getting more exciting every game. I think this is gonna be a real pillar with the send-off of the guys and the emotion of the game. The Blues are an exciting team, they throw the ball around, they’re like every other game. We’re really looking forward to it and I hope all the fans are cos it’s gonna be an absolute cracker of a game.

Thanks Hamish for taking time to catchup. See you at Suncorp on Friday!

Thanks Tommy. I’ll see you there! Hopefully we’ll get the win for you aye!

Mid-Season Pep Talk with Tate McDermott

After a solid Captains run at Ballymore, it was good to check in with Tate McDermott about how the side is going at this stage of the season. It's young players like him (he's not even 21 yet!) that give Reds fans a good reason to "believe" in the team, in 2019 and beyond!

Hey Tate, how was training this morning?

Yeah mate, it was pretty good aye. We’ve been training well all week and leading into the Waratahs game, it was pretty important, getting our last training - last little polish run to get our skills in touch before the big game tomorrow night.

The boys are in good spirits and looking forward to a good game.

I’d love to hear how you feel the team is going at this stage of the season.

Yeah I think we have a realistic chance to make the finals this year, all the boys are pretty upbeat. Obviously we started with three losses in a row and it was a bit disheartening considering we told our fans that we were going to be different this year and we started the way we did in the past. But I think we’ve won five games and the one in South Africa was massive for us and a few at home in front of our home fans - the Brumbies one was a big turning point in our season I thought. In the few games we have lost, it’s more been us losing it than them beating us. Last week against the Rebels was pretty disappointing, but aside from that, once we beat the Sunwolves and got our first win, I think we’ve done pretty well this year, considering the team we’ve put together, full of young fellas that have stood up and made their mark on the competition. So yeah, it’s been good so far.

We do have one of the youngest teams in Super Rugby don’t we!

Yeah, we’re the youngest team in the comp by a long shot. I think the average age is 22-23. There’s a lot of boys my age, who are turning 21 this year who are 20 now, then you’ve got Isaac and Jordy in the team who’re 19, Jack Hardy’s 19, Fraser’s 19. There’s a lot of boys that are really young and getting a shot and making a difference, which is good to see.

What will the team have to do specifically this weekend to beat the Waratahs?

Yeah. We’ve gotta be a smart team and we’ve got to kick the ball in the right places and hold onto the ball when we need to. I think for us, it’s all about attacking. As you know, they play with a flat fourteen and just the one fullback, so if we can turn them around and put it in their corners, I think that’ll take us a long way. It’s all about being smart and playing in the right areas of the field. Last week, our exits let us down a little bit, when we received that kick and tried to get out of our own half. So if we can nail that, I think that’ll show through the whole game. And if we hold the ball and execute when we need to, I think that’ll definitely give them a run for their money and we’re confident we can win this game.

I know it’s all about the team, but still it’s gotta feel good having four tries under your belt right?

(Laughs) it was good to get the first one. But like you said, it’s just good to be scoring tries for the team. If that helps the team in any way, it’s awesome. But there’s no better feeling than crossing the line, in an important game.

Thanks Tate very much for your time! 

No worries thanks for having me Tommy.

To hear more about Tate's rugby journey, make sure you catch my interview with him from last year here.