IT was a close-run situation, but one of the Tamworth Rugby Union Sporting Club's favourite sons will be taking the field this season.
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Back rower Darcy Barker nearly had to walk away from his home club due to a lack of employment opportunities.
However, the physiotherapist has found work at Tamworth Hospital.
"I was pretty lucky to nab a job up at the hospital, so I'll be sticking around," Barker told the Leader.
"It's good to still be around and play with the boys.
"We've got a really good group and they're a lot of fun to play with.
"I'm really happy to have found a new job and I'm keen to have a crack at it this year."
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In taking out last year's best and fairest award at the Magpies, Barker proved to be one of the breakout stars of 2019 and helped the Magpies reach the preliminary final.
However, the Magpies fell just short to Albies, who went on to go down in the grand final to Robb College.
"It was pretty disappointing to just miss out in the preliminary final last year," Barker said.
"But we've got Albies first up, which should hopefully give us a bit of a chance at redemption and we can hit the ground running.
"We've got a lot of fresh faces at training, which is good to see.
"There's also been solid numbers at every session, so I'd say the season is shaping up pretty well."
The son of Magpies premiership legend Paul Barker said he was proud to be carrying on the family tradition at the club alongside his brother Jack.
"It is always pretty good to run out alongside my brother," Barker said.
"We always have a bit of fun and bounce off each other quite well.
"I know he's just as keen for the season as I am."
Barker said he was hopeful of incorporating his professional life into his rugby this season.
"I'm really keen to help the boys out with their injury management and injury planning," he said.
"At the end of the day, I think the side that is able to best limit the amount of injuries it has for the season has the best chance of winning.
"So I'll be doing all I can to help keep our injuries down, help rehab anyone who needs it and keep as many blokes out on the paddock as possible, that's for sure."
As for this season's breakout star, Barker said one of the Magpies' most promising front rowers was set to turn heads this year.
"I really think Adam Wallace is poised to have a cracking year," he said.
"He won the best and fairest in the reggies last year, as well as the front rower of the year award.
"I think he will be one to watch out for."
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.
