THE appeal of "a fresh challenge" has attracted one of Tamworth's most talented basketball players to try his hand at a new sport.
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Long-time Tamworth Thunderbolts point-scorer Rhys Chillingworth will trade a Spalding for a Sherrin when he lines up for the Tamworth Swans in the upcoming AFL North West season.
"To be honest, I wanted to try something a bit different," Chillingworth told the Leader.
"I've been playing basketball for 14 years and I felt as though the time was right to change it up a bit.
"The challenge of trying something new is probably the most appealing for me and I can't wait to get into it."
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Gearing up for the Swans first trial match of the pre-season against Warner's Bay on Saturday, Chillingworth said he was "happy to play in any position"
"My coaches PK [Paul Kelly] and Jeff Talbot have indicated to me that they would like me to play in the ruck," he said.
"To be honest, I would be happy to play anywhere and I would certainly jump at the chance to play forward if I'm asked."
Chillingworth said the amount of close friends he had at the Swans was a major factor in his decision to swap codes.
"I've got a lot of good mates who have been playing at the Swans for a while," he said.
"There was points last year I wished I was out there playing with them.
The culture the club has been working on for the past four or five years is just great.
"Everyone has been super welcoming and it has been a lot fun."
Chillingworth was crucial to the Thunderbolts' successful 2019 season, which came to a close with a loss in the Waratah League grand final.
However, the Thunderbolts will not be led by long-time coach John Ireland this season, which Chillingworth said also played a part in his decision.
"It wasn't the sole reason, but it certainly was a factor," he said. "I'm sure whoever takes over the role will do a great job."
Chillingworth won't be the only former Thunderbolt to don the red and white this season, with former teammate Cody Beresford also making the swap to AFL.
The duo continue an impressive recruitment effort by the Swans led by the signing of ex-Holbrook captain Josh Jones.
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.
