Lipp takes on new role to build family legacy
RUGBY LEAGUE: Jordan Lipp draws inspiration from his brother, as he looks to pave his own way forward in his footballing endeavours.
Appointed as the Mal Meninga Cup captain for this season, Lipp follows in the footsteps of Hayden, who captained the U20s Mustangs in 2013.
“Being his younger brother I watched him over the years and have tried to base my game on his,” Lipp said.
“He was always a massive role model for me.
“Watching him as a young bloke, playing up here and captaining the side, is definitely something that I’ve wanted to do, and now that I’ve been able to do it is pretty special.”
The pair shared a memorable moment last year, when then 17-year-old Jordan came up against Hayden as Souths and Gatton collided in A-grade of the TRL.
“I got it over him in the backyard a few times as a kid,” he said.
“Even last year playing against him in A-grade was special too.
“It was exciting (playing Agrade), and I was getting more keen for the A-grade games than the 18s.
“The side we had wasn’t as good (as others), but everyone still ripped in, and we had a good culture.”
Coach Brendon Wilson said Lipp having the respect of the playing group was a large reason for his inclusion in the top role, and it is one the young man isn’t taking for granted.
“(Having that respect) is something that helps me off the field and on the field as well,” Lipp said.
“If you call something, it helps when my teammates are happy with the play and will go with it.”
Lipp had a tough initiation into the captain’s role as the Mustangs suffered a 58-18 defeat in round one, however he hopes he can add a level of composure to the side in the coming weeks.
“I just want us to stay composed,” he said.
“We don’t get out to the best of starts some games and then everyone just sort of loses their head, but if we stay composed we can show what we did against Wynnum (in a pre-season trial).
“We need to be patient as well, because our time will come. We’re not going to be the best side straight away, so we need to be patient with what we’ve got and work the year out.”
The Mal Meninga Cup side will have its first home game of the season on Sunday when it hosts the Northern Pride at Gold Park, with kick-off at 12.25pm.
The Hastings Deering Colts will head to Townsville for their clash with the Pride on Saturday at 4.10pm.