Shute Shield 2020: Christian Kagiassis’ hat-trick in Southern Districts win over Warringah
Hardworking former Parramatta Eels junior Christian Kagiassis has led his team from the front in a crucial win for Southern Districts in the Shute Shield.
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He juggles fulltime world with his love of rugby but that hasn’t stopped Southern Districts captain Christian Kagiassis producing a standout performance of the Shute Shield in recent week.
The inspirational leader produced a rare hat-trick in Souths 39-38 win over Warringah on Saturday.
“He had an absolute blinder,’’ praised coach Todd Louden in the wake of the match.
“And the poor guy has been pulled here and there recently. He’s played wing, fullback, 12 and 10 because of all our injuries and he’s handled it well.’’
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Kagiassis works as a foreign exchange dealer during the week, leaving home before the sun rises for work.
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“I get to work at 7am and on training days leave early at 4.30pm. Training gets me out of the office a little earlier. I’m lucky to have good bosses.”
The 25-year-old, who grew up at Bankstown but now lives at Wattle Grove near Liverpool, seemed destined for a career in league than union, attending the famous rugby league nursery, St Gregory’s at Campbelltown, and playing the code throughout his teens.
“I played rugby league as a kid and went through the Parra Eels system, SG Ball, Harold Matt,” he said.
“I finished school, finished my contract and was studying at Sydney Uni when they asked me if I wanted to play rugby union.
“I’d played it my last year at school so ended up playing Colts and first grade at Sydney Uni before moving to Southern Districts.
“I’m working full-time, I am only 25 and I still aspire to push it a bit further and higher. I still have aspirations to get there.”
Kagiassis’ immediate goal is to help Southern Districts achieve a special a feat this season under new coach Todd Louden.
“Hopefully we can achieve something they haven’t done before, win the Shute Shield. That’s something that drives me,” he said.
After seven rounds, Southern Districts have shown they are among the contenders for this years title.
Prior to their win over Warringah they also beaten heavyweights Sydney Uni, the defending champions,