Shute Shield: Eastern Suburbs Archer Holz a surprise hit with family support

Archer Holz might be in the running for best new talent in the Shute Shield but his parents can’t be beaten for the title of the competitions most dedicated supporters

Eastern Suburbs player Archer Holz made his Shute Shield debut this year. Pic: Karen Watson

• Premier Cricket: How’s your club shaping up?
• BUSTED: Sports stars on wrong side of the law
• LIST: Teen tyros set to electrify cricket

Young rugby player Archer Holz never expected to make his debut in Shute Shield this year, let alone play a part in Eastern Suburbs’ surge towards the finals of the premier rugby competition.

But that’s what the former Kings School student and tight head prop is doing, much to the delight of Easts coach Pauli Taumoepeau and Holz’s own parents Dianne and Russell.

BIG GOAL: Strange call-up has Shute Shield gun wanting more

Eastern Suburbs player Archer Holz has been a surprise find this season.

SHUTE SHIELD: Can you club make th e cut?

REVEALED: Why these rookie made headlines in 2020

“I didn’t even have any plans for him to play grade but I got him in for a trial and he played well so I kept him,” Taumoepeau said.

“Then week in and week out he put his all into a tough, volatile position and kept himself in the side.”

And week in and week out Holz’s parent have made the trek from Brewarrina in north west NSW to the Eastern Suburbs or other suburban grounds in Sydney to watch their son play.

“They are the world’s greatest supporters,” said Holz, studying project management and majoring in construction at Sydney University.

Eastern Suburbs player Archer Holz with his father and mother.

LOYAL: Bubble bursts just in time for this Waratah

AMAZING: Footballer plays with four broken bones

“I like to say they do supporting better than I do footy.

“Mum and dad are down every weekend. In the last year’s mum has just missed three games and dad is down almost as often.

“They haven’t let the distance stop them. It’s a 10 hour drive and they leave work about 3pm or 4pm Friday and drive to Sydney.

“Sometimes they drive through and sometimes they stop in Mudgee at my sisters and come to the game the next day.

Eastern Suburbs are still battling to secure their spot in the Shute Shield finals.

“It’s is unreal. I can train as much as I want but mum and dad sitting in the car for 22 hours a week blows me away and makes me want to do even better.’’

The 20-year-old said he has been taken under the wing of Easts players and made to feel right at home.

“They have been so good to me. This was something I just loved doing. Now its become something I’d like to pursue more,’’ he said.

“I’m not getting ahead of myself but I would like to see where rugby takes me.’’

Easts this Saturday host Penrith with a win crucial to their chance of remaining in the top six.

After this round, only two more will be played before finals.