Geraghty, Far North ‘state’ their rep talents

A NO-FUSS approach to hockey has helped land Souths talent Glen Geraghty back in Queensland contention for the first time in more than five years.

A regular in junior representative sides, the midfielder gave the game away in Year 11 to focus on school and said his call-up to the Queensland under-21s squad on the weekend came from nowhere.

The 19-year-old moved from junior club Saints to Souths this season and was a sage inclusion in the Northern Storm’s team to play the Super League in Brisbane on the weekend.

It was there his speed, skill and temperament were put on show to a wider audience and led to his inclusion in next year’s Queensland under-21 squad and Hockey Queensland development squad as a shadow. He is one of 12 players who currently play, or have played, their junior hockey in the Far North who were recognised for further honours after the tournament.

While happy with his form, don’t think the honour will change his laid-back approach to the game.

‘‘I don’t go away to make rep sides; I’m just doing it for enjoyment and to play with my mates,’’ he said. ‘‘I am happy with how I played. It was good to play against quality and different opposition; hopefully I can keep improving as the season goes on.’’

Brisbane-based players Kane Posselt, Simon Borger and Kyle Richardson were all selected in the Queensland Blades team, while Hadyn Steele was picked in the development squad and Callan Short and Brett Borrenson made the Queensland Country side.

Jess Watson, who also plays in Brisbane, was again picked in the Queensland Scorchers team and the under- 21 squad, while Carmon McPhee and Tiarna Gordon also made the under-21 team.

Gordon is also part of the development squad, while Souths young gun Chrissee Benn is in the Queensland Country team. Keeper Kiona Jones was selected as a Country shadow.

The raft of selections was a bright spot in an otherwise dim campaign for both Northern sides. The women beat Brisbane but still finished fifth, while the men failed to win a game and ended up sixth.

Geraghty’s attention switches to Brothers tomorrow, who have not won a game and have struggled to field a full side in recent weeks.

Keen to help Souths to their thirdsuccessive premiership this season, Geraghty won’t be taking anything for granted.