Fifth-generation cattle farmer Gerald Youles is out to prove a good, old-fashioned country boy can be ultimate Survivor

Armed with his trusty Akubra and long-sleeve shirts, this milk-drinking, world champion axeman is bringing his authentic country vibe to Australian Survivor.

Gatton Show Society Woodchop chief steward Gerald Youles took out the 300mm underhand world championship at the 2019 Toowoomba Show

As a “cut above the rest” and the “sharpest tool in the shed”, one Kilcoy axe man has shown true country spirit prevails even when thrust into the TV spotlight.

Many know Gerald Youles as a fifth-generation cattle farmer, the woodchop steward at the Gatton show, or the two-time world champion woodchopper.

But the 26-year-old has another title he’s chipping away at – Australian Survivor champion, where he hopes to earn himself a $500,000 pay cheque.

Australian Survivor, which was filmed in Cloncurry, Queensland, is currently on Channel 10 and viewers will see episode seven this Sunday.

Those who have watched the Channel 10 series will no doubt recognise his broad brimmed, round top trademark Akubra and long-sleeve shirts that dominate his wardrobe in team Brawn.

The champion axeman isn’t dressed in short shorts and singlet tops, instead he’s true to himself – a country boy, through and through.

If you’d asked Gerald, a fifth-generation cattle farmer, a couple years ago to appear on Survivor Australia, there’s no way he would have said yes.

Ten Network new series of Survivor 2021. Gerald Youles. PHOTO: Nigel Wright/Ch10

But Gerald told the Gatton Star he wouldn’t change the experience for anything, even if it meant missing woodchopping events and giving up the chance to claim the Queensland champion of champions woodchop title.

“I went on there with the goal of being exactly myself. I wanted to play the most honest game of Survivor in Australia that’s ever been seen,” Gerald said.

“I wanted to set that goal and really be that person people would look up to and think I was a really great guy and awesome person to be around.

“I wanted to really push that whole country aspect and vibe that we all have and make sure that it was perceived on screen to the viewers. I was 100 per cent natural.”

On the series, Gerald is part of team brawn.

Gatton Show Society Woodchop chief steward Gerald Youles took out the 300mm underhand world championship at the 2019 Toowoomba Show. Photo: Dominic Elsome

He’s joined by former AFL footballer Gavin Wanganeen, model and fitness advocate Shannon Lawson and champion cyclist Baden Cook.

And he proved in the opening episode that his abilities to wield an axe wouldn’t go to waste, using an axe to chop through a log over brains to solve a puzzle.

“I’d always loved the game, but never considered putting my hand up for it,” Gerald said.

It was a fellow woodchop mate from Western Australia who put Gerald’s name forward, ultimately landing the country lad a position on the show.

“It was more than what I expected. You never really know what to expect at any point going into it,” Gerald said.

“You’ve got some preconceived notions and ideas, but everything is turned on its head once you get there.”

As for Kilcoy – the town is relishing its new hero.

Gerald Youles in action at the Eidsvold show in 2019.

The local pub on a Sunday night tunes in all 40-plus televisions to Survivor to cheer on the local lad.

“It’s a proud point to be able to stand back and say that’s where I’m from,” Gerald said.

“Hopefully it can bring some positive vibes to the town and throughout the community.”

Although filming has finished – and no, Gerald can’t give away the details – it’s back to the woodchop in preparation for the Brisbane Ekka.

Even with a packed schedule, he managed to chop his way to a fourth place in the hard-hitting state championship at the Gatton Show.

Gerald will now work toward competing at the New Zealand championship in November, pending Covid restrictions.

For all the Survivor Australia fans watching each Sunday night, Gerald says to keep up the positive vibes.

“Get behind everyone in the game no matter who they are. Bring that country vibe in support and try uplift people and make the most of every situation,” Gerald said.”

Tune in to watch Gerald on Australian Survivor on Sunday nights, on Channel 10 at 7.30pm.