Selfless McQueen puts team first in comeback
LETTING people down is not part of Chris McQueen’s makeup, even if it means missing a rare chance to play in front of his Cairns-based family.
The Wests Tigers recruit is on the comeback trail from a serious neck injury suffered at the Titans in 2017 but despite a looming preseason visit to Cairns to face the Cowboys on February 17, the 30-year-old has shelved personal desire to make sure he rips in at full-tilt at his new club.
McQueen’s English dad Kevin lives in Cairns and instead of making an emotional return, he’ll travel with the team and turn fan for a night as his teammates battle in what will be sauna-like conditions.
“I think injury-wise I’m ready but physically I’m going to hold off one more week and get a run in the second trial,” he said.
“Obviously first and foremost I’m excited about the footy season being back but secondly I have family in Cairns, my dad lives up in Cairns and I’ve got a few cousins up there and I’m excited to see them and bring them along to the game.”
The backrower expects the Tigers’ exciting halves options to “light it up” at Barlow Park and keep the local Cowboys fans on their toes in the trial.
“We’ve got Josh Reynolds on board this year, Luke Brooks and Benji Marshall’s come back, so I think between those three they’re all quality players and very competitive and I’m really excited to watch those boys,” he said.
McQueen might not always come up with the flashy plays, but has vowed to rediscover the form that earned him a Queensland State of Origin spot and put his playmakers in the right spot and bring optimism to the Tigers’ faithful.
“It’s really important for me to do my job, be a strong part of the team and not let anyone down,” he said.
“There’s nothing worse in a team sport than letting your teammates down and that’s certainly something I’ve worked on my whole career, to be that guy that gets his job done.”
Wests Tigers players will arrive in Cairns next Wednesday to train and participate in rugby league clinics in the region in the lead-up to the February 17 encounter.