Gridiron more than just a video game for champ

Make no bones about it, American football is more than just a video game for battle-hardened warrior Warwick Russell, one of the stars of the Sunbowl champions

NIMBLE: Bayside Ravens wide receiver Warwick "Bones" Russell on the charge in Queensland's peak American football competition. Photo: Nikki Verbakel, Touchdown Photography

GRIDIRON: Make no bones about it, American football is more than just a video game for battle-hardened warrior Warwick Russell.

The diminutive but exceptionally elusive wide receiver from Mountain Creek might tip the scales at a tick over 60kg but underestimate him at your peril.

Russell, nicknamed Bones from his “skinny” frame, is one of the best talents not only on the Sunshine Coast, but Queensland.

In his 10th season of gridiron, Russell played a starring role for the Brisbane-based Bayside Ravens’ first Sunbowl championship in its history.

It was the highest scoring Sunbowl in Queensland Gridiron history, a topsy-turvy encounter that went right down to the wire.

Russell, who unloads trucks for Coles, said the 45-44 win over the Brisbane Rhinos was the crowning achievement in his career.

“I played soccer growing up, never really played any contact sport,” Russell said.

“But I always played the video game Madden. Then 10 years ago I saw a television report on the Sunshine Coast Spartans and signed up.

“There was no looking back then.”

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Coast gridiron stars Brad Ebdon and Warwick Russell celebrate the Bayside Ravens winning the Sunbowl last year.

Russell linked with the Ravens through connections with his teammates at state level.

For the past two years, he and fellow Coaster Brad Ebdon have made the two-hour roundtrip down to Brisbane three times a week for training and games.

“To be able to be part of the club’s first championship was pretty special. It really meant a lot to the club,” Russell said.

“The champagne was flowing in the locker room with the trophy. The pub crawl the next day was great too.“

Ebdon said despite the travel commitments, the thrill of the game and the championship win made it all worthwhile.

The 115kg linebacker is in awe of his sprightly teammate’s ability to duck and weave his way through the line.

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“It’s hilarious. Because watching them line up there are people twice the size of him, but everyone underestimates him,” Ebdon said.

“He’s one of the best players in Queensland, no doubt about it.

“The way he takes the hits and just bounces up is incredible. I remember he got ironed out by this big Samoan and he was straight back up.

“He just glides around.”

Ebdon, who works at an at times demanding job with Hall Construction, also grew up playing Madden.

He said to be part of history was “the best feeling”.

“The Rhinos were beaten in every other Sunbowl they played in, so for us to do it with them after so many tries is great,” he said.

“My job can be taxing, especially after training but I love it.

“Getting to throw your body around to get that ball is awesome.”

Russell said compared to Ebdon, he had it easy.

“I’m lucky in that I don’t get smashed all that often. My position is not as physical,” the 26-year-old said.

“It’s more about speed, agility, hand eye co-ordination and my footwork which I think I get from soccer.

“Work the next day is not as hard for me as some other guys.”

Both players are eagerly awaiting to hear whether the 2020 Queensland Gridiron season is impacted by the global pandemic.

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