The season might have been cut short, but Jock Brazel has taken plenty away from his experience with the Parramatta Eels in the SG Ball competition.
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The competition was six rounds in before being cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic, with Brazel featuring in four games for the Eels, helping the side to two wins in his appearances.
His first game came in round three, coming off the bench in a 26-22 loss to the Sydney Roosters, but showed enough to work his way into the starting team.
He played the full 70 minutes in the second row through the next three games; a 42-12 win over the Victoria Thunderbolts, a 42-22 loss to the Warriors in New Zealand and a 58-6 thrashing over the Western Suburbs Magpies, where he scored one try.
Brazel was "disappointed" to see the season cancelled, but said he learnt a lot from his short time with the Eels.
"I got to play some good footy down there. From what I got down there I was loving it," he said.
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"It was obviously different. I hadn't played footy for a couple months, but I played alright down there.
"I've learned a lot more about footy just by being down there. The whole experience is completely different, but I just loved it to be honest.
"I believe my footy has gone to a different level."
Brazel said it was a big step up for him, but he enjoyed the "more professional" training and overall experience.
"The footy I played down there was a completely different level than I've ever played before," he said.
"It's a lot more professional, the boys were a lot bigger down there.
"I love it. I can't get enough of it, I'm very grateful."
With the season cancelled, Brazel has returned home to Moree, completing his schooling online.
He will continue training at home, and return to Sydney when it's safe to continue training with the club.
"We'll keep up the hard training this year....and hopefully if it all goes to plan, I'll play SG Ball again next year," Brazel said.
While he won't be able to play for the Eels again in 2020, there's still some hope he might be able to play for his school or a local competition if they are able to return.
"Until then, we just keep training and look to next year."
