Young guns boost the Leps

JACOB GRAMS THERE’S nothing like young blood to keep older bodies feeling strong and that’s exactly what Innisfail Leprechauns are relying on to get through a taxing season on top.

Tamati Huirama brought his speed to the flank for the Leprechauns against Yarrabah last weekend, scoring two tries, and said he would relish the opportunity to have another run at A-grade this season.

“I’ll take the opportunity with two hands and try to earn my spot in the team, because I know that there’s other boys pushing for spots, so I’m really humble and grateful for the opportunity,” he said.

Innisfail veteran Anthony Perkins said the efforts of Huirama and other young players, including Lachlan BiondiOdo, were essential to the club as they looked to erase the demons of the swift finals exit in 2016.

“They bring a bit of enthusiasm, excitement and make you feel a bit young again,” he said.

“It is a long season and getting that young blood in the team brings that enthusiasm and I thought (Huirama) did really well against Yarrabah, because they kept him pretty honest.”

Perkins said the players had addressed their form struggle of late as they looked to peak at the right end of the year.

“We’ve got the hunger, that’s for sure, because last year as you know we fell a bit short,” he said.

“We left the job not done and while we’ve lacked in the past few weeks, we’re really trying to work on our discipline and our completions.

“It all counts to nothing until the end, so we’re trying to build for that.”

The Leps take on Ivanhoes at Callendar Park tonight.