Kyle Avery on the burst for Farrer against St Gregory’s earlier this year. Tomorrow he lines up in the centres in the Uni Shield final. Photo: Grant Robertson 120312GRA40
LOSING Brad Cappello for tomorrow’s University Shield final is a big blow for Farrer but it doesn’t mean the green and golds will go into the game without a form centre.
Over on the left-hand side there is another centre whose form of late has been impeccable and he’s fully fit and ready to go.
Tamworth local Kyle Avery was moved from the bench to the back row and then to the centres during the season but has made the position his own in recent games.
“I’ve been everywhere,” Avery said.
“But that’s all right, I’ll play wherever they need me to.
“It means I get to experience everywhere.”
The 17-year-old was rated Farrer’s best by his coach in the quarter-final win over Eagle Vale a few weeks ago.
Then last week he scored two tries in the semi-final victory against Yanco Agricultural and was also one of the best on the field.
Having also played well for North Tamworth in a few games towards the end of the Group 4 season, his form is impressive, not that he will admit it.
“It’s not too disappointing,” he said.
“I’ve run into a bit of decent form recently.
“It helps when you have guys inside like Tremayne Sanbrook and John Brady.”
Those two were also outstanding last week and contributed to the success that Avery and his wing partner Will Gooch had on the left edge.
Cappello was also exceptional on the right until he re-injured his hamstring.
That will keep him out of the final.
His replacement is Dungowan local Zander Smith who played at lock in the semi -final.
He shifts to the edge and Manilla boy Dylan Manicaros comes from the bench to play in the 13 jumper.
The only other major injury worry from the semi-final was halfback Jacob Booby.
He came off with a shoulder injury and has also battled a bout of illness this week.
But the Narrabri half will take his place in the side tomorrow.
For the likes of Avery, Gooch, captains Logan Harris and Ben Allen and the Brady twins, the final against Tumut High School at Shark Park in Sydney is their Farrer swansong.
The Year 12 boys want to go out a winner.
Avery has won a few Group 4 and school-based competitions with Farrer teams since starting in Year Seven but hasn’t been involved in a big final win at senior level.
He missed the ARL Schoolboys Trophy win last year and was only a spectator when Farrer last won the Uni Shield two years ago.
“I was hurt last year,” he said.
“When I was younger I went down to watch Kyle Eather and those guys play in a final at Shark Park.
“We’ll have plenty of support too.”
Two busloads of Farrer students and plenty of parents are making the trip south.
The Farrer side will arrive in Sydney today and train at its Blacktown base before tomorrow’s final at 2.45pm.
