Selfless Norths captain Jack Ahearn puts teammate’s 21st ahead of his 100 game milestone

It says plenty about Norths captain Jack Ahearn that his priority on Saturday against Mackay Cutters is to get a win for Sean O’Sullivan celebrating his 21st birthday rather than icing his own 100 game milestone moment. “That is the goal,’’ said Ahearn

It says plenty about Norths captain Jack Ahearn that his priority on Saturday against Mackay Cutters is to get a win for a teammate celebrating his 21st birthday rather than icing his own 100 game milestone moment.

“That is the goal,’’ said Ahearn, who wants a victory in the Intrust Super Cup clash to kick-off Sean O’Sullivan’s 21st celebrations.

With an attitude like that, it is little wonder Norths coach Rohan Smith made a bloke like Ahearn his skipper this season.

And it is little wonder it is an appointment which Ahearn has cherished.

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He calls Norths a “heritage club’’ and is well aware of the Devils’ enormous tradition in Queensland - and indeed Australian - rugby league.

“It (being named captain) was a shock, but I love doing it,’’ Ahearn said.

“But I am part of a leadership group and all I do is lead the boys out and flip a coin.’’

Norths Jack Ahearn. Pic Annette Dew

Ahearn started his rugby league journey in his native Canberra where he was absorbed into the Raiders’ system as a schoolboy, playing through the 16s, 18s, 20s and NRL squads before moving to Brisbane.

Initially he was with Souths Logan, but moved to Redcliffe where he was a member of the 2016 grand final losing side.

“It was disappointing to lose but my son was born that year so I got to hold him after the game, so the disappointment of footie went away,’’ Ahearn explained.

You see Ahearn has a broad outlook on life.

While he loves rugby league and strives for success, it is not life of death because Monday to Friday he works as a Chaplain (Clontarf Beach State High School) and as a youth worker in Caboolture (Churches of Christ).

His workplace makes him a grounded bloke, as the background of some youth he helps “can be upsetting and disappointing’’.

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“I try to do my best as a positive role model to help them with their futures,’’ Ahearn said.

But come game day, it is all about his team and he would love nothing more to help Norths to the premiership.

“We are a pretty tight group of boys. We are trying to fulfil our potential with the playing roster which was put together.’’

Devils' Jack Ahearn playing against Ipswich Jets. (AAP Image/Josh Woning)

He praised coach Smith and his staff for their role in creating a closely knit environment.

“I love Norths. It has been awesome. I am loving footie again.

“I feel like I am a 20-year-old. I love the place that Roh (Smith) and all the staff have turned it into,’’ he said.