Australian Idol’s Trent Richardson stars in Emu Park’s semi-final win
After starring on the stage of the national singing competition, this reality TV star is showing off his other skills.
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Emu Park A-grade men have a ready-made voice to lead their team song.
Australian Idol contestant Trent Richardson has returned to their ranks after his brush with fame on the national singing competition.
And the camel-farming centre was on song on Saturday, scoring two tries in the Emus’ 28-24 win over Rockhampton Brothers in the Rockhampton Rugby League semi-final on Saturday.
The result takes the Emus into the big dance for the second year in a row, desperate to reverse the result of 2023 when they were beaten in an extra-time thriller by Yeppoon.
Richardson made it to the top six in this year’s season of Idol but is determined to be number one on the sporting stage come August 24.
Coach Jason Field said it was a “huge relief” to be through to the decider, and Richardson was “keen as mustard” to claim his first premiership with the club.
“He’s an intelligent footballer and potentially should be playing at a much higher level,” he said.
“He’s a big, strapping lad; he’s strong and he’s got speed.”
Field said that Richardson’s commitment to Idol meant he had missed pre-season and a good chunk of the regular season.
The 22-year-old wowed audiences and quickly became a fan favourite.
He went deep into the competition, finishing just one round short of the grand finale.
Field is confident Richardson will, like his teammates, take the shot at local footy glory with both hands.
“He’s never won a grand final in his junior footy so he’s super, super keen to make sure he wins this one,” he said.
“He’s had to really adapt and he’s getting fitter as the weeks go on.
“He’ll be ready to go in a fortnight and he’s as keen as mustard.”
Field said it took a “great team effort” to get past Brothers.
But the win came at a cost for the minor premiers, with their hard-working lock Cayless Motto breaking his arm in the first half.
“It was a very tough, seesawing game with both teams scoring tries,” Field said.
“There was a lot of pressure and the boys stepped up and played really well.”
Richardson’s two tries book-ended his team’s five, with five-eighth Tristan Butcher also scoring a double and hooker Harry Barham crossing for one and landing four conversions.
Prop Isaiah Conway was exceptional, Garrett Field brought his customary hard-hitting game and halfback Travis Field produced one of his best games of the season in the win.
Field said this weekend’s preliminary final between Brothers and reigning champions Yeppoon promised to be a cracker.
“I rate Brothers, they’re a class outfit,” he said.
“Yeppoon have come good at the right end of the season. They’ve been building and their clinical performance against Norths on Sunday proved what they can do in this finals race.
“Whoever we play, we know it’s going to be tough and like last year, it could be decided in the last minute
“We just need to be ready to play footy.
“We’re there now so we’ve just got to create the opportunities to win the last game.
“We’ll make sure we prepare well to do that and if we do, I’m sure we can walk away with the prize.”
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