Hirst is hoping it’s first of many
KEEGAN HIRST aims to establish himself as a regular at Wakefield after his impressive debut against Leigh.
At the age of 29, it has taken Hirst, the only openly gay player in Super League, time to reach the top flight after a career spent in the Championship part-time ranks.
The former joiner enjoyed an outstanding campaign with his hometown club Batley last season, where his performances earned him a move to the big time.
After an injury-disrupted pre-season, the 6ft 4ins prop forward failed to make the Trinity team in the opening five rounds of this season.
He was even sent to play for Dewsbury on dual registration, but his maiden outing for Wakefield in Thursday’s win over Leigh underlined his awesome physical prowess.
Hirst was summoned from the bench by head coach Chris Chester in the 44th minute, at which point newly promoted Centurions were 24-12 up.
He made numerous big carries to prompt a momentum shift that brought Wakefield level at 24-24. And winger Ben Jones-Bishop then touched down to seal a 28-24 victory.
It all amounted to a memorable night for Hirst, who said: “My nerves were hanging out when I didn’t get on in the first half and I felt a bit of pressure on myself.
“But as soon as you get out there and make that first carry, you’re all right and all that goes. You are into the game and concentrating on trying to keep your lungs in your chest! “The lads have been really good because they knew I was feeling a bit of pressure as you don’t get many 29-year-olds making their Super League debut, so it was a bit of an odd one. Our coach Chris Chester told me on Sunday I would be getting the nod, so I had a few days to get my head around it and prepare.
“But I don’t think it really hit home until I pulled up at the ground and saw all the hustle and bustle. Then it started to sink in.”
Hirst, months who ago, came out 18 follows in the footsteps of cross-code star Gareth Thomas in becoming only the second openly gay man to appear in Super League.
Having made his mark against Leigh, he will now look to cement a regular place in the Wakefield side.
Hirst said: “My minutes against Leigh weren’t too big and I’ve not played much because I’ve had to come back from injury.
“Hopefully, if I get the nod again, I can get more minutes under my belt and keep playing at that consistent level.
“If I can do that, hopefully I can keep my place in the 17. I’m just glad I’ve got my debut out of the way and that it went well and we got the win.”
Delighted Chester said: “Keegan carried the ball very strongly, came up with a couple of nice offloads and defended tough as well.
“It has been a big step up for Keegan but he’s waited for his opportunity and I’m pleased for him.”
JAMIE ELLIS will attempt to break the record for successful consecutive goal kicks in professional rugby league when his Hull KR side host Halifax in the Championship tomorrow.
Scrum-half Ellis, who is on a season-long loan from Huddersfield, has kicked his past 37 attempts at goal.
He is now only four behind the record held by Liam Finn, who is now with Wakefield but kicked 41 goals consecutively while playing for Featherstone in 2012.