Hall turns gifted hand to Sharks
JOSH Hall will add another chapter to his diverse sporting career today when he plays for the Southport Sharks against former club Gold Coast Suns.
The former national high jump champion, Suns AFL and Penrith Panthers NRL player has returned to the Glitter Strip three years after being delisted by Gold Coast.
“Taking the leap of faith to the AFL after never playing it before gave me a set of skills I never would have dreamt of in regards to kicking and the endurance side of things,” he said.
“Every game I have played I have picked up different habits and skills. I’m really happy with what I have been doing.
“It would have been nice to
play a few more games for the Suns and the Panthers but at the same time I have picked up little skills here and there.
“I’m ready for the next step of the journey and I never thought I’d play that semi-professional AFL level again.”
Hall, 28, said he was approached by Southport last Sunday about filling the void
left by the departure of ruckman Fraser Thurlow who has gone overseas for work.
Hall played seven AFL games for the Suns but despite signing a two-year deal with Penrith, left after a year without making his NRL debut in order to return to Townsville in order to be closer to family after welcoming daughter Maggie, 1, with wife Rhiannon.
He spent half a season with Intrust Super Cup side Townsville Blackhawks while hoping to sign with the North Queensland Cowboys before playing league for Charters Towers and Australian rules for the Northern Beaches Suns.
Hall will face former Suns teammates including Kade Kolodjashnij, Peter Wright, Sean Lemmens, Jack Leslie and Jesse Lonergan when he plays a Gold Coast side boasting 16-listed players.
Wright will captain the Suns as he continues to gather match fitness following his return from a calf injury.
“It’s good to be back playing,” Wright said.
“I have played two games now in NEAFL and I’m getting better and better each week.”