MUSWELLBROOK flanker Jaryd Buckley will etch his name in the Heelers’ history books this weekend.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
When the local rugby side runs onto Highbrook Park to face Easts 2 on Saturday, the 25-year-old joins a unique club.
After more than 100 games as a junior, Buckley will celebrate his 150th senior appearance in Muswellbrook colours.
And, it’s an achievement he’s proud of.
“I don’t think too many [players] would have done it at the Heelers,” Buckley said.
“My old man [Greg] used to play rugby in Tasmania – and we moved here when I was a kid.
“I joined the club at the age of 10 and I’ve been playing with the Heelers ever since.”
The diesel engineer at MMS Engineering is confident Muswellbrook can return to the winner’s circle following the weekend loss to Easts 1.
“Unfortunately, that was our second defeat in 2016,” he said.
“It saw us drop to third on the ladder.
“But, we’ve been going alright this season, so I’m positive we can bounce back at home against Easts 2.
“We have a lot of new blokes in the club this year.
“Although it’s taken a little while to get used to each other, we’re now starting to find our way.”
Buckley is yet to taste premiership glory in the senior ranks, however he’s hoping all that will change in 2016.
“The only grand final I’ve won was with the under-11s,” he said.
“I’ve played in three senior deciders, without a victory.
“A couple of years ago, the Heelers played in both grades, which was a highlight season for me.
“But, I think we’re a realistic chance of winning the title in 2016.
“The teams to beat are Cooks Hill 1 and Easts 1, who have both knocked us over this year.
“I’m sure we can match them, especially if we get our full-strength side on the field.”