Jordan ends up and down year on a high
JORDAN Biondi-Odo is thankful to finish his footy season the same way it started, capping a rollercoaster year that he says will shape his 2016.
The young Innisfail fullback proved his value to Ty Williams’ side in Sunday’s CDRL grand final, delivering a steady kicking game that helped swing back momentum from Ivanhoes.
After starting the year as the Northern Pride’s firstchoice five-eighth, the 21-yearold was dumped in the opening weeks of the Intrust Super Cup season.
Disappointed but not dejected, Biondi-Odo showed his mettle as he ultimately took on No.1 duties at Leps.
His strong middle of the year, coupled with the Pride’s injury crisis, enabled him to play a small but key role as the hooking understudy club’s late finals push.
The Pride’s demise, however, paved the way for yet another hop, this time back to Innisfail just in time for Sunday’s decider.
There, he helped celebrated teammates Rod Jensen and captain/coach Williams end their playing days in the best possible way.
“I’m rapt to be able to end the year like this,” he said.
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“I haven’t won an A-grade premiership so it’s great.
“It’s pretty weird (coming back) but I knew my role back here and everyone does that well.
“I came back with a bit more confidence because I think I had a decent stint in Cup. “That helped me a bit.” Biondi-Odo again shapes as one of the main contenders for the Pride No.6 with Ryan Ghietti likely to switch to No.9. Yet such was his impact from dummy-half for the Pride, coach Joe O’Callaghan has not ruled out employing his young playmaker again in the role next year.
“I don’t like to think so (that I would play much more hooker),” Biondi-Odo smiled.
“I’m getting a few too many hits in the head.
“But if that means I can play Q Cup then I’ll take it.”