Ready for new growth

WESTERN Force hooker Andrew Ready hopes becoming a father can help him find the maturity he has searched for since he was cast out of the Queensland Reds four years ago.

At his peak in 2016 Ready was called into the Wallabies squad but five months later he was axed by Queensland after fronting up to a Sunday morning recovery session drunk.

A professional rugby lifeline tossed by his former club coach Tim Sampson, now with the Western Force, has facilitated Ready’s return to face the Reds in a Friday night clash on the Gold Coast.

Ready is yet to crack the starting team for the winless Force in Super Rugby AU but said the team’s strong culture was helping to bring out the best in him. He claims to have grown up since his tumultuous Reds exit and that the upcoming birth of his child in February has added motivation to become a better man as well.

“Fatherhood will definitely change my perspective,” Ready said.

“I probably have a lot of growing up to do in the next six months preparing and getting ready for it, but no doubt it’ll change things for the better.

“I hope it’s the next step for me because I’m over the moon excited.”

The 27-year-old has no regrets from his time with Queensland but his discontent with his former club is thinly veiled.

“At the end of the day my contract ended and it wasn’t being renewed,” Ready said.

“I saw those three years (with the Reds) out and went over to New Zealand for a stint with the Southland Stags, where I found my enjoyment and love for rugby again.

“I think a little difference was that we all had input as players and that really helped.

“Everyone in the organisation was valued which was refreshing, I suppose.

“I was probably too comfortable being home in Queensland where you have family and friends and less responsibility. Being away from there has helped me grow as a footballer, grow as a human being and be a better person.

“I’m looking forward to what the future holds.”