From the Bombers to the Jets, young Harsant is flying high

Ipswich Jets Hastings Deering Colts second rower Mitch Harsant just loves rugby league.

“I started playing at the Fassifern Bombers, playing in the under 7s comp when I was six, and I played there every year and loved every minute of it,” Harsant said.

“I love rugby league... I have always played it.”

Now, Harsant – who played two years in the Auswide Bank Mal Meninga Cup for the club – is in his second year in the Colts squad and he is also captain of the team this season.

The first-year electrical apprentice spent the preseason training with the Hostplus Cup squad and is doing all the right things to work his way towards his goal of earning a debut in the competition this year.

“I have been fortunate enough to get a chance with the Cup boys this preseason, and I have loved every minute of it, it’s been a really good experience.

“It was my first Cup preseason… I have learnt a lot about my position because I have moved to the backrow recently and Crossy (head coach Ben Cross) has sort of helped me transition, it’s been good.

“There have been four boys who have got the opportunity and we have all thoroughly enjoyed it.”

An Ipswich local through-and-through, Harsant’s love of the game was passed to him through his family.

“My dad played rugby league and I sort of got it from him, he was a Bomber too,” Harsant said.

“I have an older brother who also plays for the Bombers. I love that club; it feels like home every time I got back there and watch home games.

“They are all supportive of me.”

While the Jets got off to slow start in Colts competition this year, losing their Round 1 match against a strong Central Queensland Capras side last weekend, there is much positivity around the season ahead.

However, having had a taste of what Cup football is like as the 18th player for the Cup side in the past two games, Harsant was working hard to take the next step in his rugby league progression this year.

“The Colts is a really strong comp, it’s a good challenge; it was a big step up going from 18s to Colts last year and I am really, really enjoying that,” Harsant said.

“My main goal is to play good footy in Colts and if I keep doing that, it will lead to a Cup debut and hopefully, that is the other one of my goals, to debut in Cup this year.”