Bears star at the peak of powers
BURLEIGH insiders say Hayden Schwass is playing better than even they thought was imaginable.
It’s just as well, with the homegrown workhorse’s form forcing NRL-experienced players Joe Greenwood and Matt Robinson to wait their turn in the Bears’ rich secondrow stocks.
Schwass on Saturday celebrated his 50th Intrust Super Cup game for the club in style, scoring the try that sparked a come-from-behind 28-16 win against Wynnum Manly.
The Seagulls led 12-0 at halftime as Burleigh appeared scratchy without injured key figures Jamal Fogarty, Dallas Wells, Kurtis Rowe and Henare Wells.
But Schwass’ try three minutes after halftime led to a flurry of four-pointers as the Bears roared home at Kougari Oval.
“The boys really dug deep there,” Schwass said.
“We just simplified the way we were playing and started just playing off the back of our middles.”
As for his own form? “I’m happy with how I am going,” he said. “I am going out each week and just enjoying it, not putting too much pressure on myself. I’ll just keep doing that and if the boys think I am playing well then that’s a good thing.
“We have got a lot of depth around especially (in the) back-row. Greenwood and Robinson, they are obviously quality players in their own rights so I have got to keep playing well to hold my spot.
“If I’m playing bad, that will give those other boys the opportunity to get out there.”
Burleigh now have six wins from their first seven games ahead of their annual Anzac clash with Papua New Guinea at Pizzey Park this Sunday.