Souths Juniors Grand Final: Jake Trindall out to lead junior club Rovers to drought-breaking title
After a season that saw him make his Rabbitohs debut at NSW Cup level, Jake Trindall is hoping to deliver a drought-breaking A-grade premiership to his junior club, Alexandria Rovers.
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In a season where Jake Trindall has reached new heights, one potential achievement would stand as close to his best.
This weekend the Alexandria Rovers are out to end their 34-year A-grade premiership drought at Redfern Oval and will have Trindall steering the ship at halfback.
It would cap a whirlwind 2024 for the 28-year-old who followed in the footsteps of famous father Darrell by making his South Sydney NSW Cup debut in round 10, only for injury to cruel his chances of locking down a spot.
“The whole experience was unreal. I was over the moon when I got that phone call to train with them,” he said.
“I knew I had to prove myself and keep turning up. That was my goal.
“There were a lot of injuries and I got my chance to play, but unfortunately I got injured in the game.
“It was one of the best experiences of my life getting to play for the Bunnies. Everyone was there to cheer me on and the Rovers boys put up a video, it shows how close we all are.”
After a stint on the sidelines, Trindall returned to the field six weeks later with a goal of getting Alexandria to the big game.
They did just that with a 36-22 defeat of the Coogee Dolphins in last weekend’s preliminary final advancing them to the decider.
It gives them the chance to complete an incredible comeback after claiming last year’s reserve grade title.
“We’ve been together the whole time. Through the pre-season we stuck together, we go for dinners, we hang out on weekends,” he said.
“We wanted to do well in reserves last year and were lucky to get the win. That has brought the attraction for some of the old boys to come back.
“It’s always been brewing to get that A-grade back, but we didn’t know how successful we’d be straight off the bat.”
Part of the success of the Rovers has been the partnership in the halves between Trindall and Kareel Phillips.
The dynamic duo has been outstanding together, and Trindall had nothing but praise for his five-eighth.
“Kareel is unreal. His footy IQ and love for the game is second to none,” he said.
“The way he goes about his business, it’s all passion. He’s a freaky player and someone you want to play with.
“He knows how to pull off the big plays and I love playing alongside him.”
As for the significance of this weekend, Trindall said it truly would be special for the wider community.
“It would mean the world not only to myself and our players, but the whole staff of the Rovers and the community.”
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