LOSS OF CONTRACT FUELS BAIRA-GELA
TYREICE Baira-gela hit his lowest point this season, but the young utility has used the pain to spur him on to success.
A member of the Cowboys Young Guns program, the former Kirwan High state champion was let go from his contract mid-season for disciplinary reasons.
Rather than let it be another tale of talent wasted, Baira-gela has been fuelled by the rejection.
The teenage dummy-half drew from it during his run to the Townsville District Rugby League A Grade title with Brothers, and now he will use it to spearhead his campaign for a spot in the Townsville Blackhawks Colts finals campaign.
While he might have been in a team of proven performers, Baira-gela’s success at hooker for Brothers was no small feat.
He had to step into the shoes of one of Townsville’s most respected and talented leaders in Nathan Norford.
He also had the chance to lift the trophy alongside his father, Roy Baira, something the Brothers coach is sure had not been done before.
“(It was a moment) I will never forget. For Tyreice and I, that has been a lot of our goals over the back part of the season,” Baira said.
“I have never heard of a father and son winning a premiership in the TDRL. So that means more to us than the undefeated season, to be part of history. I am really proud.
“He played for me, played well and kept his head.”
The senior Baira, who was a Townsville representative in his own right, was adamant his son would not give up on his dream of one day playing in the NRL.
“(Losing his deal) hit him hard. That was a massive goal of his he wanted to achieve. He has taken responsibility for what he has done, he is trying to learn from it and put his best foot forward.
“I don’t think any door, they are never really closed. He is still only 18. He will go to the Blackhawks system for the next couple of years and gain experience at hooker and lock.
“He just needs to put his head down, go back to the start and work hard.”