A true blue Heeler
Vinson back after injuries force him to miss two seasons
TEACHERS West scrumhalf Tom Vinson will cap his return from a serious knee injury when he travels to New Zealand with the Queensland Country Heelers.
The 24- year- old last played for the Heelers in 2014 before back- toback knee reconstructions sidelined him for the next two seasons.
Vinson returned to the field with Teachers last year, helping the Bulldogs clinch their third- straight TDRU premiership, and he said reclaiming his Heelers jersey was the next big step.
“It was something I was trying to get back into and I’m pretty happy that I was selected this year,” Vinson said. “Last year I was eased back into it and found it pretty difficult actually, playing back to back weeks. This year’s been a lot better and I think I’ve got into a bit more of a routine.
“I’ve been playing halfback this year which has been a good challenge for me. It’s a lot more running, but I avoid a bit more of the contact which is probably good.”
The Heelers squad left for Christchurch yesterday where they’ll come up against local clubs Ellesmere and North Canterbury before returning to Australia for a grudge match against NSW Country in Goondiwindi next Saturday.
The unbeaten Teachers have six players in the Heelers squad with Vinson joined by Kris Nielsen, Hugh Huppatz, Daniel Carman, Trent Owen and Josh Fletcher.
Brothers also have three representatives in Emil Grant, Blair Morgan and Billy Bulley and Vinson said coming up against local sides in the rugby heartland of New Zealand would be a great experience for the Townsville players.
“It’s pretty daunting, but exciting at the same time,” he said.
“It’s a bit unknown about how they’re going to be, but going to New Zealand you assume they’re going to be pretty sharp. Rugby’s a pretty big deal over there so it’s going to be exciting and it’ll definitely be an experience, no doubt.
“We’ve got a good group of guys from North Queensland and a couple of Teachers lads in there as well so a few of those combos will be helpful over there.”
The local rugby action continues today with Brothers up against Ross River at Ignatius Park College from 4.10pm.
Burdekin hosts Charters Towers at Casalegno Field in Ayr at 6.10pm while University and Teachers West played overnight.