Lucas logs on for a session in regions
RUGBY
BRAD Thorn might not have to worry about his prized playmaker and key component of Queensland Reds’ Super Rugby squad for the next few seasons ditching the 15-man code for landscaping.
Issac Lucas, the 20-year-old fullback-flyhalf utility, is handed a shovel and told to plant a few plants at Barron Trinity Bulls’ Machans Beach home ground, affectionately known as the Paddock.
You know how comfortable the Junior Wallabies star is with a Gilbert tucked under the shoulder and how confident he is putting boot to ball.
It’s the reason he’s trusted at the Reds as a long-term solution at flyhalf, locked away until 2023 and a clear path to being Queensland’s main man.
But natural revegetation isn’t the former St Joseph’s College Gregory Terrace student’s strongest suit.
It’s completely understandable – much like on the rugby field, when Lucas does something, he wants to do it right.
It didn’t help that a sprawling tree root was in the first spot he was asked to dig.
Barron Trinity president Damien Swain was asked, tongue firmly in cheek, whether Lucas made a better footballer or gardener.
He paused, erred, and not wanting to be too harsh on the young lad, said it was 50-50.
In fairness, there was no shortage of work for Lucas to sink his teeth into.
“We’ve always got maintenance and working bees going on here but knowing we had a few extra hands coming to the region we lined up quite a few jobs,” Swain said. “We’re under strict instructions that these guys are here to work and they’re doing a great job.”
It’s all a learning experience for Lucas and most of the Super Rugby squad as they spend a few days this week visiting rugby clubs as part of the “Reds to Regions” program.
They spend three days at regions like Cairns, Townsville, Mt Isa and Rockhampton bunking down with a local family, visiting schools and talking to young children, running coaching clinics for junior footballers, and, arguably the most crucial part, spending a day in the workforce.
It’s why Lucas was digging holes, spreading mulch, planting plants and – somewhat nervously for everyone involved – helping unload a heavy load of recycled timber from a truck as the Bulls work to give their much-loved Marshall St home more character.
“It’s all about us players getting out, engaging with the community and helping out where we can,” Lucas said. “Sometimes the Queensland Reds can be equated to south east Queensland, Brisbane and that area, but we’re really representing Queensland.
“Going to a few schools (on Monday) you can really see there’s some talent in the clubs and the school system. This is definitely a breeding ground for some talent.”
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