Blake Leary knows he won’t be producing his ‘kicking game’ again anytime soon.
“My kicking licence has been taken off me. It is now null and void,’’ said a smiling Leary.
The hard-working utility didn’t need to say anything more, knowing his little chip/chase from dummy half on the last tackle against Parramatta at Brookvale Oval last Thursday night came at the wrong time.
It gave the Eels good field advantage and they scored to take a 12-10 lead at a vital stage in the match. The floodgates then opened for the visitors.
It was an unfortunate play for Leary, a player whose utility value saw him move to hooker with Lewis Brown shifted from the role to centre following the injury to winger Jorge Taufua.
More comfortable at lock or in the second-row than at hooker, Leary knows his versatility is an asset for Coach Trent Barrett.
”I’m looking forward to locking in a position but as I’ve told ‘Baz’ before, I will play anywhere to be out on the (first grade) field,’’ Leary said.
“It (hooker) is not my ideal position, but it’s what’s best for the team.
“I’ve spent a little bit of time at hooker. I actually debut there for the Cowboys. It is not exactly what I want to be doing but again, I will play anywhere to be out there.”
Brown was moved from the interchange bench to start the match after hooker Matt Parcell withdrew due to a hamstring injury. It saw Leary earn a recall from the Intrust Super Premiership team after being 18th man in the win over the Warriors the previous week. Leary has played four NRL matches this season.
When asked if Parcell would be right to return as starting hooker for the ANZAC Day clash this Monday against Newcastle at Hunter Stadium, Leary smiled.
“Hope so. For my sake anyway (laughing). We will see how it goes and hopefully he will train well this week and will be right,’’ Leary said.
Spoken like a true team man!
Click here to watch the profile video on Blake Leary.
