FOR Pirates new number 10 Jye Paterson, the 2019 Central North season has been a baptism by fire.
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A Pirates junior throughout his young career, the 19-year-old has stepped into the number 10 and helped his side get its season back on track.
"I've always liked playing at 10," Paterson told the Leader.
"I feel like we did just roll into this season a little bit and we did have a bit of a hit and miss start to the season losing to sides like Walcha and Gunnedah.
"But I think those losses were the kick up the backside we needed."
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Since losing three-consecutive games to Moree, Walcha and Gunnedah, Pirates have turned their fortunes around with victories over Scone and Narrabri.
"I think the win over Narrabri could be a real turning point for us this season," Paterson said.
"There has been a pretty good feeling around the group that we can turn things around and we are starting to do it."
Captaining Bective-East's first grade cricket side in the summer months, Paterson said he had ambitions to be a leader at Pirates in the future.
"In the future, being a leader is something I would really like to do," he said.
"I think playing at number 10 allows you to be a bit of a leader anyway, but it is certainly something I'd love to do.
"Having guys like Conrad Starr and Bart Leach around to help guide you is really helpful.
"I'll certainly be taking as much knowledge from those guys as I can."
As for this weekend's opponent the Inverell Highlanders, Paterson said he was expecting "a tough game".
"It's a really close competition this season and it is their ladies day on Saturday," he said.
"I think everyone tends to lift for those kinds of days, so it should be a big test for us.
"We will be taking nothing for granted, we will work hard and are looking to walk away with a win."
Working and living on his family property, Paterson said he enjoyed the relaxation rugby brings him.
"I love what I do, but it is nice to get off the farm for training and games," he said.
"There's a great atmosphere at our club and really there is no better place to spend your weekends."
Billy Jupp
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
