Reigning McDonald Medal winner returns for Valleys

The mullet might be gone, but the intensity is still as strong as ever for one of the leaders of the Valleys forward pack.

Drew Jackson with children Nellie and Hank Jackson after the 2019 grand final. Photo: Nev Madsen

RUGBY LEAGUE: The mullet might be gone, but the intensity that saw Drew Jackson evolved into one of the TRL’s premier props is as strong as ever.

The reigning John McDonald Medal winner will return to Valleys for the 2021 TRL Premiership season, and his sights are firmly set on one goal - a three-peat.

Like many others, Jackson had a year away from the game in 2020 with the abandonment of the season, and is chomping at the bit for that first hit-up.

“I actually enjoyed the time off,” Jackson said.

“I’m turning 30 this year, and the year off was like a racehorse going out for a bit of a spell.

“I didn’t let myself go because I don’t want to disappoint myself.

“I haven’t been doing anything outrageous, but enough to keep me fit. We’ve got a few trial games which will set the tone for the season, and hopefully a three-peat.”

Jackson’s dedication to the Valleys club can’t be discounted, making the four-hour round trip from Nanango to Middle Ridge every week.

“I don’t drive two hours for a waste of time. It’s to play good rugby league in a great competition,” he said.

“I drive from Nanango for one training session a week and wherever we play on a Saturday or Sunday.

“A bloke by the name of Alan Fitzgerald asked if I wanted to play.

“I was a bit overweight so I set a goal to get to a certain weight, and that panned out well in 2018.

“I was able to lock down a bench spot all year and we won the grand final.”

That evolved into becoming a regular starter in 2019, where Jackson played big minutes in the middle of the field to help the Roosters make it back-to-back titles, taking out the honour of best on ground in the grand final.

“The John McDonald Medal is one of those things I’m very proud of and is something nobody can take away from me,” he said.

“I want to try and set that standard. I’m not too worried about rep footy, I’m focused on my club. I wouldn’t play for anyone else.

“It’s pretty hard to leave when you’re in a good culture, and loyalty is a big thing for me.”

As for the striking mullet that was in full flight when last seen, Jackson said that has been put on ice for the new season.

“I’ve decided to change it up,” he said.

“I’m growing a beard at the moment. So I’ve gone from long hair to short hair with a big, red chinstrap.”