Injury prone Allen set to create dynasty

SO long under the weather, Jared Allen is suddenly the Northern Pride’s man for all seasons.

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SO long under the weather, Jared Allen is suddenly the Northern Pride’s man for all seasons.

The injury-plagued 23-year-old will today take the final step between potential and opportunity when he lines up at No.6 against the Cowboys under-20s.

Only another solid 80-minute showing alongside Brayden Torpy in the halves is all that separates the Kangaroos junior from finally adding to his sole Intrust Super Cup cap from 2014.

Before and after that game, a string of injuries – a ruptured ACL, torn hamstrings, dislocated elbow and an ongoing disc problem in his back – have delivered more stops and starts than a lollipop lady.

Finally, following a cruel ankle injury to five-eighth rival Jordan Biondi-Odo, Allen is in line for a Round 1 starting berth against Sunshine Coast in a fortnight.

“It feels like the luck is finally coming around,” he said ahead of today’s clash.

“I’m feeling good and don’t have any niggles at all at the moment – I’m 100 per cent.

“I’m still doing a lot of stretching but I have strengthened a lot in the gym.

“I’m just doing the same sort of stuff as everyone else but I had a break over the off-season and I think that made the difference.”

The son of Kangaroos life member Brett, nephew of former Maroons forward Gavin, and grandson of CDRL legend Don, Allen has the undoubted ability to transition to the ISC.

“I just want to get into it,” he said. “It’s my last chance (today) and if I play well hopefully I get a shot for Round 1.

“My goal is to play as many games as I can and cement a spot.”

In June, Allen will complete his sports and science school teaching degree, as the former Dragons and Roosters under-20s player adopts a more relaxed attitude towards his football. “When I was younger I used to think about (trying to crack the) NRL but I’ll worry about the ISC and then finish my teaching,” he said. “I’ve got something to fall back on so footy doesn’t worry me as much as it used to.”

The Pride will be without injured duo Biondi-Odo and Justin Castellaro today, with Fred Koraba and RJ Opetaia-Halls also dropping out of the initial 22-man squad.

The Pride have flagged their intention to run with a limited interchange to prepare for Round 1.

Today’s clash at Vico Oval against the Cowboys under-20s, featuring six Far North locals and boom NRL talent, kicks off at 4pm.

Originally published as Injury prone Allen set to create dynasty