International centre hungry to end title drought

Crushers international star centre Paul McKewin is entering the twilight of a glittering career and is hungrier than ever to bow out with a premiership title

Nambour Crushers centre Paul McKewin builds up speed against Caboolture last year. Photo: Warren Lynam

RUGBY LEAGUE: Nambour Crushers international star centre Paul McKewin is entering the twilight of a glittering career and is hungrier than ever to bow out with a premiership title.

McKewin is one of the more senior statesmen in the Crushers roster and the only one who has represented his country.

It was through Paul and Dan Ivan of rivals Stanley River where McKewin learned off his Hungarian connection.

The 31-year-old has played about six games for Hungary who he is eligible through his mother.

McKewin also captained Hungary in the World Cup qualifying tournament in Thailand which was one of the highlights of his career.

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“My mum was born in Budapest, so I just signed up when I heard I was eligible,” McKewin said.

“It was such an awesome experience, playing in Thailand for 10 days and being captain. It was amazing.”

It’s not the only representative honour McKewin has had.

The former Sunshine Coast Falcons centre has been a consistent representative player throughout his whole career. He regularly makes the 47th Battalion Shield squad and Central Crows.

After he finished with the Falcons, the fencer by trade linked with Nambour in 2015 to “play with his mates again”.

He hasn’t looked back.

New signings for the Nambour Crushers and good mates Michael Lassen and BJ Adams. Photo: John McCutcheon

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Under Dave Cordwell’s tutelage, the Crushers are consistently finals regulars but are suffering from a premiership drought having not won since 2005.

Until the coronavirus pandemic shut rugby league down, McKewin said Nambour were quietly building a capable roster.

He rattled off names like reigning player of the year Brenton Stonier, Robbie Cordwell, Dylan McGrath, James Boyce and David Oakes as players who make up the backbone of the squad.

“We have a really good squad if everyone can rip in and follow the structure we will be right up there,” he said.

“I love everything about the club. They’re all such good people and a family club.

“We have a really handy side. I think we can give it a push.”

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Family time will come calling for the McKewin who is expecting a little girl in October with wife Hannah.

“The break from footy has been pretty boring, but I am looking forward to our daughter being born,” he said.

McKewin grew up in Bribie Island, where he still lives. He drives up with Luke Gillett, younger brother of Matt, for training and games each week.

He said he had been best mates with the former Brisbane Broncos star since he can remember, but try as he might, Gillett can’t be persuaded to step out of retirement.

“I’d love to. But he is out and done.”

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