Eagles trio out to capitalise on Vikings opportunity

A CONCRETER by day, a fearless dummy-half by night.

It is no surprise that Tyler Creecy has “the hardest body at the club”, but that determination has made Currumbin coach Matt Geyer rein in the young hooker — for now. Creecy was one of three Eagles chosen for the Gold Coast Vikings squad, joined by centre Noah Croudace and edge forward Jakob Smith.

Playing off the bench, his sharp running game out of the ruck has proven to be a constant threat despite his side’s winless start to 2022.

Geyer praised the Currumbin junior’s ferocity and work ethic, and said with his entire family embedded in the club the 20-year-old epitomised the direction the red and white brigade were headed.

But he said with the versatile Jakob Schimke able to fill the number nine jumper for the time being before assuming another role in the starting 13, Creecy would be eased into the rigours of A-grade competition.

“He’s got the hardest body out of everyone at the club, but I’m just really aware rugby league isn’t paying his bills so he needs to slowly develop rather than thrown to the wolves,” Geyer said.

“He’s got an amazing work ethic, he’s only 20 but we’re trying to develop him slowly.

“But he’s chomping at the bit for more responsibility. Rather than pushing him out the gate I’m holding the reins and he’s keen as to rip in.”

While Geyer admits he is “bitterly disappointed” by the way in which his Eagles have started their campaign, his representative trio have given hope that a brighter season is ahead of them.

In Smith, the former Melbourne Storm champion sees a “student of the game” who displays the type of ‘bush kid’ toughness that has made him a valuable asset in the backrow. In Croudace, Geyer said the emerging centre had gone through “a meteoric rise”.

Originally a Burleigh Bear, Croudace made the move to Currumbin unbeknown to Geyer until the first day of pre-season, a move the coach believed was in the name of gaining top level opportunities.

“He was so impressive over the pre-season, he’s our best trainer and true to our word we’re trying to reward those kind of things at the club,” Geyer said.

“I said he would get first shot. With him and Tyler, the reason I feel you need to look after those two is they play the game very confrontational. They don’t see a big person in front of them and run softer, they run harder. It’s a brutal version of rugby league. We’ve got a real duty of care to make sure they’ve got some longevity.

“I’ve got no concern about them handling the Vikings game, but there’s handling and thriving and it’s that fine line.”