Running back Jack Grayson stars for Rockhampton Wolverines in gridiron
Jack Grayson has blasted back onto the gridiron scene after suffering a sickening injury last year. He has starred for the Rockhampton Wolverines, who are now preparing for a semis showdown.
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Jack Grayson has made a strong return from a sickening injury to star for the Rockhampton Wolverines in the Regional Queensland Gridiron League.
The talented running back is back on the field after breaking and dislocating his ankle in the opening game of the 2023/24 season last year.
He produced another big game in the team’s 20-8 win over the Townsville Cyclones on Saturday and will be crucial to its chances in the January 25 semi-final against the same opponent.
Wolverines’ skipper Raymond Wheeler was full of praise for his offensive weapon.
“He’s been outstanding,” he said.
“That was a significant injury he suffered but he’s bounced back enormously and he’s certainly not shying away from contact.
“He’s been massive for us and he’s really showing what he can do.”
Wheeler said Marcus McKean had been equally as impressive on the team’s defensive end.
“He’s always a leader and he plays for the team,” he said.
“He leads with his actions and he’s a big inspiration for the younger players.”
The weekend win was the Wolverines first over Townsville since 2021, something which would instil plenty of confidence in his players heading into the semi showdown which will be played in Rockhampton.
Wheeler said it was “always enjoyable” to get a win over their northern nemesis and nothing would be sweeter than to repeat the dose in their next meeting.
They do, however, face a six-week hiatus before the big game.
They were due to meet Mackay/Gladstone in the last round game on January 18 but after the combined outfit forfeited their third game at the weekend, they were ruled out of the competition by the governing body.
Townsville will play their final fixture against the Cairns Falcons who have established an unassailable lead at the top of the ladder and automatically qualified for the final.
Wheeler said the Wolverines would have to change their preparation strategy slightly, with an earlier return to the training paddock now on the cards.
“We just need to focus on our game and what we can improve on,” he said.
“We have to tighten things up a bit. We were doing a lot of things right at the weekend but a lack of concentration in parts of the game let things slip through.
“We need to be a more complete team for the whole game.”
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