City halfback Coby Black: 'Young aspiring half who has the world at his feet'
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For Queensland Under 17 City halfback Coby Black there is no better feeling than getting up knowing it’s a game day.
“I love this game,” Coby said.
“There's nothing better each week than getting up to play.”
The Marsden State High Year 12 student, in camp now, said it felt good to be selected for the City side and he could not wait to wake up Saturday, primed and ready to take on Country.
“There's a good vibe around the camp and I'm just honoured to be in the Queensland representative programs,” Coby said.
Coby’s rugby league journey started at Helensvale Hornets where he was coached by his dad from “about age four to 17 and then just progressed from there”; that progression has seen interest from Gold Coast Titans and Brisbane Broncos, where he is now signed on a development contract.
“When I was younger, I loved defence… loved taking my anger out on the other kids… now I’m older it’s more about the fun and playing with mates, the mateship,” Coby said.
The 17-year-old played Auswide Bank Mal Meninga Cup with Wynnum Manly Seagulls this year and was extremely impressive. He was one of the nominees for player of the year but that gong went to Townsville Blackhawks’ Jamal Shibasaki.
Player to bank on: Coby Black
“It was really good… we made good progress through the semi-finals but got beat by the better team (Redcliffe Dolphins) and they went on to win it,” Coby said.
Coby – whose ultimate dream is become an Immortal - said being at the Broncos, he looked up to Adam Reynolds, as well as Reece Walsh and Pat Carrigan.
“They’re the three to come around me… they’re good with everyone,” he said.
Coby, who will be full-time at the Broncos next year, said he had big aspirations in the game, including winning a premiership. It’s what drives him.
But his aim on Saturday was simple - “to win”.
Match: QLD City v QLD Country
Round 1 -
home Team
QLD City
away Team
QLD Country
Venue: Logan Metro Football Fields, Logan
He said his role would be “to help the boys play the best footy around me”.
“I'm pretty confident I'll lead the team around the park to help them do the best job they can while also performing to my best,” Coby said.
This year’s City coach, former NRL and English Super League player Jordan Rankin, said Coby was “a really good kid”.
“He’s a kid that really wants to learn… he’s willing to take on information,” Rankin said, adding he was very well-mannered.
“I’ve been in the same position Coby’s in… the young aspiring half who has the world at his feet.
“He’s in the Broncos system and everyone’s talking about this young kid coming through, so I’ve been excited to get into camp this week and speak to him and see what he’s all about.
“He’s a really good organising half, he’s got a really good kicking game and we’ll look to try and excel him a bit this week and see what he can do on Saturday for us.”
