Shute Shield: Eastwood rugby’s Matt Gonzalez making speedy comeback
Racked by injury for two years, Matt Gonzalez knew he had to do something different to be back playing rugby again. So how did he become one of the competition’s top try scorers?
Local Sport
Don't miss out on the headlines from Local Sport. Followed categories will be added to My News.
For someone slammed by injury for a couple of seasons, Matt Gonzalez has sure turned his fortunes around.
The Eastwood speedster and scrum half has gone from the sidelines to near the top of the try scooters tally this season.
“I basically had to rebuild myself,” said the Eastwood gun of overcoming a series of quad injuries which drastically reduced his time on the field in recent years.
REVEALED: The Shute Shield danger men
“I would love to play at a higher level but the last couple of years it’s been about staying on the field.
SHUTE SHIELD: Can you club make th e cut?
PREMIER CRICKET: How’s your club looking this season?
“I had multiple quad tears, a slight weakness coming from my gluts. I have a bit of scoliosis in my back that pulls my hips out of place a bit.
“So I’ve built up strength, been working on my running efficiencies and sprint training. Spent a lot of time on my running technique.”
The hard work has paid off with Gonzales now sitting in equal fifth place on the try pointscore with seven tries.
REVEALED: Why these NRL rookie made headlines in 2020
ACCIDENT: Young star will never play rugby again
Warringah’s Benjamin Marr and West Harbour’s James Turner, who scored four last round, lead on nine.
His teammate Tane Edmed and Rodney Ione sit atop the conversions table on 40 each.
Eastwood head into round 12 on the competition ladder behind Gordon, Norths and Randwick.
Ahead is a testing outing against Warringah, like Eastwood desperate for a win to help them secure a finals spot.
The club faces an even tougher challenge in the final round of the regular season where Eastwood will take on Warringah, a team with just one loss from 10 games this season.