Jurd plays way into Tweed contention
LUKE Jurd has put his name forward for an Intrust Super Cup berth after being pointed to Tweed Heads by former Seagulls coach Aaron Zimmerle.
Jurd, who was part of Cronulla’s under-20 team last year, headed north around Christmas time after Zimmerle recommended him to his successor, Ben Woolf.
The halfback performed well in Tweed’s 20-18 ISC trial win over Burleigh on Saturday.
“He played for Zimmo in the (Australian) Universities side so he recommended him and Jurdy wanted to chase an opportunity and thought there might be a bit better opportunity up here,” Woolf said.
“He made the trek up off his own bat pretty much and gave it a crack.
“He’s a good talker, he’s a confident kid, I thought he had some really good touches (against Burleigh) and did a good job directing the team around for a young guy as well.”
Jurd joins a list of playmakers jostling for a starting jersey, with Christian Hazard, Lindon McGrady, Ethan Roberts and Talor Walters in the mix, plus any Titans-affiliated players that may become available.
Woolf overall was pleased with his side’s final trial hitout.
“We just did things more consistently than what we have been,” he said.
“We did a much better job (than our first trial), particularly with our defence.”
Woolf’s opposite number Jimmy Lenihan said the Bears have some work to do before their Round 1 away fixture against Norths in a fortnight.
“We were playing some shapes that we’re trying to look at for this year and I think there is room for improvement off that,” he said.