Why USC Rugby’s inspirational Lieder returned

Matt Lieder says he returns to Sunshine Coast Rugby not only a more complete player but now armed with a burning desire to knock the premiers off their perch

Matt Lieder has returned to USC Barbarians determined to wrestle back the premiership from Caloundra.

RUGBY UNION: Matt Lieder says he returns to Sunshine Coast Rugby Union not only a more complete player but now armed with a burning desire to knock the premiers off their perch.

After a year testing himself in the Brisbane Premier Grade competition, Lieder has linked back with University Barbarians.

The inside centre has one thing on his mind heading into the season - end Caloundra's two years of dominance.

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Matt Lieder flanked with Miilez Ngauamo and Felemi Jethro with the Australian Club Championship trophy.

 

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With stalwarts Anton Tiumalu and Matthew Macaulay expected to be farewelled at season's end, Lieder said all things fell into line.

"With Anton and Matt retiring and the tough way they lost last year I knew I had to come back and play with the boys," Lieder said.

"Plus it's time to knock Caloundra off their pedestal.

"Capping it off with a title would be wonderful. Every single one of us are raring to go.

"The big break will feel like two pre-seasons but we can't wait."

Coach Brad Tronc said Lieder was "inspirational" and that his hard work and high standards would rub off on the whole squad.

 

Matt Lieder has returned to USC Barbarians determined to wrestle back the premiership from Caloundra.

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The mutual respect is shared from Lieder to Tronc.

"I played with him at the Sunshine Coast Stingrays," the play maker said.

"He really helped push the guys into a new direction last year. He's a great coach."

While Lieder mainly played reserve grade for Brisbane Rugby Club GPS, he managed to crack the premier grade outfit a few times.

"It was kind of one of those moves that I had to make just to see what I could do," he said.

"I didn't want to look back and think what if.

"Even though I didn't stay in the A-grade squad, we won the reserve grade comp. Then I was lucky enough to be part of the Australian Club Championship.

"Just the professionalism of Brisbane rugby set the bar. I really learned a lot."

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