DEVIL COASTS TO THE NRL
RUGBY LEAGUE: Beau Fermor had the chance to live out a dream at the weekend, and he’s focused on doing everything in his power to keep it running.
The Dalby Devils junior made his first grade debut on Saturday for the Gold Coast Titans in a home loss to Cronulla Sharks.
While the result wasn’t part of the plan, making an impact was, with Fermor’s electrifying spurt in the closing stages of the first half making sure the rookie’s name was soon known.
Fermor made two clean line breaks in the final five minutes, one resulting in a try just tackles later that kept his side firmly in the contest.
“It was a dream come true to finally make my debut,” Fermor said.
“I had family there which gave me goosebumps. I was pretty nervous and then when I ran out and saw them I had goosebumps.
“I would’ve liked to ice those couple of breaks but I’ll be wiser for it. It made me feel pretty good to mix it in the top grade and get me ready for next week’s game.
“After getting exposed to that level of footy, I’ll be better for it and I know what I have to do to play well in the game. The thing is to be consistent now, and the way I’ll keep myself in the team is by playing well.”
With restrictions easing on crowd numbers, Fermor was able to have those closest to him at Cbus Super Stadium to cheer him on.
“The Titans and a few other boys gave up a few of their tickets to allow me to have as much family as I wanted there,” he said.
“If it was a few weeks ago I probably wouldn’t have been able to have any there.”
Father Craig was one of those in attendance, and said he couldn’t be prouder of his son reaching the pinnacle of the sport, particularly after getting so close to his debut with the Newcastle Knights last year.
“We’re all absolutely proud of Beau,” he said.
“It was a big occasion for not only Beau but his family. We’ve been through all of that with him from the early days through to present.
“He had that opportunity (to debut) taken away from him with the Knights last year with injury, which was very disappointing.
“But it’s just a credit to him and how diligent he is with his work ethic to get back on track. He’s worked really hard for this and this is just desserts in respect to how much of a sacrifice he’s had to make.”
Craig said the support from everyone around them has been phenomenal, as well as the congratulations of the wider Dalby community.
“My phone didn’t stop for two days,” he said.
“It’s all very exciting. There’s been a lot of wellwishers from the Devils and Diehards.”
As for when his son broke into the clear, Craig said they weren’t able to contain their excitement.
“It was hugely exciting, and that is Beau’s game,” he said.
“That’s really why the Titans went after him in the first place and why he was picked up by the Knights.
“His biggest strength is his running game. We were hoping it might’ve been a try, but I don’t think that is far around the corner.”
Fermor finished the game with 152m and two line breaks from just nine runs as well as 34 tackles from his 74 minutes of play.