Currumbin lose ‘very dangerous character’ to injury
CURRUMBIN will be forced to battle in their return to the field without a star winger who coach Matt Geyer described as a “very dangerous character”.
Josh Walker typified the style of play Geyer was aiming to instil in his young team — courageous and energetic against the fiercest challenges — when the Eagles suffered a narrow 30-28 defeat to the undefeated Burleigh Bears.
Scoring two tries on the right flank, the 22-year-old broke his thumb during the contest, but with no subs left to use remained on the field.
While Geyer initially instructed him to simply be a “distraction” rather than get too involved and risk further injury, within five minutes Walker was crossing to the left flank to score his second try and keep their hopes of an upset alive.
Walker will be sidelined for the next six to eight weeks nursing the setback, but Geyer said it was the bravery he showed that summed up the mentality he was hoping would spread through the club.
“I thought that game against Burleigh was the best game I’ve coached him (Walker) in. He was off his wing more than he was on it, and that’s scary for an opposition,” Geyer said.
“Once he finds his role and where to be he’s a very dangerous character. That second try he scored, I’m going to have to comment, he broke his thumb as well.
“I said (to the others) don’t let him go near the ball, look after him in defence and if they run at him get him out of the way and just be a distraction. About five minutes later he’s a right hand winger on the left hand side scoring a try.
“Last time we played I said I’m the most optimistic last placed coach in history.
“We’re putting things in place at Currumbin, we’re looking for some sustained success and not looking for a quick fix.”
Currumbin will take on a Runaway Bay side eager to launch a comeback into the winner’s circle, having lost their past three games prior to the season’s wet weather delays.
But the Eagles will look to one of their big men to lead the way.
Two-time NRL premiership champion Ben Hannant has been an on and off field mentor to the club’s young forwards.
While Geyer said the former Queensland Maroon believed he was not as fit as he would like to be, that was simply a daunting prospect for what he could achieve.
“He’s done everything in the game Benny, and the big thing for him coming to our club he asked to be there, he wants to be there,” Geyer said.
“He’s certainly fit enough, but judging by his own assessment he’ll be fitter. If he’s not fit yet I’m excited for when he does get fit, who knows what we’ll get then?”