If there was one player worthy of representative honours in the Brisbane Second Division competition, you would be hard pressed to go past Rhys Gorman.
The talented Beenleigh Pride halfback and captain has been a solid performer year-in, year-out in this competition and one player that has earned respect for definitely punching well above his weight.
The prolific point scorer has played all of his junior football in the Beenleigh area and talking to Gorman you can definitely see the fire in the belly and the passion for his region.
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Apart from a stint with Wynnum Manly Colts, Gorman has found his way back to the Beenleigh area to play alongside his mates in what is shaping to be a bigger and better year for the Beenleigh Pride side.
BSDRL Media caught up with Gorman in a one-on-one interview on his take of his career.
Q: Tell me about your playing career. Have you always a Beenleigh junior and what has been the highest level you have played at?
A: I played over 300 games for Beenleigh juniors from Under 7 all the way to Opens, not missing a year since starting playing. I played two years of Mal Meninga Cup for Wynnum Seagulls and then a brief stint for Wynnum Seagulls Colts, but due to injuries I made my way back to Beenleigh Juniors to play Opens. I am currently playing for Beenleigh Pride.
Q: Being the Inaugural captain of Beenleigh Pride in 2015, how humbling was it to lead your side to a maiden grand final?
A: We didn't expect to do as well as we did last year with it being the club’s inaugural year. Being placed in the Open 1's, it was always going to be a big ask, but our goal of transforming the club into something special was our first and foremost challenge.
We wanted to give the residents of Beenleigh a new side to support area so we were always going to be up for the challenge. I was thankful enough to get the opportunity to be given the captaincy and lead the boys each week.
Q: With the nucleus of your side still intact from 2015, how do you think the Pride will fair in season 2016 and what will we see different?
A: Things are already looking good for us this year, we are bigger faster and stronger than last year and with some handy new additions to the team, I think we are heading in the right direction. It's only early days, but it's looking like we will be one of the teams to beat this year.
After losing last year’s grand final, the boys are more determined and hungry to go one better. Having two sides at the Pride this year is bringing the best out of everyone with blokes fighting for spots and knowing that you need to be performing each week.
Q: Coach Luke Deller seems passionate about the club, how has he been in terms of getting the best out of the squad?
A: Dells is a great coach. He has been mates with a lot of the boys for years so it can be hard to try to get them to respect you as a coach, but he is doing a great job and is always doing his best to get the most out of the boys. He is very passionate about the club and it's hard to question his enthusiasm for the game. It's only his second year as a coach, but it's like he's been doing it for years.
Q: Do you have aspirations of playing rep football for the Brisbane Second Division this season?
A: There are plenty of good players in the Second Division and with Premier grade, it might be tough to get a run in one of the rep teams, but if it did happen I would be more than happy to do my best for Brisbane.
Q: You seem to have the respect of the boys in your side, is the captaincy something you relish?
A: I do really enjoy being captain and enjoy the challenge of trying to bring the best out of the boys and give us that lift when we need it. I think playing with a lot of the boys for so long now, it definitely makes my job a lot easier.
Q: You are a prolific point scorer and have a great kicking game in general play, are these your best attributes on the field?
A: They probably are my best attributes, but I really enjoy defending and trying to match it with the bigger blokes.
Q: Its early days yet, but who has looked the most dangerous so far with the other teams you have faced?
A: We have only played two games so far this season, however Redlands are a solid team and there is a big rivalry there between both clubs so it's always a tough game against them.
Bulimba are in the comp this year and haven't been Premiers the last couple years for no reason, so I would say they will be one of the teams to beat.
Q: One thing I have noticed about the Pride is the fantastic support you guys get. What do the supporter's mean to you and the other players?
A: There was a lot of people who didn't think the Pride would succeed or get the support, but we have achieved in the short time we have been around is outstanding!
A lot of people have really got behind us and without them we wouldn't be where we are today. The best way we can repay them is by winning games and playing some good footy to keep them coming back.
Q: You have some quality players in your side notably David Gorman, Dan Waterson and Glen Salter, how important is there experience for the younger guys?
A: David and Glen have been around the game for a while now and there experience is not only great for the younger guys, but the team in general. They keep calm in the big moments and always have plenty of input into training as well.
Q: You are playing alongside your brother this season, chalk and cheese or are you from the same mould?
A: It's the first time I've ever played with my brother and it's been good so far. There is plenty of banter that gets thrown around from all the boys if he scores and I don't and stuff like that, but he has known most the boys for a while so he fits in pretty easy!
Q: Finish this sentence, a premiership for the Pride and the Beenleigh community
A: A premiership for the Pride and the Beenleigh community would be well deserved with all the hard work and time the committee, players and supporters have put in to make the pride a quality, family club.
Everyone wants to be a part of the club and hopefully we can bring home some silverware at seasons end.
