Desire to keep improving pays off for Flegler

NORTH Queensland product Tom Flegler is the one that got away, with the Broncos trumping the Cowboys for the signature of a front-row sensation rated the next Shane Webcke.

Flegler hails from Tully deep in Cowboys territory but thanks to the shrewd eye of Brisbane’s recruitment team, the 19-year-old will find himself in Broncos colours for tonight’s Queensland derby at Suncorp Stadium.

It will be Flegler’s first taste of the NRL’s greatest footballing rivalry following the selection bombshell that saw the boom prop handed his firstgrade debut in last week’s 22-12 loss to the Storm.

Flegler is regarded as Queensland’s next front-row superstar, and Cowboys development chiefs could ultimately rue Brisbane’s successful poaching raid on the hard-running 108kg bookend.

The teenager’s manager Tas Bartlett recalls both the Cowboys and Broncos expressing interest in his services.

“The Cowboys were definitely interested in Tom,” said Bartlett, of Pacific Sports Management.

“It wasn’t so much a case of North Queensland not rating him, because they were aware of Tom’s ability.

“The Cowboys made a small offer and then the Broncos came into the picture as well. He’s always loved the Broncos and it was his ambition to wear their jumper.”

The Queensland under-20s young gun has been compared to legendary Broncos prop Webcke but Flegler’s rise to the NRL is no fluke.

“He works as hard as any kid I’ve seen,” Bartlett said.

“I remember a personal trainer once said to Tom when he was 15 or 16, you need to work on your speed.

“Tom wasted no time. He mowed a 90m patch of grass at the family farm … and used it as a sprinting track.

“He would run down hills to increase his leg speed. He would push sleds up and down the track.

“Yes, you have to be born with some sporting talent, but you also have to have a certain desire and Tom has it.”