Ormeau coach has walked the walk
JAMES Dunley had the world at his feet as an NRL under-20s champion backrower returning home to Queensland to make his name in the Intrust Super Cup with Burleigh.
But after becoming a father and suffering a series of concussions, the former Titans under-16s player and Penrith Panthers lower-grader gave the game away. He was 23.
Four years later, Dunley has answered the call to return to rugby league in a new capacity, coaching the Ormeau Shearers in reserve grade.
JAMES DUNLEY ON HIS NEW ROLE
Ormeau head coach Peri Creamer says the 27-year-old is the club’s secret weapon as they prepare to mount a charge up the Rugby League Gold Coast first grade ladder.
For Dunley, his return is just a chance to give back to the sport that gave him so much.
“I felt like I couldn’t play but I know I had more to give,” he said.
“I’ve always lived in Ormeau and played some juniors there so I’ve always had a soft spot for the club.
“I’d love to be playing but hopefully I can help future players and young kids that may have made the same mistakes I did.
“I tend to work on my strengths (with the players), which were passing, catching and the fundamentals.”
Dunley brings more than just technical ability and IP from the NRL.
Since graduating from Keebra Park in 2010 and winning a national title with Bryce Cartwright, Reagan Campbell-Gillard and Dallin Watene-Zelezniak at Penrith,
Dunley’s network of rugby league contacts presents a treasure trove of potential recruits to the Shearers cause.
“I’ll definitely be trying to bring good people to the club, who bring good attitudes but also good experience,” Dunley said.
“In the next few years there will be players looking to step out of the NRL and
I FELT LIKE I COULDN’T PLAY BUT I KNOW I HAD MORE TO GIVE
ISC level of commitment to a lesser level who will still provide a good impact for our club.”
With a few talented recruits on the way, Ormeau’s rise off the bottom of the RLGC ladder could be a matter of when, not if.
Community footy remains on ice until June but officials are hopeful of starting soon.