Rookie fullback's Viking transformation complete
TUGUN’S Zac Beecher has completed a rapid transformation as a fullback, having been named to take on the Gold Coast Vikings number one jumper.
While Mudgeeraba custodian Kyle Williams withdrew from the squad due to family commitments, Vikings coach Wayne Forbes said it was not circumstance which bestowed the Seahawk the jersey.
A former Gold Coast Mal Meninga Cup player, Beecher has returned home from his time living in Ballina with a vengeance, finishing third last year for tries before making the shift to fullback this season. Since making the jump the rookie fullback has been working
alongside Paul Sheedy at Tugun, and while Forbes said he was not privy to what they had been finetuning together there was little doubt it had accelerated his rise to the Vikings.
“With Zac it’s his enthusiasm, he’s young and just wants to be involved and loves his footy,” Forbes said. “Certainly he’s considered a pretty well-rounded fullback. He’s not a big stature, he gets low to the ground but he has the speed and toughness.”
Key to Forbes’ selection policy for this weekend’s Chairman’s Cup carnival has been picking a versatile side capable of covering numerous positions.
With the final side of 18 now locked in, the coach said it was crucial to ensure that contingency plans were in place for any injuries which occurred in the two games in as many days.
Centre Kody Parsons has pulled out of the squad for family reasons, opening the door for Currumbin edge forward Jakob Smith to return to the backline role he grew up in. Eagles hooker Tyler Creecy will also earn a debut as one of 15 new faces in the unit.
“I think people can’t just rest on past performances, we needed to pick a side with limited time, so it needed to be on form,” Forbes said.
“On our side, we only have three players returning; we’ve got new blood that are keen. The boys are gelling really well, they’re proud to be a Viking and to represent the Gold Coast. Most of the squad are actually rugby league Gold Coast juniors. It wasn’t something I wanted to tick off, but it was certainly a consideration after they put their blood, sweat and tears into the local competition.”