Double trouble at fullback for Eagles
HOW do you get the most out of two quality fullbacks playing at the same club?
Simple. Put them both at the back.
That was incoming Currumbin coach Matt Geyer’s first port of call when he took the reins at the end of last year, sounding out Lachlan Smith and Josh Walker for a dual role that could be key to the team’s success this season.
Geyer has watched with interest how key rule changes in the NRL – most notably the six-again – have opened the door for crafty hookers and speedy outside backs to expose lax defending and break the line.
But to best expose a tiring defence the would-be flying fullback needs to be as fresh as possible.
Short of playing an uber-fit Usain
Bolt in the number one that’s a tough ask for any player. Thus, a partnership was born.
“Fullback is a key position and he (Geyer) wants us to be fresh,” Walker said. “Throughout the game if we’re feeling sluggish or tired, we’ll swap in or out to make sure whoever is at fullback is attacking at his best the whole game.”
Who starts at the back and
on a wing matters little to the pacy pair – only that the end result is a Currumbin victory. “We have a very similar game. He’s a bit more speed and good looks … but we’re both a threat with the ball in our hands and in open space,” Walker said.
“I’m happy for any sort of game plan that MG (Geyer) gives us.
“He knows what’s best. I like the idea of the fullback being 100 per cent at all times.
“It’s good to have an exNRL player as a coach. He knows so much about the game and brings so much wisdom, it’s great.”
Geyer’s is not the only former NRL mind to be pulling strings at the Eagles this year.
Former Canberra Raiders rake Glen Buttriss (inset) will wear the nine for Geyer’s Eagles this season and that alone should scare opposition teams, Smith says.
“I’m licking my lips when he (Buttriss) takes off. He’s always finding space and making us look good – he’s been a fantastic addition this year,” he said.
Entering his third year at Currumbin, Walker believes the Eagles are ready to take the next step and challenge the pacesetters.
“Last year was tough. We had a lot of players in and out with injury, and Intrust Super Cup boys in and out,” he said.
“We had a new coach and he did a great job but it was just hard to get into a rhythm throughout the season.
“We had a good side, we just couldn’t get the outcome we wanted.
“(This year) we’re a pretty young side and I think that’s exciting. When we’re on we’re pretty red-hot.”
Currumbin will get an early litmus test up against perennial finals contender Southport in Round 1 on Saturday.