Capras ready to ‘rip in’ in Hostplus Cup season opener against Souths Logan on Sunday

Talented centre Jonus Pearson has returned to Central Qld, which he considers his ‘second home’, and is ready to do the region proud on the footy field.

Jonus Pearson, pictured celebrating after scoring for the Brisbane Broncos in 2017, has returned to the CQ Capras this year. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

Talented centre Jonus Pearson cannot wait to pull on the CQ Capras jersey again for Round 1 of the Hostplus Cup this weekend.

The 26-year-old is excited to be back in Central Queensland, which he considers his “second home”.

Hailing from the Torres Strait, Pearson spent five years at St Brendan’s College, playing football for the school and club football for the Yeppoon Seagulls.

He made his CQ Capras debut in 2015 before being signed by the Brisbane Broncos, making his NRL debut in 2016.

Jonus Pearson, pictured celebrating after scoring for the Brisbane Broncos in 2017, has returned to the CQ Capras this year. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

Pearson has played 23 games in the NRL - 11 for the Broncos, 10 for St George and two for the Gold Coast Titans.

He is now keen to share that experience with his Capras’ teammates.

“It was very challenging in the NRL systems; I learnt a lot there so I want to bring that back to the Capras,” he said.

“I think we’re building as a team. In the pre-season we’ve gelled very well so I’m looking forward to Round 1.”

The Capras take on Souths Logan Magpies at Brisbane’s Davies Park at 3pm Sunday.

Centre Jonus Pearson is back to bolster the CQ Capras in the Hostplus Cup this season.

Skipper and halfback Jack Madden is keen for the Capras to get their season off to a winning start.

“It’s a challenge starting away down there on Sunday against Souths but it’s a challenge we’re looking forward to,” he said.

“We can’t wait to get down there and rip in.

“We’re not worried about who they’ve got, it’s more about focusing on ourselves. That’s what we’ve been doing throughout the trials and that’s what we’ll do - just focus on what we do well and the rest will take care of itself.”

Madden said he was looking forward to seeing Pearson and winger Curtis Dansey-Smaller in action on Sunday.

Dansey-Smaller will be making his Capras’ debut along with Zev John, a Papua New Guinea international who will come off the bench.

Head coach Lionel Harbin is hoping his players will be rewarded for the hard yards they’ve put in during pre-season.

“Preparations have been going well, and I’m just really excited for the players actually,” he said.

“It’s been a very long pre-season and they’ve worked extremely hard. They’ve turned up every week with the right attitude.

“We’ve trialled pretty well but there’s still a lot of things to work on, improve on.

“It’s just about us staying in the moment, taking each set as it comes, not thinking too far ahead or thinking about what’s happened in the past.”

Harbin believes the depth of his squad will hold the Capras in good stead this season.

“There’s competition for spots which creates a good environment at training, everyone’s competing which we hope will show on the weekend,” he said.

“We’ve got a really good group of players here and a really good leadership group who I lean on.

“I’m just really enjoying the group, what we’re doing and what we’re building towards and hopefully we can walk away with the win this weekend.”

CQ Capras team for Round 1

Blake Moore, Jedidiah Simbiken, Jesse Jennings, Jonus Pearson, Curtis Dansey-Smaller, Radean Robinson, Jack Madden (captain), Bailey Butler, Trey Brown, Tyler Szepanowski, Ethan O’Neill, Nixon Putt, Jamie Hill, Cooper Marshall, Lachlan Hubner, Harrison Leonard, Zev John.