BEARS’ SHOCK
NRL FORWARD ON BOARD
WANT proof of the quality Burleigh have in spades this season?
Well, former Titans and Panthers NRL second-rower Matt Robinson is no certainty to hold a spot at Intrust Super Cup level this season.
Robinson is locked in a battle with 2016 title players Jamie Dowling and Hayden Schwass for an edge forward role. Versatile forward Blake Leary, who played for the Cowboys last year, could also feasibly play second-row.
It’s a challenge that has been welcomed by Wellington-born Robinson, who turns 28 on Friday.
“The competition has been there all off-season so it’s pretty crazy, all across the park there are some really good players,” he said.
“A lot of NRL experience and a few older heads to mix in with the younger ones. It’s pretty exciting.
“It’s been one of the most
enjoyable off-seasons I have had. We’ve trained hard but we have had a lot of fun too.”
Robinson didn’t play NRL in his second year at the Titans in 2016, instead spending
the season in the ISC with feeder club Tweed Heads.
He spent last year in south France playing for the Limoux Grizzlies but always plotted a return to the Gold Coast, where he has a house.
As for switching to crosstown rivals Burleigh, it was all about connections.
“One of my main friends Sami Sauiluma, he talked me into coming down,” he revealed. “And I knew Jimmy from my time at Tweed. He is a good bloke.
“I am really glad I went through with it.”
Away from the field, Robinson is working out of F45 fitness centres at Burleigh and Currumbin.