Kirwan halves leading charge
BETWEEN school work and a fledgling rugby league career, Ragsy Wavik cannot recall the last time he had a proper break. But the Kirwan Bears ace prefers it that way.
At just 17, he believes the lessons he is taking from the experience will have him ready to thrive when his schoolboys days are done.
Wavik has returned to the five-eighth jumper he made his own when he first picked up the Steeden, reuniting his Cowboys Challenge pairing with halfback Harley Taylor.
Even after a last-minute Aaron Payne Cup loss to St Patrick’s right before a fiveweek break, the talented teenager had enough on his plate to ensure those memories were flushed out quickly.
School work and assessments quickly took over during what has supposed to be his holidays, a challenge Wavik admits could be a constant battle at times.
But he said what he is learning is time management and dedication will be what prepares him best for, not just a Payne Cup assault, but for the rest of his adult life.
“It does get a bit hectic at times, but the support I have here at Kirwan with the teachers and all my family at home really helps ease a lot of the stress I get under,” Wavik said.
“I couldn’t tell you when I last had a break, I’m always either doing school work or footy so I don’t really have a break off.
“I don’t feel like I have enough down time, and even when I do I always want to do something. I pick up other sports, I play a lot of touch as well, so it keeps me busy.
“It helps me a lot, you have to really buy into your time management. It’s really crucial when you’re getting up to the higher levels.”
Wavik and Taylor have been lauded as the brains trust behind coach Nathan Norford’s side, and will be eager to rebound in emphatic fashion for Tuesday’s clash with Mackay State High School.
Having played together throughout their junior years, the duo have a near symbiotic relationship on the field and will be at the forefront of any success the Bears have.
Taylor has had his fair share of halves partners already, leading Kirwan to the state title last year with Clay George by his side.
He was also instrumental alongside Ignatius Park star Tom Duffy for the Blackhawks in their Mal Meninga Cup grand final run this year.
Taylor said he and his teammates were guilty of believing they had their last game won before the whistle was blown, a mistake they would not be making again.
“Different teams have to play different roles, here I just try to lead the boys around the park and Ragsy comes in to set the boys up in shapes when I do all the other stuff,” Taylor said. “Playing with Duffy he likes to take control and I help him out behind the scenes. But it’s also good being that main person.
“(I need) to have a crack and not hold back. I don’t want to leave this year and think I wish I had done this or that.”