Former Reds hooker Andrew Ready hopes fatherhood can help him grow
“I think a little difference was that we all had input as players and that really helped. Everyone in the organisation was valued which was refreshing, I suppose.”
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Western Force hooker Andrew Ready hopes becoming a father can help him find the maturity he has searched for since he was cast out of the Queensland Reds four years ago.
At his peak in 2016 Ready was called into the Wallabies squad but five months later he was dropped by Queensland after fronting up to a Sunday morning recovery session drunk.
A professional rugby lifeline tossed by his former club coach Tim Sampson, now with the Western Force, has facilitated Ready’s return to face the Reds in a Friday night clash on the Gold Coast.
Ready will make his first start for the winless Force in Super Rugby AU on Friday but said the team’s strong culture was bringing out the best in him.
He has grown up since his tumultuous Reds exit, he says, and the upcoming birth of his first child in February has added motivation to become a better man.
“Fatherhood will definitely change my perspective,” Ready said.
“I probably have a lot of growing up to do in the next six months preparing and getting ready for it, but no doubt it’ll change things for the better.
“I hope it’s the next step for me because I’m over the moon excited.”
The 27-year-old has no regrets from his time with Queensland but his disappointment with the club is clear.
“At the end of the day my contract ended and it wasn’t being renewed,” Ready said.
“I saw those three years (with the Reds) out and went over to New Zealand for a stint with the Southland Stags, where I found my enjoyment and love for rugby again.
“I think a little difference was that we all had input as players and that really helped.
“Everyone in the organisation was valued which was refreshing, I suppose.”
Ready’s praise for the Force is effusive by comparison.
“We’re all treated equally, whether you’re general manager or one of the academy boys,” Ready said.
“A lot of the guys are from the east coast so we’re all away from family and friends so we’re a really tightknit group.
“I think (former Red and Force recruit Nick Frisby) and I were probably too comfortable being home in Queensland where you have family and friends and less responsibility.
“Being away from there has helped us both grow as football players, grow as human beings and be better people.
“Hopefully I’ve got a few good years left in me, being only 27.
“I’m looking forward to what the future holds and hopefully we can put in a good performance this weekend.”
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