As Connor Broadhurst closes on 100 Intrust Super Cup matches, he can draw plenty of links with players on opposition teams.
The Baralaba junior – a childhood friend of Corey Oates – has spent time in the Parramatta and Gold Coast systems before continuing his impressive career with Norths Devils.
This Sunday, Broadhurst is set to face another former teammate when the Devils take on James Roberts and the Wynnum Manly Seagulls at Bishop Park.
Broadhurst and Roberts were together in the Titans’ NRL system before their careers took different turns.
Now, they may end up opposing each other depending, on where the Seagulls decide to play Roberts as the Brisbane Broncos centre returns to the Intrust Super Cup.
If the NSW Origin hopeful plays his preferred right centre position, he will be opposite Broadhurst and in the vicinity of Devils backrower Nixon Putt – one of the hardest-hitting defenders in the competition.
Broadhurst said he was continuing to enjoy his busy football career.
Just a few weeks after his 25th birthday, Broadhurst sits on 97 Intrust Super appearances to add to his 52 matches in the NRL Under 20 competition.
He also featured for the XXXX Queensland Residents in their win over New South Wales two weeks ago, cementing Broadhurst’s credentials as a player with genuine NRL claims.
“I’ve enjoyed being able to play a lot over the years and, by doing that, I’ve met a lot of team mates and played under different coaches,” Broadhurst said.
“It’s been really enjoyable at Norths this year. It’s really good that we have the style in which Ro (coach Rohan Smith) likes to use the ball across the park and we can play on any opportunity that we see.
“We’ve done well so far, but we know there are areas that we can continue to improve on and Sunday will be another good test for us.”
The Seagulls head into Sunday’s match in third place while the Devils are fourth, buoyed by a 42-18 win over Mackay Cutters at Bishop Park last Saturday night.
Broadhurst was active from the opening minute of that match, slicing through a tackle for a 40-metre run that linked with Putt for a fast opening try.
Away from the field, Broadhurst is a high school teacher, using a Diploma in Education that he gained after completing a degree in Exercise and Sports Science.
