A debut with the Gold Coast Suns reserves tomorrow may re-spark Thomas Holland's desire to compete at the highest level. The 18-year-old Queensland representative has been elevated from the North Cairns team to play in tomorrow’s NEAFL derby with Northern Territory Thunder.
It was a surprise call-up of sorts, considering he left Melbourne last year to have what he described as a quieter 12 months in Cairns. But superb form for Norths and the Suns’ ambition to blood as many talented youngsters in their reserves means Holland gets a chance in the NEAFL – and it has him thinking about what could be next.
"I guess it’s on the mind a bit, I was looking to give my footy a rest this year but who knows after this year," Holland said. "I’ve been running this game through my head already so I’m hoping it all goes to plan."
He will join Cairns pair Sam Michael and Peter Yagmoor in the team to ensure there is plenty of local interest even before the Cairns-laden Suns take on Richmond in the main game. Both Michael (Hawks) and Yagmoor (Cobras and Norths) are coming off successful tilts with Queensland at the under-18 nationals and will be looking to make a statement at the senior level.
The quietly-spoken but massively-built Holland admitted to a few nerves in the lead-up but he should take confidence from the fact that Suns officials have been tracking his progress this year and have liked what they have seen.
"It’s a great chance to play a local kid who is in form and playing well," head of the Suns’ talent academy Andrew Johnston said. Tom’s come through the pathway with the Queensland under-18s and we’re still monitoring him up here so it’ll be great exposure for him and the others at the next level against one of the best NEAFL teams going around."
Holland is expected to shift between the forward line, wing and half back.
"It’s exciting; it’ll be big and fast and I’m a bit nervous but I’ve just got to go out there and play hard," he said. "I’ve played a bit with Pete (Yagmoor) and Sam Michael so I’m looking forward to the game."
Read more at http://www.cairns.com.au/article/2011/07/15/174065_local-sport-news.html
Courtesy of The Cairns Post.
Last Modified on 15/07/2011 09:00