LOW-PROFILE RECRUITS EARNING THEIR STRIPES AT HIGH-FLYING TIGERS
SOUTHPORT have been the surprise packets of the Rugby League Gold Coast season to date and they have players like Luke Polson to thank for it.
While other clubs set about assembling star-studded rosters, the Tigers flew under the radar.
A handful of 2018 Tweed under-20 players followed coach Steve Dowd to Owen Park; Polson, a tireless 103kg front-rower, was among them.
The young Tigers hold outright second place on the ladder having lost just two games heading into their Round 10 match at Bilambil.
“We have definitely come together a lot quicker than anyone would have thought,” Polson said.
“With Dowdy our coach, what he has instilled in us more than anything is a want and desire to win.
“We have got a lot of respect for each other so we play more for each other than for an actual game plan, if that makes sense.
“(Captain) Tu Whakatihi, is unreal for us … he just brings so much knowledge of the game so when he talks everyone listens.
“But yeah, we might not have the biggest names but we have got a lot of quality players that do their job and I think that’s the biggest thing we have had happen.”
Southport will have to get the job done against the Jets tomorrow without Polson, who will spend the weekend on South East Queensland representative duties in the State A-Grade Carnival at Owen Park.
The 20-year-old will be joined in the SEQ White team by 10 other Gold Coasters, including Tigers teammates Liam Hampson, Jack Conlan and Tevita Folau. The Queensland Rangers squad will be selected at the end of the tournament.
Polson, a former Titans under-20 player, has made the commitment to take a step back from footy at the end of the year.
“I’m going to look at doing uni and shifting the focus away from football,” he said, although undecided yet on what degree he’ll pursue.
“I’ll keep on playing as best I can. I will just take a few eggs out of the football basket and try to progress both rather than just football at the moment.”
In other RLGC matches, Currumbin will host Ormeau today while Runaway Bay meet Burleigh tomorrow.
WE HAVE GOT A LOT OF RESPECT FOR EACH OTHER SO WE PLAY MORE FOR EACH OTHER THAN FOR AN ACTUAL GAME PLAN LUKE POLSON