’The book is definitely not closed’: Blackhawks captain Kyle Laybutt hunting NRL shot
A rule change in how NRL clubs can select players from outside their Top 30 squads has opened the door for a former Cowboy to make a Lazarus-esque return to the first grade.
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Blackhawks captain Kyle Laybutt has heard for years he was good enough to be playing in the NRL.
Now is his chance to prove it.
A rule change in how NRL clubs can select players from outside their Top 30 squads has opened the door for Laybutt to make a Lazarus-esque return to the toughest rugby league competition on the planet.
The Blackhawks’ affiliation with South Sydney has rekindled Laybutt’s fading NRL dream because Rabbitohs five-eighth Cody Walker is the face of the rugby league late-bloomer movement.
Walker debuted in the NRL for South Sydney at the age of 26, and the club debuted winger Jacob Gagai in Las Vegas just days ago at the age of 28 - proving that age is truly just a number at Redfern.
While players in prior seasons needed to sign train-and-replacement contracts to be parachuted into a matchday squad, that rule has been relaxed - carving a path for feeder club players to be selected for their senior teams at any point.
Laybutt, 28, is not chasing his debut – that arrived in 2017 with the Cowboys – but will fight to show selectors at the Rabbitohs and beyond that he has what it takes to return to the NRL after six years waiting for his next shot.
He said the cases of Walker, Gagai and former Blackhawks teammate Jonathan Reuben - who debuted for St.George-Illawarra last season at the age of 29, were inspirational tales.
“I’ve obviously had my taste of NRL back in 2017 where I played a couple of games but it’s definitely inspiring,” Laybutt said.
“It’s definitely something that’s in the back of my head, knowing that players have started their careers in the back-end of their 20s and gone on to play for a few years.
“The book’s definitely not closed, that’s for sure, and I’ll take any opportunity that is presented.”
Blackhawks coach Terry Campese declared Laybutt had what it took to play in the NRL again this year, revealing the versatile playmaker and Papua New Guinea captain was also on the radar at Wests Tigers and the Gold Coast Titans.
“He showed (why) in the international games last year, and then he got picked in the Aboriginal All Stars and he didn’t look out of place,” Campese said.
“If ‘Buttsy’ (Laybutt) still wants to play NRL I’d love to see him fulfil that.
“Hopefully we can get out there and put in some good performances together as a squad and we can see him shine in that position.”
Laybutt said it was high praise to hear that from a coach with the NRL and representative experience of Campese.
“It’s pretty cool to hear that but I guess I’ve heard that for a few years now,” Laybutt said.
“Over my career I just haven’t really been presented with many opportunities.
“I’d like to believe I am that type of player and if the opportunity does come I am willing to take it.”
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Originally published as ’The book is definitely not closed’: Blackhawks captain Kyle Laybutt hunting NRL shot
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