Currumbin Eagles’ ‘best-kept secret’ Jakob Smith shines with hat-trick to defeat Burleigh

Currumbin Eagles coach Matt Geyer believes the best-kept secret in Gold Coast rugby league is now out of the bag, after an emerging star blitzed Burleigh for three tries. READ THE STORY.

QTOP A Grade between Runaway Bay and Currumbin (red) at Galleon Way. Jakob Smith tackled. 13 June 2021 Currumbin Waters Picture by Richard Gosling

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CURRUMBIN coach Matt Geyer believes Gold Coast rugby league’s best kept secret is now out of the bag, after 23-year-old back-rower Jakob Smith blitzed the Burleigh Bears with three tries to end the ladder-leader’s undefeated start to the A Grade season.

Geyer is weighing up writing a thankyou card to Runaway Bay coach Nick Gleeson for lighting the fire in his troops after a 60-10 thrashing at home last week.

From the ashes rose a young Eagles team hungry to earn their redemption.

None were hungrier than 183cm, 95 kilogram edge forward Smith, a bushie from New South Wales who inspired Currumbin’s 36-12 boilover with work ethic and physicality that proved to Geyer his future with the Eagles would most likely be ending soon.

“He was our secret but I guess it’s out now,” Geyer said.

Jakob Smith takes on Runaway Bay on 13 June 2021. Picture by Richard Gosling

“Coming from the bush, lots of people wouldn’t have even asked who Jakob Smith is.

“If he didn’t score three tries he’d be the best kept secret in the competition.”

Smith joined Currumbin’s U20s team, then coached by Geyer, four years ago in search of a football team while completing his butcher’s apprenticeship.

“He did his shoulder in that first season but came back for finals despite not having the match fitness and he nearly did it on his own,” Geyer said.

“He’s a fine specimen, loves the gym and works hard on his body.

“It’s not like he’s huge but he is ripped.

“The way he approaches the game he’s got the professionalism for the next level.

“He’s a really good kid who’s meticulous in his preparation and really deserves that shot.”

Currumbin's Jakob Smith. Picture: Jerad Williams

The first try of Smith’s hat-trick was pure heart, chasing down an attacking kick relentlessly to capitalise on an error from Burleigh fullback Taine Tuapiki to score.

The others were carbon copies of each other, charging onto pristine service from halfback Luke Jurd to muscle over the line from short range.

Geyer praised Jurd, battling in A Grade for an ISC call-up to Tweed, for an elite performance in the upset win.

“He was the best player on the paddock,” Geyer said.

“He probably had four or five try assists including all three of Jakob’s tries.

“He didn’t do as many standout things as Jakob but whenever we were in trouble he got us out of it.”

In other matches, Tugun edged Mudgeeraba 28-24 while Southport defeated Helensvale 30-20.