Ethan rides the highs and Lowes of league life
THIS time last year, Ethan Lowe was playing in the Intrust Super Cup.
On Wednesday night, the Queensland debutant was arguably the best on ground for the Maroons – with five tackle busts, 46 tackles and a perfect conversion rate with the boot.
His effort was even more extraordinary given he was told just 36 hours before kickoff that he would be playing in one of the biggest games in Origin history.
The premiership-winning North Queensland player was an 11th-hour call-up after an injury to Matt Gillett and took over the kicking duties from winger Dane Gagai at the last minute.
Lowe battled to keep his nerves under control but settled after landing a penalty 15 minutes into the game.
“The first (conversion) I was pretty nervous,” Lowe said.
“Once I had that one out of the road, I was all good.
“Obviously as a Queenslander you dream of this. I grabbed (the chance) with both hands and just wanted to do my job for the team.”
The South Sydney backrower played a part in Queensland nearly pulling off a fairytale win when he charged down James Maloney’s kick in the 77th minute to spark a crucial Maroons try.
Lowe nailed the conversion to lock up the scores and seemingly to send the game into golden point at 20-20.
After leaving North Queensland last season to join South Sydney, Lowe admitted he had found a new lease of life at the Burrow.
“It has been (a bit of a rollercoaster 12 months),” he said.
“I’m happy with where I am now.
“Wednesday night was one of the best moments of my life, despite the result.”