LACHLAN HAS PACE TO SCARE RIVALS
STEVE Lansley does not like to compare players, but he admits his Ignatius Park hooker strikes an outstanding resemblance to a State of Origin star.
Blink and you will miss diminutive rake Lachlan Lerch, as exemplified by his brilliant try assist against Kirwan in this year’s Aaron Payne Cup.
Taking advantage of lazy marker defenders, the teenage whiz burst into the clear, before a no-look offload found halfback Tom Duffy on the run.
Coach Lansley said Lerch had a knack for making the impossible look seamless, a trait shared with Blues dynamo Damien Cook.
Ahead of his side’s return to schoolboys rugby league against a daunting St Patrick’s outfit, the lightning dummyhalf could prove to be the xfactor they need.
“You don’t love making comparisons but he reminds me a lot of Damien Cook. He’s quick out of dummy half and he makes markers really nervous,” Lansley said.
“To me the way the game is going and the fatigue that comes into the game he’ll bring an attacking force.
“He has very good instincts for the game. The first 10 or 20 metres his acceleration is outstanding. If a marker is having a rest or they don’t get up he’ll run straight past you through the middle.”
As they prepare to take on St Patrick’s in Mackay, Lansley admitted he was on higher alert than ever for their Sugar City rivals.
Prior to the school holidays, their Tuesday morning opponents caused the upset of the tournament in pipping reigning champions Kirwan in the final minute.
But while several other teams have been in a fiveweek slumber, Ignatius Park have never stopped.
The Confraternity Shield pitted the boys in blue against southeast Queensland teams, and Lansley said the combinations within his squad blossomed the more they played.