A Conversation with Queensland Lock Annabelle Codey

Last week (before these crazy lockdowns) I had a great time visiting the Reds Super W team's training down at Ballymore. Before they got stuck into on field training, I had the pleasure of interviewing the teams lock Annabelle Codey. We caught up about everything rugby related, including an explanation for rugby new-comers about her particular role on the field. She also shared some advice that her Dad has given her over the years and her own advice for up-and-coming players.

Since we caught up in Brisbane, the Reds have played twice - beating the Melbourne Rebels 17-12 and as well as the President's XV squad 54-5. The Reds are set to square off once again, against the Waratahs in the Super W final! Make sure you tune in for what's set to be an EPIC rematch. With the Wallaroos games coming up later in the year, now is the best time to be an Australian rugby fan!

The Queensland Reds play the NSW Waratahs in the Super W final at 1:30pm this Saturday!! You can watch the game live on Stan Sport.

What do you think the teams biggest takeaway was, after last weeks [round 1] game against New South Wales?

I think for us, we probably let nerves get the better of us. We had a lot of debutants and new faces and I think the damage was done in that first half. We did come back in the second half, but yeah the damage was done in the first half. So we really want to come out, have a sense of urgency and be aggressive off the ball and very “mongrel”. It didn’t go to plan last week, so that’s what we’re really focusing on this week.

Is lock your favourite position to play? Also, have you played in many other positions in the past?

Yes, it is. I like being in the scrum, particularly in the second row. If I could have a choice, I’d love to have a run in the center’s, but I don’t think they’ll ever put me there, I’ve always played lock. Sometimes I’ll drop to flank [number 6 or 7] or sometimes at club, I’ll drop to number 8 if they’re short, but predominantly I’ve played at lock, that’s my position.

With the level that you and the team are playing at, I’m sure rugby is winning new fans. How would you describe the “lock” position to someone that’s reading that’s new to rugby and will be watching you this weekend?

That’s a good question! Tom, good one. A fair few of my mates don’t know much about rugby. They're always saying “what are you doing in that eight?” We’re a “set-piece” player. I didn’t jump in the line outs over the weekend, because it was a bit too windy but we always have to dominate the “set-piece” plays, in the line-outs, in the scrum, we’re the engine room, pushing out front-rowers to get the job done and then, off the ball, we want to be devastating ball carriers and just work hard. We’re very similar to our flankers, but I think the locks work harder (laughs). 

Last year, you helped start the Women’s side at Easts rugby club and went on to win the premiership that same year! Congratulations!

Thank you!

Can you tell me a bit about that journey?

Yeah. Previously, I was at Wests for two seasons. But my families always been close to Easts, my brother played there for juniors and I know dad coached there, so I said if they ever think about starting a woman’s team there, I’ll go back. So we went back, started the team and it was just a whirlwind. We played a lot better than we thought and we obviously took out the premiership. It was a really, really surreal season - everything happened so quickly. But the girls worked really hard and came together. It was just awesome.

I love hearing about people’s rugby journeys. How did you first start playing the game?

So I was a bit of a netballer, I wasn’t into contact too much. Then in 2016 or 17, Courtney Horan, that’s Tim Horan’s daughter, said come along to a training session and try it. So I said “yep, I’ll give it a go.” So I started playing Sevens and Tens and then they said “do you want to have a crack at Fifteens”. I was a bit intimidated, but I gave it a go and never look back!

I was a bit late to the party, because I went to an all girls school and it wasn’t really around, which sucks (but now it is). But yeah, once I started playing, I just kept going and here we are!

I interviewed your Dad a few years ago and we had a great chat. What’s the best piece of advice he’s given you?

Probably, when I play, leave nothing out there, leave nothing in the tank whether that’s for 20 minutes of 80 minutes. He always says “100% work rate”. And I agree with that, because sometimes I can slack off, so that’s good advice... and also be an absolute menace. Pretty much, bash the heck out of the opposition (laughs) because Dad was always an aggressive player so he always tells me to do that. and he always lets me know after games if I’ve done well or not. But he’s the only one that can tell me that, he gives me very honest feedback. But yeah, you’re wearing the Queensland colours so just get out there and play like a Queenslander.

What’s some advice you’d give to rugby players, both boys and girls, that want to some day play for their state?

I guess, it seriously is a game for all different sizes, backgrounds, it’s a very welcoming game. I’ve always found that. So if you’re thinking of playing and trying out at your local club, just do it and see how you go. I think you’ll want to come back. And for me, I’ve been in the squad for a few seasons, but never cracked it [the main squad squad]. So perseverance as well, just always keep working and never give up. 

Thanks heaps for your time. All the best for your trip down to Coffs Harbour! If I can’t be there to watch, you know I’ll be watching the games on Stan.

Oh thanks Tom! I know we’re going to beat the Waratahs for you.

Linking up with Lucy Lockhart pt. 2

Super W is back!!!!

And to celebrate, I caught up with Reds Vice-Captain and Wallaroo Lucy Lockhart. I last caught up with Lucy back in 2018, during the first ever Super W season. We caught about all things rugby and also, what she got up to during her two years away in England.

This is an exciting month for Women's rugby in Australia. Round one was played last weekend at Easts Rugby club where the New South Wales squad took out the Reds after an excellent first half performance. The Reds outscored the Waratahs in the second half, but still went down 47-26. Overall, everyone I talked to agreed it an awesome game of rugby!

It was great to catch up with Kirby Sefo (former
Queensland captain) and my cousin Grace

If you're not following Super W, now is a great time to get on board. The rest of the competition will be held in Coffs Harbour over the next few weeks. (All games are live on Stan!) Our Reds play the Melbourne Rebels this Sunday at 1pm.

Make sure you tune in and enjoy my chat with Lucy in the mean time...

Hi Lucy, great to see you. Thank you for taking the time to come back and talk with me again.

Any time!

I know the Super W season has just started and you’ve had your first game for Queensland - but first of all, a huge congratulations on making the Wallaroos squad!!!

Thank you.

How did it feel getting the call up?

Oh, it was amazing. So I’ve just come back from the UK, I was playing in England for a couple of years and I came back because of Covid. Probably a couple of months into it, they gave me the call up, asking to to come and trial at one of the training sessions, because they watched me and my game overseas. They called me to train and said “yep - I love your work, we’d like you to join the Wallaroos squad.” I was absolutely over the moon, it’s been a goal of mine ever since I started.

Tough loss after last week - but I know you’ll bounce back. I think both teams played outstandingly. What were your thoughts on the game?

It took us a while to get into the game, in the first half New South Wales were very clinical. It got us off our feet a little bit, but in the second half we found that “Queensland mongrel” within us to go forward - we could not go down without a fight.

Lucy breaks through a tackle at Easts Rugby Club.
[Photo cred: Stephen Tremain]

Queensland mongrel, I like that. Congratulations on getting the role of Vice Captain! I know you’ll be a great leader for the team this year.

Thank you.

What did you get up to during your time in England?

I loved there for a couple of years to teach - I’m a high school teacher. I taught and played professional rugby for the Worcester Warriors. I was happy, I got to travel a bit with rugby and with the school. I got to take the kids to Zambia! That was pretty cool. As a teacher, it was hard work, but it was a good experience! I got malaria, but that’s another story (laughs.)

You’re a very multi talented individual! I know you’re a part of the Australian defence force. Also, I found out you represented Queensland in softball back in the day.

Yes I did (laughs.) I played softball, probably back in 2007 or 2008, when I was in high school. I was in the army for 8 years and stayed there until 2018 and that’s when I went to the UK. I was in the army when I last spoke to you.

Is rugby your number one passion?

Absolutely.

What are your personal goals, both inside and outside of sport?

Inside sport, I’d love to run out with the Wallaroos in a test match and get a cap or two, but I’d also like to coach a few teams and develop the pathways for young girls.

I coach at my school in Miami! We’ve got a pretty good team at Miami High.

All the best for the trip down to Coffs this weekend, and the rest of the tournament! If I’m not there, I’ll be watching on Stan!!!

Awesome. I can not wait. You’ll have to send me some feedback! (Laughs.)

Kicking Back with Mac: A Conversation with Mac Grealy

After my whirlwind trip to Townsville, it's been good watching the Reds get back to business at Ballymore. Two losses and one win into the trans-tasman series, the team is super-focused.

Photo cred: Saucey 

Ahead of their game against the Auckland Blues, I had the chance to catch up with Reds up-and-comer Mac Grealy! At 19, Mac is one of the youngest players on the team and I believe he has huge potential. We caught up about a bunch of things, including what he's working on in his personal game and one of his hobbies outside of rugby.

With players like Mac around, the future of the Reds is very bright!

Hey Mac, thanks heaps for your time.

No worries!

How’s this weeks training gone with the boys?

Yeah. To be honest, it’s been a bit tough, because there’s been a few injuries… It’s been a bit of a lighter training week, because it’s a Friday game... there’s a bit of excitement too, because it is a Friday game, last home game at Suncorp -we're looking forward to the challenge.

What have you been working on in your own game?

That’s a good question. Obviously, I'm just trying to crack Super Rugby, so there’s a lot of things I can improve. But when it comes to things I’m particularly working on, things like kicking, tackle technique, cos I’m a bit of a smaller guy, a younger guy, I’ve got to be quite technical, so they’re probably my two main focus areas. Obviously every other part of my game I can improve, but they’d be the two main ones.

I love hearing about people’s rugby journeys. What inspired you to first play rugby?

There’s a different few things. I’ve got two older brothers, one older sister but my older brothers, they started playing when they were eight and five, I think I was three at the time, so that’s when I started getting around the rugby environment. By the time I was five, my dad couldn’t keep me away. I think I started playing under-6s then, and I think I just loved the competitiveness of it. I’ve always been a very competitive person and sports always been something I loved. Throughout my life, I kind of got good at it and enjoyed that, and then got to take things to another level. I probably didn’t expect it to happen as fast as it has, because only a couple of years ago I hadn’t made the Queensland one team. Literally two years ago. Then the first time I did, I was 17 and I came off the bench. I suppose, just being from Toowoomba, I just loved playing footy and that’s all I wanted to do. I loved the camaraderie with my mates and to be able to now play as a lifestyle is a huge thing for me and I want to take it as far as I can, and play for as long as I can, because I just love playing footy. There’s been no family member or other person that made me, it’s just the enjoyment of getting out there and attacking it. 

You came from Toowoomba to Brisbane during your first year out of school and had an awesome season with Uni last year. I’m guessing it was study that brought you to Brisbane?

Yeah. Originally I was definitely looking to further my studies and the opportunity to play rugby was a huge one. Apart from my dad’s playing at South’s (he was a Souths old boy), I didn’t have a club affiliation and it made sense to to me personally to go to Uni, to compete against the best players, with historically, 10 grand finals in a row... So to be in that environment, I knew it would be beneficial for me and as the season went out, I knew I was getting the hardest type of game simulations at training and then I had the best players on my team. To be able to play with players that have been around the world that are so good at footy just makes it easier. Uni, it’s a great club. So yeah, study took me there and rugby kept me there.

Congrats on making the Reds academy and now the Reds squad. The future looks bright with players like you around. What are some of the big things you’ve learnt since being based here at Ballymore?

Some of the biggest things… There’s a lot of things on the field I’ve definitely learnt, just around how to prepare for my job and how the little things often are the biggest contributions in games... I’ve always been trying to make big plays and highlights and stuff, but to focus on those little plays has been huge. Off the field, it’s also been really beneficial, just learning how to prep for games and also how to enjoy life away from footy - that's been a huge part of it.

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

Well, believe it or not I can play the piano. Growing up I always played piano, it was one of my little hobbies. I don’t think anyone else here would know that. I used to play a bit of “Dancing Queen” for Mum… it used to pop off (laughs).

Everyone needs a bit of music in their life! Thanks Mac for your time. See you at Suncorp on Friday! Let’s go Reds!

Cheers Tommy! Hopefully it’s another good win, and another good match-ball for you.

Reds Rugby Rules heads to Townsville

Last weekend I joined a large group of Reds members for a day trip to Townsville! It was an awesome experience, ending with a win by Queensland, against the Chiefs. (What a great game it was, but I’ll get to that soon.)

We left Brisbane just before midday, on Saturday morning. The flight was pretty comfortable and enjoyable!

Then after landing in Townsville, we headed to the Cowboys Leagues club for lunch with the crew - the steak (and the company) was pretty good!

We did have a few hours to kill before the gates opened and I was lucky to hear a great local band playing outdoors, around the corner. ACDC, Screaming Jets and a whole lot classics that everyone loves… it was awesome.

After that, I made my way to “Queensland Country Bank Stadium”, known to the locals as “Cowboys Stadium” (no idea why!)

The brand new stadium was very easy to get around (easily “accessible”, as they say) and thanks to Minako and the Reds Membership crew, we had some of the best seats in the house. Before the game, we heard some great speeches and stories from a few past Reds and Wallabies, including Angus Scott-Youngs dad, Sam. I enjoyed chatting with him and some of the other rugby legends also. (No photo to prove it, but it was fun.)

We sat right next to tunnel before the players ran out for the game. It’s been a while since I’ve been that close to the field - again… it was pretty fun!

Close up shot of Filipo Daugunu and the boys running out

Photo cred: Minako from the Reds Membership team

As Reds fans will have heard, it was a great result for Queensland. 5 tries in a row by the Reds, put them ahead 33-3 at half-time. A second half rally almost saw the Chiefs come back, but the Reds finished strong and held out in front of a very loud crowd.

After the game, we travelled straight to the airport and caught the same chartered plane back to Brisbane! We landed just after 1am… (I’m pretty sure the Reds staff were tired too.) What an amazing trip it was though.

Thanks heaps to Minako the Reds team for organising the tour. I can’t wait until the next one! 

Still on the Rise: A Conversation with Reds and Wallabies Centre Jordan Petaia

It’s an exciting time to be a Queensland Reds fan! Even though the team is on a four-game winning streak, as I found out this week the team has been training hard and is wanting to improve on it’s performances so far. “Never get comfortable” seems to be the mantra that Brad Thorne’s Reds are living by. That definitely seems to be true for my latest interviewee for Reds Rugby Rules!

It was great to catch up with Jordan Pataia after training earlier this week. We spoke about a number of things, including where he feels his team is at, as well as some of his interests outside of rugby.

Since making his debut for Queensland at the age of 18, three years later, Jordan is still a player on the rise. With the talent and work ethic that he has, I think some of his best playing days yet are coming up! (Also, check out my 2018 interview with him here.)

I always love catching up with Jordan and I’m sure you will enjoy reading our chat!

Hey Jordan, awesome to see you again. Do you think the season could have started any better for the team? 

Um it’s probably the start we wanted. Pretty great start, 4 and 0. Pretty great effort, but the boys are still wanting more and I think we’re looking to improve on those results. They were still good outcomes but we’re holding ourselves to higher standards, which is great, if we’re looking to go for that chip. So it’s important we stick to that… but obviously 4 and 0, that’s exactly what we want.

Things seem to be coming together really well for the Reds. Are you excited about the Waratahs match coming up this weekend?

Yeah! I’m very excited. I’ve had a good run so far, so if I can keep that going it’d be good. The boys are pretty excited! I haven’t played in Sydney for a while, so it’ll be good to get down there and to look to continue our streak.

They put up a good fight in round one the season. How much of a difference do you think it will make for them, to be playing at home [in Sydney]? 

Yeah, I think it will make a massive difference. Last year - they came up here and lost and then we went down there and the boys got hammered. We never go into any of these games lightly. I think they’ll definitely enjoy being at home. But yeah, if we stay switched on for our game, it should be a good match up.

You and Hunter seem to be making quite the team this year. What’s it like playing alongside him?

Yeah it’s really fun. We get along quite well off the field, so it makes it good. We just get on the field and trust each other and have fun out there. We have a good relationship in the centre field that we’ve been building since last year… It’s been really enjoyable having that relationship with Hunter.

How are you finding having a shorter season and playing against less teams in Super Rugby AU?

Hmmm. Yeah it’s different. You don’t get to see the world as much, but nevertheless we’re still playing rugby during such a difficult time and that’s something to be thankful for. But at the same time, it’s good stay around home and around the family a lot more, now that we’re not on the road as much. But yeah, it’s still enjoyable and I still have the same goals, so it’s good.

How are you finding the rule changes this season?

The rule changes have been pretty fun. There hasn’t been too much change, but the drop-outs pretty entertaining when the boys run it back. It’s good to watch.

Are you looking forward to the second round for the year - Super Rugby “Trans-Tasman”?!

Yeah. Hopefully we can stay in order. I’m pretty keen. It’s always fun to go up against the New Zealand teams. Obviously they’re some of the best teams in the world, so it’s good to test your ability and skills… and travelling to New Zealand is pretty fun. There are some nice areas there. So I’m pretty excited.

I have a message for the NZ Super Rugby teams. My boys are coming for you! This question is on behalf of my Mum, who’s becoming a serious rugby fan: when you swan dive to score a try, does it hurt?

I think that’s a question for the Fijian boys! I haven’t done too many swan dives. But diving, if you land it well I guess it’s not too bad. On occasion, I guess you can wind yourself. But yeah, I don’t think it hurts too much.

You’ve played a number of games wearing green and gold since we last caught up officially. What’s your favourite memory playing with the Wallabies?

Probably, representing your country and family… just getting to the pinnacle of the sport. It’s quite an accomplishment, it’s good to really see where your at, and do your best for your country. International travel is pretty cool too. You get to see some cool places.

Are you still into computer games?

Oooh. I’ve died off in the last few months - been a bit busier. I’ve taken up a bit of golf actually! But I still it enjoy playing computer games. A bit of COD.

If you weren’t playing rugby, what would you be doing?

That’s a good question! Probably some sort of study. I’m not sure what it would have been. My mind was always pretty set on rugby. But probably work a few different jobs. Coffee… I’m into my coffee a bit actually. Maybe be a barrister and start up a cafe. That could still happen!

Thanks for taking time to catch up today Jordan. Safe travels and best of luck this weekend! You know I’ll be watching.

Awesome. Appreciate it Tommy! Hopefully we can get out there and do the job!

Jordan and the Queensland Reds line up against New South Wales this Saturday at 6:45pm!

Dreams Can Come True: A Conversation with Reds Prop Zane Nonggor

There are plenty of reasons it’s a great time to be a Reds fan! Yes, the team is on a winning streak at the moment, but regardless, with great players/people coming through the Reds pathway, the future looks bright for the game in our great state.

Zane Nonggor is one such player. At the age of 19, he’s already staking his claim in the side. He debuted last year against the Waratahs and has been named on the the bench for this weekends clash against the Western Force (this Saturday at Suncorp!!!)

I was lucky to get to catch up with him after training this week and we talked about everything, from his rugby journey, to what he thinks of his new nickname, “Baby Thor”.

I hope you enjoy reading, as much as I enjoyed talking with him!

Congrats to you and the whole team for the awesome win over the weekend!

Thank you! It was good to get the win down against the Brumbies, it was the first time in seven years [down in Canberra]. I was a pretty rough start, but they stuck to the structures, believed in each other and got the win.

Let’s talk about the year so far. How have you found settling into the 2021 season with the Reds? Much easier than 2020 I assume!

Yeah, it’s been really fun I guess. Since I had a bit of time last year, I knew all the names, knew all the faces and could get to know them a bit better. But at the start of the year I had a couple of injuries, a couple of niggles that kept me out of training for a couple of months so that was pretty annoying. But finally in the last month, it’s been really good getting back into full training. Still, every sessions harder than the one before, and I just want to get better. I’m still trying to adapt I guess to senior, professional footy.

What do you love the most about playing for Queensland and being based here at Ballymore?

What I love the most is… I’m a Queensland boy - born and bred, I’ve supported Queensland my whole life, when I’d watch rugby union it was always the Queensland Reds. I didn’t know too much about rugby when I first came, but as soon as I started playing at school, because this was my home state, there was really no question to go for the Queensland Reds. It’s really a dream come true to be able to come and train at Ballymore and to wear that Queensland jersey.

You joined the Reds as a prop. Have you always played in that position?

Yeah I have. I’m a bit big to play other positions. Even when I started playing footy I was always a tight-head prop, I never really tried any other positions. I’m pretty uncoordinated on the left side of the scrum, compared to the right. I have played a bit, during our Argentina tour with school, I played number 8 for 20 minutes of one game, that was pretty cool. But yeah, I’ve always been a prop.

I love hearing about peoples rugby journey’s. How old were you when you started playing rugby?

I started playing rugby in year 5, so I would have been 9 or 10 years old. When I first started, I wasn’t actually that good, I was just big. I started off in the B team, then the next year I was in Cs and Ds, the next year, Cs and Ds, it wasn’t until I was in year 8 that I started, I guess, getting good and making the A team and then for the rest of high school made the A team, then later I made the first XV for a couple of years, then in my last year, I played for Queensland under-18s and was lucky enough to make the Australian team.

I guess that kind of got me some attention from the people at the Reds and they offered me a contract, a development academy spot. Training there was really fun, because all the people I went to school with the year above me, we were all training together. Then covid hit and we were all split up. We just kept training, it was like a second pre-season really. I had some good numbers in the fitness tests during covid and they gave me an opportunity to come and train, just to make up numbers, after cover. I just kept training, and there were a couple of times when I thought I’d go back to academy, but they said “stay here” because there were a couple of injuries and they needed the numbers and I just kept training. I got the opportunity and it was really surreal. It all happened so fast and I couldn’t believe it when it was happened.

What inspired you to play the game?

Growing up in PNG, Rugby League was the main sport there and I watched a little bit of that, mostly just the State of Origin, but then when we came to Australia and I went to Southport, the only rugby they had there was rugby union. My grandad played a bit of rugby union for fun, this is my Grandad on my Mums side, my Australian side, and she said “you should really try it - you’ll love it, you’ll love it”. I was a bit nervous at the time, I didn’t think it would go that well. But she really pushed me to play and I had a blast of a time.

I guess what inspired me at the time was having fun with my mates and my Mum pushing me to try new things. I can really thank my Mum for everything that’s happened.

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

I’m left-handed, not many people know that… I used to be a lot bigger - too much Maccas and KFC when I was younger. Also, not a lot of people know that I’m from the highlands of Papa New Guinea, right in the middle of it. We lived up in the village for four years. That was a lot of fun. Not many people know that.

Do you like the nickname “Baby Thor”?

(Laughs) Yeah. Obviously, growing up, Nella (Taniella) was one of the people I watched very closely who was playing my position and bumping everyone off and throwing massive cut-off balls. All the props just wanted to be him. Being called Baby Thor is pretty funny, I definitely like that.

What is your team focusing on ahead of the game against the Force this weekend?

The team focus for this weekend is to keep improving. We had a good game against the Brumbies this week, it was a hard fought game against them. It was a slow start, so we want to just improve as much as possible and keep building upon our game, building on our structures, sticking to our structures and I guess playing the form that we can play. Not making too many mistakes and keep building pressure.

Thanks for taking time to catch up Zane! 

All good Tommy! It was a pleasure to be interviewed by you. I think you know more of the Reds than I do! It’s been awesome to catch up.

Don’t miss the Reds game this Saturday against the Western Force, 7:30pm at Suncorp Stadium!!!

Reds Rugby Rules Interviews Alex Mafi!!

Thank you Queensland for killing off Covid. Finally, the Reds have opened up their borders to visitors and I was able to watch training from the sidelines and do my first in-person interview for over a year! And what a great interview it was. I got to chat with Reds hooker, the powerful “back who’s been made into a forward”, Alex Mafi!



Even though he’s 51 games into his Super Rugby career, at 24, no doubt he still has many great years (and a few championships with the Reds) ahead of him! Also, I was interested to find out that all of his main rugby “heroes” growing up, were former or current Reds! Read on to find out who they were! 

Hey Alex, thanks for taking the time to catch up today!

No worries!

2 tries last week! It’s not often that forwards score one try - let alone two!!! 

Yeah I was really lucky out there Tommy, to be honest. Right place right time, I guess. One of them was really just a team try. I was behind a pack of, probably 12 boys in that mall... we had a few backs join in, so I was just a lucky one to have the ball.

The other one, that was probably the best moment of my career so far, to get that ball over the line at that time of the game, with the situation that we were in... especially considering I’d dropped the ball just minutes before that, I was really happy to get that second try.

You and BPA are a different type of forward. The Reds are lucky to have players that can run the ball too! Have you played a variety of positions over the years?

Yes. It’s really funny, I actually started off in the backs, Tommy. I started off playing inside centre and as I got older, I started eating and slowly made my way forward in the team. I made my way into the back row, I was playing number eight, and then just slipped into Hooker. I have an older brother, he was at Nudgee in the first XV, he was the hooker in grade 12 and I was in grade 8. They said to me you’ll most likely end up being a hooker and shifted me there in grade 8!

Congratulations on 50 games. How did it feel reaching that milestone during the season opener? 

Thanks Tommy! That was a really, really good way to start the season. Especially having it at home, in front of my family and friends, that was really special.

Last year I was in line to play my 50th two times, but both times I did my hammy [hamstring muscle] on the Thursday night before, so missed out through injury. We were about to play the Melbourne Rebels last year for the second round, I pulled my hammy and they said I’d be out for eight weeks. Then I made it back for the home semi, against the Rebels again and then I did the same thing again on the Thursday night! Then I did a bit of work over the off-season and the preseason to make it back and have my 50th in round one.

It was a great win against New South Wales. Good to get the cup for another year!

Yeah. That’s probably what was on my mind rather than it being my 50th. I had my mind more so on wanting to get that cup back and open up the season with a bit of silverware. I was really happy for us to win that Templeton cup.

How are you enjoying 2021 so far, overall? Also, how do you think you and the team have grown, since 2020?

Yeah I’m really enjoying 2021, it’s been a good year so far. No hiccups during the season so far, no Covid-19 stuff. And our team has grown a lot since last year. Everyone’s got a handful of caps out of their belt from last year, so everyone’s a little bit more experienced. The groups probably not as shy as they were last year, so they’re getting a lot more communication from each other.

Who were your rugby hero’s growing up?

When I was younger I would always go and watch my big brother’s first XV games from the sidelines. At that time, at Nudgee, James O’Connor was also playing. He was a freak... first year out of high school he went to play for the Western Force, then into the Wallabies. So he was a bit of a hero growing up. And now I’m playing with him, which is awesome. And during that time, when the Reds were so dominant - 2011-2010, Will Genia and Quade Cooper.

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

Not many people know that I grew up in Mount Isa. Everyone thinks I’ve always been here in Brisbane, but I grew up in Mount Isa, my old man was working in the mines. I went to St Joseph’s Primary... and my first sport was soccer!

What will you be doing during bye weekend?

If the weather holds up, I’m planning to go fishing! I’m gonna go out to the Cape Waters on the top of Morton and see if I can find some fish out there. Sounds great. Enjoy the weekend off!

Thanks again Alex for your time!

No worries Tommy. Thanks for having me!