A Conversation with Reds Lock Seru Uru

Earlier today, I had an awesome conversation with one of my favourite players, Seru Uru. Since moving from Melbourne to Brisbane in 2019, he hit his stride playing for Easts and Brisbane City in the NRC, before earning his Reds contract ahead of the 2020 Super Rugby season.

With a work ethic like his, I have a feeling that Seru is only going to get better in the coming years. I'm glad he brought his talents to the Reds and that he calls Brisbane home!!!

Hey Seru, thank you for taking the time to come and chat today. How much are you looking forward to the Reds first game against the Moana Pasifika?

Yeah, I’m really looking forward to it! It will be a tough I would say and a good game aswell.. It’ll be our last game here in Brisbane, I’m really looking forward to it. I’ve been watching them play over the last few weeks and they have been playing really good. They’re big boys, some big hits and some good ball carriers, so I’m really looking forward to it. 

What are some key things the Reds are working on at the moment?

The key things that the Reds are working on is our decision making around the park, our inside defence, always protecting the inside shoulder. Attack wise, our set plays around the park and our north coast has been better over the last few weeks that we have been playing, we’ve been improving because there have been a few games that when we come to the north coast we give away the ball easily, so we’ve been working hard on that. On the past few games you would have seen we’ve come up with a few tries. the boys are controlling and getting away with points which is good. A few other things would be our kick off chase, adding pressure on the kick off. That’s what the boys have been working at really hard.

What do you love the most about playing for the Reds?

One thing I love the most about the Reds is the boys! They’re just a good bunch of blokes, everyone gets along with each other easily. On and off the field, everyone is tight. You can see on the field where everyone is working for each other, if there is a problem, everyone will come and pick you up and boost you up, that’s one thing I really love at the Reds. It’s just the boys.

What’s been your rugby journey so far, and how did you end up playing in Queensland?

Yeah my rugby journey so far… I finished school back in 2016 in Fiji. I played in 20s for Fiji for 3 years, I was still in school in 2015 and I joined the Fiji 20s in 2016 and then 2017 I moved to Australia Melbourne. I came and joined a team called a team called Island Breeze”, it’s at “Youth with a Mission”. That brought me over here to Australia. That’s when I started with Box Hill, down in Melbourne and started my career there. I did a few training sessions with the Melbourne Rebels just to get a feel for what it is like to play at the top level, it was really good, it gave me a boost. I kept it in my mind and thought yes I wanted play super rugby. I stayed in Melbourne 2017, I was apart of the NRC Melbourne Rebels squad and then in 2018 I moved clubs, I moved to Power House, but I didn’t get picked for the NRC squad.

Then there was an agent who gave me a call here and told me to start again here. I joined Easts straight away, my first season there was at 2019 and from there everything just happened. I had a good season with Easts and got picked for the NRC and after 3 games I got signed to the Reds

I was so pumped and so emotional at the same time, I couldn’t believe it - that things happened like that in one year. Moving from Melbourne to here I thought it would take a bit longer, but everything just happened. I was so happy about it. And now, everything is just falling into place, I’m getting more game time, I’m getting more mature in the game, I’m learning heaps of things every day

Especially playing alongside all of the boys here that I used to watch on the TV at home and playing the other teams around Australia and in New Zealand, it’s a good experience.

What do you miss most about being away from Fiji?

The thing I miss the most is family. I really miss my family. I moved here by myself, left everyone there. It’s pretty hard because last time I went home was 2019, because of covid. But hopefully I’ll go back this year or next year, we’ll see how it goes. And the other thing is food (laughs). I miss the food back home. 

I’m really glad you’ve made it to Queensland and that you’re in our team.

I’m really happy I joined the Queensland Reds. There’s no other club like this one. I really enjoy it here and being here in Brisbane. The weather just reminds me of being back home. When I go around, I hardly know everyone, but they’ll come up to you like “hey Seru”. (Laughs.)

What would be a few tips that you would give to young, up and coming back row flankers?

Feedback I would say to the kids growing up is always listen to your Mum and Dad, keep working hard and never give up. There’s heaps of opportunities around here. If you don’t get a crack on the first one, don’t give up. Because for me to get here, I’ve been through a lot (laughs). I’ve struggled to get here. But never give up, always keep pushing yourself. Don’t fall into the wrong crowd. It’s good to have friends, but just choose the good friends you have. But yeah, always keep pushing yourself and listen to your parents.

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

When I was in school I was doing automotive engineering and then after school, I just focused on rugby. But if it wasn’t rugby, I would have been doing that. Or, before I moved here to Australia, I was recruited to be a prison officer. I went to an interview, and I got the job. Then I had to choose that job, or coming to Australia, and I chose to come here.

What are your current goals, inside and outside of rugby?

My current goal in rugby is to don the Wallabies jersey, that’s a goal and a dream. Outside of rugby, I just want to do some more studies for life after rugby. I want to settle here in Brisbane after rugby.

Last question - favourite post-game snack?

(Laughs.) Favourite post-game snack… the snakes. The lollies-snakes. Heaps of sugar, it gives you that boost (laughs).

Thats Seru for taking time out to chat!

Thank you very much for having me!

The Reds play the Moana Pacifika, home at Suncorp Stadium, this Friday!!!!!!! It's the final home game of the season, so make sure you come along!!!!! I can't wait....

A Conversation with Reds and Wallabies Legend, Elton Flatley

While I was in Melbourne for "Super Round", I was lucky to get to interview a real legend of the game, former Reds and Wallabies flyhallf Elton Flatley!

(Click here to read about our trip last weekend with Elton, Bill Ross and 50 other Reds members. Now is a great time to be a Reds member and supporter!) A special thanks to Minako for helping arrange the interview!

What have you enjoyed most about this trip so far?

Probably the people! We’ve got a great touring group that are very passionate about Reds rugby. It’s good to feel a part of the Reds family again!

What are your thoughts on the current Reds squad?

It was a disappointing night last night, they started really well, but I think they’ve got a great squad. There’s some great young talent and some older guys like James O’Connor. It’s disappointing he wasn’t out there last night, but the young 10 [Lawson Creighton], he had a good game, especially for his first game in that role.

Sam Cordingly along with Brad Thorne have done a really good job of developing that squad over the years and I think they’re in a pretty good space.

What was it like being one of the first players in the “professional” rugby era?

It was good… it was a great moment getting paid to play the game that you love. While there were still some amateur components, it’s definitely wasn’t as professional as they are now. They train really hard and they have to be a lot more dedicated to what they do.

We had a good mix of having a good time off the field and playing professionally on the field.

What’s your favourite memory, playing (or training) at Ballymore stadium?

Probably my favourite game was when I was an 18 year old, playing against Auckland. They had a very good team in 1996 and we beat them by a lot [51-13]. It was probably the most complete Reds performance I was a part, against the team that went on to win the comp that year. We played against the great Jonah Lomu, Fitzpatrick, Zinzan Brooke, Michael Jones… some great players!

What’s your number one memory from the 2003 World Cup?

It was great playing a World Cup in front of your friends and family. The semi-final against the All Blacks was a great game. They beat us on that same field several months before by around 40 points and to go on and turn that table and beat a good team in the semi-final was great. Sadly, a week later we were obviously very disappointed that we couldn’t get across the line against the English, they were a very good team. But just having a World Cup at home was very special and we’ll look forward to 2027 when we have it here.

What inspired you to first play rugby?

I always did what my older brother did, basically, whether it was playing soccer, rugby league or rugby. Then I went to a boarding school that played rugby, Nudgee College… I had a great coach there, Tom Barker, that taught me the game… but yeah I fell in love with rugby at Nudgee College.

What’s been your main game since you retired from rugby?

I’ve got a financial planning business. That’s what gets me out of bed in the morning! I went and worked for a few of the big banks to do my apprenticeship and then I started my own business about 10 years ago.

What advice would you give to players that want to play rugby professionally, both girls and boys?

I think a lot of it comes down to hard work. If you really want to get something, really want to be a professional rugby player or whether you want to be very good at something else, you’ve got to work really hard and devote yourself to it. There’s no secrets really. It’s hard work - and try and find the best coaching you can get. I had some great coaches and mentors when I was a young person. But all of it comes down to hard work.

What’s your favourite thing to that has nothing to do with rugby?

I love taking my dog for a walk every day. I take him up to the dog park every day, and that’s my little hour of relaxation that I really enjoy. There’s plenty of other thing, but that’s the daily thing that I enjoy.

Thank you very much for your time.

No, thank you Tom. Thank you for coming and thanks for supporting the Reds!

A Super Smorgasbord of Rugby in Melbourne

Last weekend I was lucky enough to travel to Melbourne for a FANTASTIC weekend of rugby. It was "Super Round", which meant that all Super rugby teams were scheduled to play over three nights. (The Force/Moana game was postponed due to a corona virus outbreak...) but every other team faced up!

It was an amazingly well-planned trip, organised by the Reds membership crew. It was great to have Jim Tucker, Elton Flatley, Bill Ross join us for the tour as well as many of the leaders at the Reds organisation. (Click here to read my interview with Elton. It was a lot of fun!)

We flew from Brisbane to Melbourne on a chartered jet (thanks Alliance!) early on Saturday morning and the action kicked off straight away.

We had lunch as a group and got to hear stories and perspectives from Jim, Elton, Bill and Sam Cordingly before we headed to AAMI Park for the action.

There were many great rugby games played, but unfortunately the Reds couldn't pull off the win this time. I did takeaway many positives from the game though, including Lawson Creighton stepping up to the number 10 role for the first time, with James O'Connor injured.

Enjoying GREAT food and conversation about the game we all love

It was good having Jim Tucker with us for the trip

Click here to read my full interview with Elton Flatley

A HUGE thanks to Minako and the Reds membership crew for organising an outstanding weekend. I'd highly recommend becoming a Reds member and joining our trip next year, if you can!

I love rugby and I love talking with rugby supporters. Reds rugby still rules!

A Conversation with Queensland's own James O'Connor

This week I was fortunate enough to catch up with Reds (and Wallabies) fly-half James O’Connor. We had a great chat about a number of things, including where the Reds at and even his reflections on last years Wallabies spring tour.

It was good to catch up in person this time around. (Our last interview was done via Zoom, due to the player bubble.) James seemed relaxed and yet ready for action against the Rebels this Friday!

Hey James, great to catch up with you today! The last time we caught up for an interview was back in August 2020, using Zoom. A lot’s happened since then!

The Super Rugby Pacifica season has been great for the Reds, I’ve really enjoyed watching every game. What have been some of your highlights this season?

Highlights this season… I’d say two games. One was round two against the Waratahs, I felt they came out firing. They’re a good pack and they were very physical that match. We probably weren’t at our best and we lost I think two to the sin bin, one yellow card and possibly one red card. It was a wet, messy night and the team just found a way to win. It was a great showing of how tight were are as a group, not having any territory and possession, we still got the job done. That was a highlight…

And then, last round, beating the Brumbies down at home. It was good to knock the Brumbies off.

The Brumbies game at Suncorp was one of my highlights as well! What was the teams main focus heading into and during that game?

I’d say the main focus was the Brumbies cos we played them two week earlier, cos we felt we had their measure. So our main focus was making sure we stopped their set-piece, their line-out maul, their scrum plays etcetera, stop their momentum and then it was just us playing our game, early on. So we had the ball rolling, worked through some phases and we got to see some good rugby.

What have been some of the big lessons you’ve learnt during this season?

Biggest lessons I’ve learnt this season… probably that you don’t have to have the ball to win the game. We’ve relied a lot on our defence this year, turning teams around, fatiguing them, which is a new tactic for the Reds. Normally we try to hold the ball a lot longer, because our phase attack shape is probably one of the best in the comp. But this year we’ve turned teams around early and starved them of positive areas of the field, which has been a big area of learning for me.

I also haven’t had a chance to ask you about the Wallabies tour last year. How would you describe your overall experience travelling through Europe?

It was a tough tour. There were quite a few new combinations… we brought a lot of players back from Europe like big Willy Skelton, Izaac Rodda had just come back, Rory Arnold and Tolu Latu… it was awesome to have all the boys come back and it was just us finding our flow again… I felt that unfortunately it was the last game it took to sort of get our combinations really firing. We ended the game on a positive note which will be good for this year.

How do you unwind and relax after a big game?

Hmmm. Plenty of different things to do. A lot of the guys like to go out for a beer and enjoy each others company, I’m more one to just get home now.. maybe having a little cheat meal whatever that may be, a bit of sushi, a burger or something, maybe every now and again I’ll crack open a nice glass of whiskey, but it’s more so the next day… I’ll have a bit of a sleep-in, get into the water and head down to the coast or head down to the rain forest with my Mrs and the dog.

This Friday the Reds are playing the Rebels, in Melbourne. The following week, you’re playing the Hurricanes for Super round! I can’t wait! I’ll be there for the Super round game. What has the team been working on the most during training, looking to the next few away games?

Every week you work on something new, depending on who your playing. So you’ve got your own game plan, then you tweek it up depending on the opposition. This week we have the Rebels, they play a particular way, they have a lot of line speed, a lot of physicality, they don’t like to play with the ball in their own half, so there may be a few more kicks than usual. And moving on to the kiwi teams, it’ll be a whole different task. We take it one week at a time. Yeah that week will be cool (Super round.)

I’m really looking forward to that trip! I’ll be there with a bunch of the Reds members. 

Super round’s gonna be great! We’re all looking forward to that one.

As always, thanks for taking time out to chat today. All the best this week against the Rebels!

Thanks brother. Good to chat to you again. Look forward to seeing you at Super round!

The Reds are playing the Melbourne Rebels this Friday, kicking off at 7:45pm.

Sitting Back with Spencer: A Conversation with Reds halfback Spencer Jean

On Tuesday, I caught up with Reds half-back Spencer Jean! It’s my second interview for the week (make sure you catch up on my conversation with Super W star Ivania Wong here as well).

Spencer made his way into the Reds ranks at the end of last year and had a strong debut in Sydney against our old foe the Waratahs.

We had an awesome chat - it’s good to know the future of the Reds is in good hands with players like Spencer coming through!

Hey Spencer, thanks for taking the time to catch up today.

No worries, it’s a pleasure!

Your debut game with the Waratahs was a very close and an exciting match! You played really well! How did you feel going into that game? 

Yeah, it was very exciting, and thank you! I wasn’t too nervous, because I was picked for the week before, so to get that experience and just to sit in it and get the whole vibe of how everything works was probably good for me. I guess I was kind of fortunate that when I did have to go on I didn’t have to much time to think about it really, I just went on and got straight into work. It was good, I was happy with it.

That helps answers my next question which was whether you were nervous or excited before the game… Also, how did you you deal with the mental aspect of that game? 

I was very excited - the whole trip I was very excited. I probably didn’t get nervous until after the warm up, when I was sitting on the bench. But when I saw Tate go down I got pretty nervous. Mentally, I’ve got good boys around me so I know that they’re going to do the job. I’ve just got to do my own job and I guess I take care of that side myself.

How would you describe your experience has been while training with the Reds boys? 

Incredible. Since coming in late last year - it’s such a tight group so I was a little bit nervous, coming into it, knowing that they’re a real close bunch, but they’ve welcomed me in with open arms. You’re training each day with your best mates, it’s such a close group and I guess it drives you to do a little bit better because you know they’re pushing you as well.

What’s been a highlight of this season so far?

Definitely getting my debut, 100%. You know, you do it against the Waratahs down there in those pretty tough conditions and to get good minutes as well, 45 minutes and a win. I was really stoked, I had my family there, I had my mates there, it was pretty special. So it was definitely a highlight.

Awesome! What are some of the challenges you’ve faced?

I’ve been very fortunate, I haven’t had to many bad injury’s so I guess that’s a bonus for me. Probably the challenge to begin with was the drive from the Gold Coast, I was doing that every day. As cliche as it sounds, it was tiring on the body. So moving up here was the first time out of home, that wasn’t too much of a challenge, obviously I had a lot of support. In terms of challenges I’ve been very lucky, as I said it’s a close group and I have a lot of mates around me that are constantly supporting me. I’ve been lucky in that aspect.

From your perspective, which game has been the toughest so far, this season?

From my perspective, the first one that comes to mind is the Fijian Drua game. Out of the games I’ve played in, that Drua game was a bit tough, obviously on the back end they scored 3 tries on us in 5 minutes which just shows how incredible they are, so that’s definitely tough. The other one would be the first time we played the Brumbies, there was some high pressure situations at the end there which made it a bit tougher. So those two are the ones that stick out for me.

Who were your rugby hero’s growing up?

My rugby heroes growing up…….great question. I always loved Will Genia - since watching him play for the Reds, he’s been a massive hero. As I got a bit older, I also idolised Aaron Smith obviously, being a halfback as well. I’ve always looked at his game, as one of the best in the world, so he would be up there as well.

You’ve been playing scrum half, has this always been your position of choice?

No, funnily enough. When I first started playing rugby, I was actually a hooker! I was a little bit chunkier when I was a kid. Once the boys all started getting a little bit bigger, I played flanker until I was about 16, then I only started playing scrum half when I was 16 - 17. I’m fairly new to the position, but I’ve had a few years now, so I’m starting to figure out.

Do you have a favourite post-training food?

Post training food… I mean.. GYG is pretty good! A love a burrito, a bit of Guzie is good. I’d have to say that is up there… a Guzie burrito would definitely be my favourite post training snack.

Thank you again Spencer for taking the time to chat today, enjoy your time off and all the best for the next game!

No worries, thanks for having me. I look forward to seeing you there!

Catching up with Reds Star Ivania Wong

Earlier this week, I was able to catch up with Queensland Reds winger Ivania Wong. She and the team had just beaten the Melbourne Rebels decisively over the weekend (55-5) and are preparing for a big game this weekend against the Waratahs, in the lead up to the finals!

Last weekend was special in many ways. Queensland women players were also honoured and celebrated, and I was lucky to be at Suncorp Stadium to support. There were a few teary eyes in the place as many of the women that have played over the last 27 years were given their numbered cap. (This has been a tradition for the mens squad for many years.)

After the game and presentation, the players, past and present, took part in a "lap of honour" around the stadium.

In my opinion, all of this highlighted the superb quality of rugby that is being played in Queensland and across the whole Super W competition. If you aren't following, now is a great time to do just that!

While you prepare your Stan Sports subscription ahead of this weekends game, I hope you enjoy reading my interview with Ivania Wong!

(You can also catch up on my 2018 interview with her here.) A special thanks to Flick, as always, for arranging the interview.

Hey Ivania, thanks for taking time to chat. Congrats on an amazing performance over the weekend against the Rebels. Everyone smashed it on the field. The atmosphere was great up in the stands.

Thank you!

How are you and the Reds girls feeling after the game?

We’re really happy about winning over the weekend, especially because it was such a special occasion for Queensland womens rugby and getting our caps. So to have past players there, to share that moment with them and to get that win, for all of us really, that have put on that jersey, it was really special. It was a bit emotional as well, I’m not gonna lie (laughs). There were a few tears out there after the game, but it was a really proud moment for us and for women’s rugby.

What were some of your take-aways from the game?

I think the connection between the backs and forwards was really good. The support was always there once there was a break, the team was just working for each other. That’s what made it even more special, the fact that we fought for each other, until the time stopped.

Also, congrats on getting three tries! That must have been pretty special.

Thank you. Yeah, it was pretty special. I got pretty lucky, everyone else did the hard work and I was just in the right place at the right time. Yeah, I got lucky with three tries (laughs.)

How does it feel being one try away from equaling the Queensland record for tries scored?

(Stunned silence). I didn’t know that. I did not know that Tom! That’s pretty surprising!

You’re on 15 tries and the record is 16.

I didn’t know that Tom. I really have to try and beat that record and get over during this game (laughs).

It could happen! Bronwyn Laidlow is the current record holder, with 16.

Oh wow. She’s the one that gave me my cap, I was lucky enough to get my cap from her on Saturday!

That leads me to my next question… last weekend was “Women in Rugby” round. You and many Queensland women, past and present, were honoured after the game. What did you enjoy most about the event? And how does “Cap 187” feel?

It was a pretty special moment. I think for all of us in Queensland, the women that have put on that jersey before us, we wouldn’t be here doing this if it wasn’t for them. So to get to share that with everyone… it was pretty special. And obviously, having our families and everyone with us… ah you got me Tom. I’m not supposed to cry at training.

Yeah that was special to get to do that. And to have them all come on to the field afterwards and interact with them and thank them, really, for what they did for us. Dang it Tom, you made me cry. Don’t tell anyone, ok (laughs.)

When we last caught up, you said your goal was to make the Wallaroos! It looks like you’ve now cemented yourself into that squad. What are your new goals now - in and outside of rugby?

I think this year, my goal going into this Super W season was just to be consistent and play well and do my part for the team. Hopefully my names on that list again after Super W. Hopefully I’ll get to put on the green and gold jersey this year. But my jobs not done yet, I still have to wear the Queensland jersey for now.

What’s your favourite thing to do, when your not playing rugby?

When I’m not playing, I just like to chill. Just relax and get away from rugby and just refresh. I don’t really like to do anything, I just love to chill, relax, freshen up and then get back into it.

Thanks for another great interview. All the best this weekend, against the Waratahs!

I can’t wait! Thanks for having me.

The Queensland Reds kick off for the final round of Super W against the Waratahs this Saturday at 2:20pm!!!

A Conversation with Queensland Reds Captain Liam Wright

I had a great time catching up with Liam Wright down at Ballymore this week. Both he and his co-captain Tate McDermitt are both “leading from the sidelines”, as they are unfortunately both recovering from injuries after last weeks win against the Western Force.

However, Liam was in great spirits! It’s been a while since our last catch up (which was, funnily enough, last time he was injured). I enjoyed hearing his thoughts on where the team is at, as well as what he’s been up to during his downtime.

Hey Liam, thanks for taking the time to come and chat today.

My pleasure.

Even after your injury against the Waratahs, were you able to help with the clean up at Ballymore last week?

Yeah. It was such a weird week with all the floods going on and thoughts go out to everyone affected there. It kind of came on us pretty quickly.

We were planning to come in here on the Monday. At about 12 o’clock Sunday we got a message saying we were all still good to go ahead, that everything’s fine and the waters not going to rise much more. Then 2 hours later we saw a picture of Mafi’s car underwater in the carpark! It happened pretty quickly. Then we had to still train on the Monday and Tuesday and try and fit in as much as we could, so QRU did the brunt of the heavy lifting over here. But they got Ballymore looking in good condition again. So we’re happy to back.

How’s the team feeling about last weeks game against the Force?

The teams feeling good. We were really happy with the way we showed resilience and I think it really showed what’s this team's about, about being Queenslanders. During a tough week for Queenslanders everywhere, we were really happy to put a smile on peoples faces with a good performance - we thought it was probably our best performance of the year so far. Especially with several things going wrong, having nowhere to train, we could only get one session in, we missed our captains run, things like that, flights delayed, but the boys and the girls showed awesome fight, we got some good results and we were able to sing the song proudly in afterwards.

Overall, how do you feel the Reds are going in 2022?

Obviously, we’re pleased to be at 3 and 0, it’s a lot better than it could have been. We understand that a few of those games, that Tahs game especially, we got out of jail a bit. 

But to the boys credit, the way they played and the fight they showed is an embodiment of what this team is about and what we’re trying to build. And then that Force game really showed what we’re capable of doing if we clean up our structures a little bit. The dry weather certainly helped too!

I think if we can take a similar resolve into the Fijian Drua game this week, with fighting for the jersey and for the fans that are gonna come out and watch us that have been through a pretty tough week and a half, then we’ll be alright. Fiji are gonna throw a lot at us, but if we show that fight and put through some of the structures that we can, the boys will go well.

What’s the team focusing on the most ahead of the Fiji Drua game this week?

We just think if we keep focusing on us and our processes and systems, we know that if we connect as a group and play with the same fight that we’ve shown, we can combat all the things they’re gonna throw at us. They play a very different style of footy, in that they’re gonna throw the ball around. Teddy came in last week and changed their game plan around a bit, with a bit more creative kicking and unleashing the "Fijian flair" really. We just think if we focus on our game-plan and play some smart set-piece and tactical kicking, we’ve just gotta front up and be ready to tough it out against some strong Fijians.

Are you enjoying leading the team with Tate?

I am, it’s been really good actually. We sat down at the start of the year and just wanted to make sure that everything we did was to try and better then team… Unfortunately neither of us are playing at the moment [due to injury] but I think the boys are putting their front foot forwards and trying to do what’s best for the team. Hopefully the captains curse has finished by now, but I think Fraser, alongside James and other senior players on that team this week are gonna do exactly what they’ve been doing for the last few weeks and that’s going out and playing tough for Queensland.

Tate and I are trying to do our bit on the sideline for now, and hopefully we’ll be back as soon as possible, but it’s been really great working alongside him and having someone to balance those duties with and push each others creative ideas on how we get better as a team.

What’s your favourite thing to do, during your down time?

(Laughs) That’s a good question. At the moment, my roommates and I have been playing a lot of card games like 500. That’s sort of a Sunday tradition we’ve made.

During my last few injuries, I’ve found myself pulling out 1,000 piece puzzles at the dining room table. Pretty boring sometimes, but it just takes your mind of everything and lets you dive into something else. I don’t mind that just to distract from the whole not being able to play situation.  So probably those two things at the moment.

Thanks again Liam. Looking forward to this weekends game!

My pleasure. Thank Tom!

Both the Women’s and the men are taking on the Fiji Drua this Saturday (12th March) at Suncorp Stadium. The Women’s team kicks off at 4:15pm, and the men at 6:45pm. I can't wait to watch both teams play live!