Bugden out to shake up Roosters’ feathers
JACOB GRAMS COWBOYS players work to the mantra “simple done well” and Will Bugden simply wants to make opponents standing in his way shudder in fear.
The Northern Pride marquee signing has earned a spot in an NRL trial against the Sydney Roosters in Mackay tonight after his introduction to the world of fulltime professional training.
Bugden, who spent the offseason training at a muay thai gym in Thailand, said training was one thing, but finally being given a shot in an NRL jersey was the “icing on the cake”.
“You know what footy’s like. You can train as hard as you like but that doesn’t mean you can play,” he said. “As a frontrower my job is to be the biggest guy on the field just intimidating the other team and that’s pretty much what they’ve said they want from me.”
Doors have opened on the Cowboys roster since Bugden signed on for the Pride and was thrilled to hear staff at the NRL club tell him they would keep a close eye on him in Intrust Super Cup action.
“Just about every rugby league player will tell you they got their chance because someone was injured or was away and they were a bit light when Jimmy Tamou left and then Ben Hannant retired, so a small door opened up a fraction,” Bugden said. “With them being so light on, I guess there’s an opportunity there, but I really have to earn it.”
Bugden is expected to arrive in Cairns next week in time for the Pride’s final trial against PNG Hunters at Vico Oval next Saturday and was keen to meet his new teammates.
“I’m very excited to come to Cairns. Ty told me about the way he wants me to play and I’m looking forward to it. I don’t know the squad too well but it looks like a good amount of old heads and young boys, so I can’t wait to be there and get amongst it,” he said.
Bugden will take on Kangaroos junior Bernard Lewis in the Roosters line-up or tonight’s trial.
Hope Vale product Linc Port has earned another Melbourne Storm opportunity following the Nines, selected for a trial on the Sunshine Coast this evening.