PSWICH Jets fans at Redbank Plains on Saturday are in for a huge treat.
Australian Kangaroos prop Ben Hannant will line up for the Jets in their trial against Burleigh Bears at the Redbank Plains Recreational Reserve.
Hannant, Daniel Vidot and Marmin Barba are not required by the Broncos for the Auckland Nines tournament this weekend and have been released to play for their feeder club Ipswich.
“It’ll be great,” Jets co-coach Ben Walker said of having Hannant available.
“He’s obviously talented and been around for a while and played Origin and for Australia.”
Walker said it was a prime opportunity for Jets players to get a first-hand view of how one of the best props in the game prepares.
“The best thing is his experience,” Walker said.
“His size and strength. The guys can observe from close quarters what an NRL front rower does.”
Having only found out about their availability yesterday, Walker said it was too soon to tell how Barba and Vidot, both backs, would be used. But getting to see them play first hand would be invaluable for if the Jets get their services during the season.
“Vidot is a winger or centre but is big enough to play front row,” Walker said.
“We’ll look to expand on what we’ve done this week. We’ll probably have the Broncos at some stage through the year so it will be a good chance to see what works, whether we need to change things to accommodate them and if they fit in with the way we play.”
Of all the players on show this Saturday, it is Toowoomba product Hayden Lipp who Walker is most keen to see perform.
“He played three-quarters of the game against Easts and a full game against Norths,” Walker said.
“He’s as talented a kid as we’ve had. There are a few things we’ve asked him to work on so hopefully he can put it together.”
Walker said it would also be a great thing for fans to get the chance to see the Jets in action at Redbank Plains, following their successful trials at Laidley.
“It’s a good initiative from Wayne (Jets CEO Wayne Wendt) and the board,” Walker said.
“Laidley was really good.
“The players appreciated it and I’m sure the crowd did too.
“It should be good for everyone.”
Thank you to the QT for the article-