dates on the below calendar to see what’s on.
Young Dolphin steps up for Dad
REDCLIFFE recruit Greg Byrnes has spoken of the death of his father, his No. 1 supporter, and revealed a dream of playing for the Broncos.
The self-confessed country boy from Atherton was recruited by the Dolphins after helping the Northern Pride to the 2009 Queensland Cup grand final.
In 2008, he played three games for the North Queensland Cowboys as cover in the forward pack.
But the tough 105kg prop believes his future lies in Broncos territory.
It has been a difficult initiation, however. Only weeks after the 23-year-old and his partner Natalie jumped in their ute with a motorbike and swag in the back, and drove south for two days to get to the peninsula, Byrnes’ father Pat was killed in a freak farming accident.
An experienced earthmoving contractor, Pat was crushed by a tree on a property at Ravenshoe, southwest of Cairns, on November 10.
Greg immediately flew home to be with his family, but was back at Dolphin Oval for training again only two weeks later.
“That’s what Dad would have wanted,” he said.
“He was my No. 1 fan. He loved his footy, and always supported me.
“We’re all trying to get through it. It’s a part of life not a nice part but you have to deal with it.”
Byrnes has not put a foot wrong at training under new coach John Dixon.
But competition for spots in the Redcliffe forward pack will be fierce this season. It is a challenge Byrnes says he looks forward to.
“I’m really enjoying myself here at Redcliffe. Training has been tough, but that’s the way I like it,” he said.
“My goal is to be consistent, cement my spot in the Dolphins’ Queensland Cup side, and hopefully get a look in at the Broncos when the rep games (State of Origin) come around.”
The Dolphins’ will have their first trial away to Easts at Langlands Park on February 13, followed by games against the Mackay Cutters (February 20) and the anticipated clash with the Broncos at Dolphin Oval on February 27.
By Andre Grimaux - January 20, 2010
Article courtesy of the Redcliffe and Bayside Herald