BENJAMIN John has been irreplaceable at hooker for St Pat’s this year in Group 10 Premier League and now the Bathurst club can look forward to having him around a bit longer.
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The hooker inked a two-year extension to his contract at the club this week.
The Group 10 representative forward will line up tomorrow at the Sportsground for the Saints’ important fixture against the Cowra Magpies, which will decide which team sits in outright second place, as both are on 18 points with six rounds to go.
John said he was grateful to be given the extension at the club he’s called home since 2011.
“It’s good getting a run here ... and I love living in Bathurst,” he said.
“In ’11, ’12 and ’13 I couldn’t play well because of my knee. This year’s a good hit-out for me because it’s the first year it’s recovered properly ... [Last year] I was playing a little bit, but it wasn’t to my full potential.
“It’s going to be a tough game against Cowra. I’m just looking forward to playing my normal footy.
“I take every game as a normal game – just get out there and have fun. If you train hard, the result will unfold itself.”
The former Parkes Spacemen premiership player can’t speak highly enough of the team culture coach Kurt Hancock has created this season.
“Kurt’s an awesome coach. He always knows what he’s doing with his direction. We love him; he’s an experienced coach. It’s a good feeling to be a part of it,” he said.
“We’ve seen the difference in our footy – we’re playing much more structured.”
Pat’s have good memories of the last time they came up against the Magpies – when the Bathurst side won 22-18.
There’s some shuffling taking place this week at Pat’s, most notably Hancock’s inclusion of himself into the interchange.
Luke Newsome starts from the bench this week, while Corey Averio takes his spot in the second row.
Ben Hews gets his shot at fullback in first grade, John Hanscombe making way for him as the Englishman goes back out to where he started his season on the wing.
Brent Dennis has been named in the side, but time will tell if he’s set to play as he monitors a broken toe.
The match will start at 2.30pm tomorrow.
ST PAT’S: 1 Ben Hews, 2 John Hanscombe, 3 Cyp Ale, 4 Jake Bright, 5 Mick Armstrong, 6 Garry Reilly, 7 Antonio Ale, 8 Luke Single, 9 Benjamin John, 10 Brent Dennis, 11 Paleatime Ale, 12 Corey Averio, 13 Chris Boardman, 14 Cameron Neville, 15 Ben Thompson, 16 Luke Newsome, 17 Kurt Hancock
