Hubner’s NRL selection reward for talent, hard work and determination
Rockhampton rugby league sensation Lachlan Hubner will make his NRL debut in the highly anticipated ‘Battle for Brisbane’ at Suncorp Stadium tonight.
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Lachlan Hubner looked right at home when he turned out for the Dolphins in a pre-season trial against the CQ Capras in February.
Tonight he will kit up in the red, gold and white again, this time making his NRL debut on one of the most exciting stages imaginable.
The Rockhampton product has been called into the Dolphins 17 following the withdrawal of prop Thomas Flegler on the eve of their Round 6 clash against the Brisbane Broncos.
The game is a sellout, with more than 50,000 fans to pack Suncorp Stadium for what is being billed as the “Battle for Brisbane”.
Selection is due reward for Hubner, 24, who has completed the pre-season with the Dolphins for the past two years.
He has been one of the most consistent performers in the Q-Cup for the CQ Capras, who secured a full affiliation with the Dolphins back in 2021.
Workhorse Hubner, a Norths Knights junior, has made 58 appearances for the Capras since his first game in March 2021.
No one could be more excited for Hubner than Capras’ strength and conditioning coach Justen Parle.
He was the sport development officer at Emmaus College. where Hubner really came into his own as a footy player in the latter years of high school.
“He is very skillful but he’s always worked hard to earn his stripes,” Parle said.
“He’s very fit, he’s strong and he knows that’s what he needs for that next level.”
Parle said Hubner “slipped under the radar a little bit” in his early teens but started to excel from about 16, captaining the school’s First XIII at events such as Confraternity Carnival.
His leadership and determination were two of his strongest traits then - and continued to be, Parle said.
“We’re all really proud of him and excited that he’s got this opportunity,” he said.
“To make the big time this weekend in front of 50,000 people is huge for Lachie.
“I spoke with him last night after their captain’s run, and they had a bit of a fan day down there as well.
“It’s been quite the experience for him.
“He sounded really positive and he said he was enjoying the moment and that he trained well.”
Parle knows Hubner will not let anyone down tonight, and he would be receiving plenty of support from Central Queensland.
His Capras’ teammates plan to get together and watch the game at the Rockhampton Leagues Club after their own captain’s run.
Parle said it was amazing to watch someone like Hubner realise his sporting dream.
“This shows every kid in Central Queensland, no matter where you come from, that the opportunities are there if you take them,” he said.
The Dolphins versus Broncos showdown kicks off at 8pm.
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