After more than a year out, Harry Liebke is making his mark in Palm Beach’s Premier League finals quest

IN his darkest moment, Harry Liebke wondered if his young career was over before it had truly begun. Now, he could be the key to a Palm Beach Premier League finals miracle.

IN his darkest moment, Harry Liebke wondered if his young career was over before it had truly begun.

But through the adversity of an 18-month injury nightmare, the 21-year-old now stands as a crucial figure in Palm Beach’s quest for a Gold Coast Premier League finals miracle.

Four points adrift of fourth-placed Coomera (32 points) with two rounds to play, the Sharks (28 points) enter tomorrow’s 3pm battle away to fellow playoff hopefuls Nerang (26 points) knowing anything but victory could end their season.

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Aiding their mission is a tough run home for the Colts, who host newly-crowned champions Burleigh Heads at 7pm tomorrow before travelling to second-placed Surfers Paradise in the final round.

Having finished seventh with just 19 points last season, Palm Beach’s 2019 rise has coincided with Liebke’s return in midfield.

Palm Beach’s Harry Liebke (left) in action against Broadbeach United. Picture: East End Digital

A Sharks NPL junior, Liebke played at senior level for now-defunct Gold Coast City two years ago before stress fractures in his back put paid to hopes of joining Gold Coast United in the 2018 pre-season.

Initially expected to miss just three months, he remained sidelined until early this season but has not missed a game since.

“I had setback after setback (with the injury). Three months quickly turned to six months, which turned to a year,” Liebke, who captained Palm Beach to under-18 and under-20 NPL titles, said.

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“I really had to work hard to keep doing my recovery and stay positive. Not only physically, but mentally, it was a big challenge.

“But being in and around Brett (Budwee, coach) and the boys, they really supported me and made me feel like I was welcome, even when I wasn’t playing. I’m loving now being able to go out and physically help them on the field.

“There’s no better feeling.”

With third-placed Broadbeach United looming next weekend, Budwee needed no reminding his side’s season was on the line against Nerang.

“We’re looking as these next two games as finals. We want to make the top four but to do that we’ve got to play two games that are like being in the top four anyway,” he said.

“We’re just going out to win both games. Numbers are a bit thin because of the brutality of last week’s game (a 7-0 win over Tweed United) but we’re pretty confident.

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“Harry has been a big part in our improvement this season. He was the former captain of my Gold Coast City youth team and is very mature for his age … a real leader.”

ROUND 20 FIXTURES

■ Saturday 3pm – Nerang vs. Palm Beach

■ Saturday 3pm – Broadbeach United vs. Surfers Paradise

■ Saturday 7pm – Coomera vs. Burleigh Heads

■ Sunday 3pm – Tweed United vs. Mudgeeraba