Creedy eyeing big year

Eagles put faith in prop

Currumbin coach Matt Geyer has declared this could be the year Reegan Creedy announced himself as one of Rugby League Gold Coast’s leading middle men, while revealing the nephew of an Australian music icon will make his debut on the Glitter Strip.

The Eagles will launch their 2023 account against Helensvale on Saturday, with Creedy tasked to partner captain Jarrod Gill and set the tone from the opening hit up.

Geyer said as his side lost the likes of seasoned veterans Ben Hannant and Pele Peletelese at various stages throughout the season, it was Creedy who was required to regularly step up.

Having endured that “baptism of fire”, and with Peletelese announcing his retirement, the Currumbin mentor challenged his young prop to find another gear for the campaign ahead.

“We’ve got a bunch of outside backs who are fast, young and fit, but you can’t do that without wining the middle and I’m really excited about our big front rower Reegan Creedy,” Geyer said.

“He had a baptism of fire last year because we lost Pele and Benny Hannant, so he took on that role being Gilly’s partner and he was fantastic. He came of age against Tugun when he beat them 4-0 at home and he took on a pack that was really good, so I think he’ll take on a senior role this year.

“He knows he’s the number 10 and starting most games if he’s fit and ready.”

Geyer confirmed a host of rookies would be making their debuts in the red and white jumper, with versatile rugby union converts Harry Ball and Tyler Gilbert set to earn maiden stints off the bench.

However it is former St Brendan’s College star James Busby who may come into the season with the highest raps, and he is set to partner returning club junior Michael Burgess in the halves.

Busby, the nephew of Thomas Busby of music duo Busby Marou, has made the move from Rockhampton and is tipped to unseat Geyer’s son, Nash, for the five-eighth role — the latter expected to move into a bench utility role.

Geyer said the experience of Burgess, a stalwart of the Tugun Seahawks and former Tweed Seagulls Queensland Cup halfback, would act as the perfect foil to Busby’s energy in the number six.

He said the youngster had impressed from the outset, having trained with the Burleigh Bears’ Qcup squad in the pre-season.

“He’s come back to us and I can’t say anything negative, he’s an energetic kid who wants to go to that next level. He’ll learn a lot off Burgo and having a really settled old sole to compose him,” Geyer said.

“He (Burgess) has such a controlled temperate, he’s obviously a seasoned veteran and he probably knows the competition better than anyone.

“He’s added a lot of confidence to the people around him. He’s very simple and direct, and also it’s a bit of a load off the coach.

“He’s going to know the opposition a lot better, he’s played against these guys for years.”