Kirwan star embraces another 2021 challenge

IT has been a challenge for Will Latu not to think about next year, given the excitement surrounding the next chapter of his life.

But for a shot at history, the Kirwan Bears skipper is doing all he can to keep his sights on Wednesday’s Aaron Payne Cup decider.

The teenage forward will aim to lead the defending champions to an unprecedented fourth consecutive title.

With a chance to impress at the North Queensland Cowboys on the horizon, Latu said it was often difficult to focus on the here and now, rather than dream about an NRL debut.

However, he said leading the Bears to victory was something he had craved ever since he arrived at Kirwan, and he was determined to add his name to schoolboys folklore.

“This is what I’ve wanted to do since I got to Kirwan and I just can’t wait,” Latu said.

“It would be crazy. This whole group wants to create history and we just can’t wait. It’s going to be a really good feeling if it happens, but we can’t talk too soon.

“It’s hard not to think about (the Cowboys).

“Every day I was thinking about it but it’s just one step at a time.

“It shocked me a lot (the Cowboys contract) because coming from Darwin, not much has come from there.

“I really just wanted to do my job, and when the Cowboys offered me it, it made me so happy and my family.

“I’m focusing on school first and after school finishes I’ll really be training and getting myself fit for that massive pre-season.”

This season has been a massive campaign for Latu, having balanced his Mal Meninga Cup exploits with the Blackhawks and senior efforts at Western Lions.

Yet it has been arguably the most crucial in his development, particularly after working under a Cowboys legend.

Latu has been able to gain insights from Lions coach Matthew Bowen when playing with and against men.

The talented middle man gained an understanding of how much faster and more aggressive the game is at more elite levels, and in turn he has picked the North Queensland hero’s brain about how to deal with the extra demands.

Latu’s progress was acknowledged when he was named as the Blackhawks’ under-18s player of the year.

While he said he was beginning to feel the wear and tear of a long season, only St Brendan’s College is standing between his side and history, so he is motivated to fight on.

“I’m just scraping by but I’m loving every minute of it. I’m loving everything that’s coming my way,” Latu said.

“It was crazy. The Blackhawks are a good team and organisation and to get that award was a privilege and pleasure. It taught me a lot, just before school it’s a different level.

“There has been so much pressure, I’ve really copped everything. It’s been hard but it’s a part of the journey and I can’t wait for what’s next.”