MITCH Aubusson thought this day may never have come but, after the Roosters stalwart notched up his 200th NRL game on Anzac Day, the hard- working utility was awarded his first representative jersey and the former Ballina Seagulls junior couldn’t be prouder to run on to Scully Park tomorrow for Country.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Aubusson is a rarity in the game these days, playing all 201 games for the one club and, while there is always talk of the hardworking back rower, centre, hooker and five-eighth grabbing a Country or Blues jersey, until this year he has always either just missed out or been overlooked.
“My first rep jersey is something that I always wanted,” Aubusson said.
“It means a hell of a lot to me and I can’t wait to go.”
Aubusson followed in his brother James’s footsteps to the NRL although, after playing in two grand finals for Melbourne and then the Sydney Roosters, the exciting hooker walked away from the game at the age of 24, leaving his brother to fly the Ballina Seagulls flag in the eastern suburbs.
While injuries plagued the end of James’s career, Mitchell has been a bit more fortunate, scoring 47 tries in his 201 matches since debuting in 2007.
“Playing a utility has been positive,” Aubusson said.
“It has kept me in the side for 200 games.”
His on-field success is a result of his hard-working attitude both on and off the park and is a trend that looks set to continue.
“I don’t have the luxury of picking my position so I just have to keep working hard on my skills,” he said.
“At the moment that is about doing a good job for Country and getting a win.”
While a lot has been said of the young and somewhat inexperienced City side after several high-profile names withdrew, Aubusson is under no illusions about what type of side they will face tomorrow in Tamworth.
“They are a young team and there has been a lot of things said about them.
“You don’t get much more motivation than that.
“They are going to come out fired up.”