Fines working towards Super Rugby berth at the Brumbies
ISSAK Fines always envisioned a move to the Brumbies would involve a step up in quality and intensity, but nothing could have prepared him for an off-season as dramatic as the past few months.
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Issak Fines always envisioned a move to the Brumbies would involve a step up in quality and intensity, but nothing could have prepared him for an off-season as dramatic as the past few months.
Fines, right, linked with the Super Rugby club after starring for Western Force in Global Rapid Rugby, where he steered the side to multiple trophies and picked up the Nathan Sharpe Medal for the club’s player of the year.
When he arrived in Canberra, where he’s previously played grade rugby, the Port Douglas product entered one of the toughest preseasons of his career.
“There’s a lot more intensity, and more kilometres in the legs,” he said of the difference. “Super Rugby is a lot faster so you have to be ready for that intensity.”
If he thought he’d walk into a conventional pre-season, Mother Nature had other ideas.
Smoke from nearby bushfires forced the Brumbies to move their operations to Newcastle for 10 days, an exercise which could have derailed their preparation.
But Fines said he thought it had the opposite effect.
The players and staff spent just about every minute of each of those days together, building relationships and forging bonds which translate to a tighter-knit group on the footy field.
“It brings the boys a lot closer together so in that way it was good for the guys,” Fines said.
“But it’s been tough, very tough.”
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Fines was not named in the side for the Brumbies’ season opener against the Reds in Canberra on Friday night, but is working hard to force his way into a team expected to challenge for top spot in the Australian Conference.
Brumbies coach Dan McKellar opted for Joe Powell to start at scrumhalf with Ryan Lonergan off the bench as Fines continues to learn the system and integrate into the side.
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The 24-year-old knows exactly what he has to do to fight his way into contention for the No. 9 jersey.
“I’m learning the new systems with defence, learning my role,” Fines said.
“They’ve got a different set-up (to the Force) so it’s just getting to know that inside out.
“The kicking game as well, there’s a lot more kicking in Super Rugby so I have to work on that.
“(Joe and Ryan) are great halfbacks, but we get on really well and help each other out a lot.
“We’ve got a good relationship.
Originally published as Fines working towards Super Rugby berth at the Brumbies