Building a reputation
Guerra has chance to stake claim
I enjoyed the experience, and it feels good to be part of the group and I’m starting to feel like I fit in
AIDAN GUERRA
AIDAN Guerra will be one of two Townsville juniors defending Queensland’s honour tonight.
But unlike Sam Thaiday, Guerra is no certainty of returning to State of Origin next year.
Guerra will aim to show Queensland supporters and selectors he has a crucial role to play in preventing New South Wales from creating an Origin dynasty.
The former Ignatius Park College student says Game Three is his chance to prove that he can be an Origin incumbent, and in the process lay the foundations for a Queensland comeback in 2015.
“There’s no point mixing words – we really need to win it,” Guerra said.
“We had our chances to win ( Games) One and Two, so it’s not like it’s been this massive clean sweep and we’re trying to pick ourselves off the floor.
“We’re preparing for this game as if it’s going to be our toughest of the whole series, but we know we can get it done.”
Like Thaiday, Guerra is a Townsville Brothers junior and was identified early on as having first- grade potential.
But Guerra had to wait far longer than Thaiday to get his Origin chance after enduring tough times at his former club Melbourne Storm.
Three leg injuries curtailed his opportunities at Melbourne, but his fortunes changed after joining the Sydney Roosters in 2010.
Having won last year’s premiership with the Bondi club, Guerra could be forgiven for being thought of as a hardened professional who takes games like tonight in his stride.
But Guerra insists he is still the same person who once worshipped men like Allan Langer and Trevor Gillmeister.
“To be honest the last two games were a bit a blur, and I didn’t have too much time to reflect on the first one,” he said.
“It happened so quickly, and the games were more intense and tougher than anything I’d ever experienced before.
“But I enjoyed the experience, and it feels good to be part of the group and I’m starting to feel like I fit in.
“I definitely want to cement my place and be back for more years to come.”
Known as a playful and likable character during his schooling days at Iggy Park and Holy Spirit Catholic School, Guerra was a natural athlete who excelled at touch football and rugby league. He got his National Rugby League start with the Storm but was later dumped by coach Craig Bellamy to reserve grade after learning that Guerra had signed with the Roosters.
His National Rugby League dream hanging by a thread, Guerra fought through the setback to realise his potential and become an Origin warrior.
Guerra hopes his success inspires other Townsville juniors to stick with their dreams, through good times and bad.
“You need the will to keep going even when the chips are down,” he said.
“You just have to apply yourself and be surrounded by positive people.
“Hopefully there’s some young players out there who can have a look at my story and realise that you can overcome obstacles, but it takes a lot of work to get there.”