The Steamers 2014 campaign to retain the SIRU flag has received a mighty boost with the return of their inspirational captain fo the last couple of years, Nathan Bright.
Bright learned his rugby in New Zealand but he has been a fixture at the Border Club for over a decade and has matured, not only into a skilled player but more importantly into a leader who has in recent times been an inspirational figure in the Steamers resurgence.
In the opening game in 2007 he suffered a serious shoulder injury that would have ended the career of lesser men. The following year he returned and gradually built a reputation as one of the best 8's in the SIRU competition. In addition his leadership has gained the respect of his teammates, opponents and games officials.
The disappointment of the 1 point loss in the 2012 Grand Final was largely extinguished when the Steamers convincingly took out the corresponding game in 2013.
He believes that despite being well into his 3rd decade he still has plenty to give and there is no doubt that the Steamers will get a huge boost on Saturday when he leads the team onto Connolly Park to defend their premiership.
So what does he think of the 2014 Steamers? I pointed out that they have lost a lot of talent and experience. In addition they have a new Coach untested at this level. Will they be a force this year?
Bright has no doubt that the Steamers can string together back to back flags. He says that the commitment and enthusiasm shown in their build up to next Saturday's Grand final replay has been exceptional. He believes that what they have lost in talent and experience they will make up in commitment and guts. After all rugby is a team game and 15 players giving it everything they have are difficult to overcome.
Well there is a long season ahead and Bright has proven he can go the distance. Whatever the outcome on Saturday Steamers fans can be assured that Brighty will be giving 100% and honouring the blue and gold jumper each and every minute he is on the field. No-one could ask for more.
In the opening game in 2007 he suffered a serious shoulder injury that would have ended the career of lesser men. The following year he returned and gradually built a reputation as one of the best 8's in the SIRU competition. In addition his leadership has gained the respect of his teammates, opponents and games officials.
The disappointment of the 1 point loss in the 2012 Grand Final was largely extinguished when the Steamers convincingly took out the corresponding game in 2013.
He believes that despite being well into his 3rd decade he still has plenty to give and there is no doubt that the Steamers will get a huge boost on Saturday when he leads the team onto Connolly Park to defend their premiership.
So what does he think of the 2014 Steamers? I pointed out that they have lost a lot of talent and experience. In addition they have a new Coach untested at this level. Will they be a force this year?
Bright has no doubt that the Steamers can string together back to back flags. He says that the commitment and enthusiasm shown in their build up to next Saturday's Grand final replay has been exceptional. He believes that what they have lost in talent and experience they will make up in commitment and guts. After all rugby is a team game and 15 players giving it everything they have are difficult to overcome.
Well there is a long season ahead and Bright has proven he can go the distance. Whatever the outcome on Saturday Steamers fans can be assured that Brighty will be giving 100% and honouring the blue and gold jumper each and every minute he is on the field. No-one could ask for more.