They say things happen in sets of three. The week started with my new contract announcement, was highlighted by the safe arrival of my son Hunter and reached a grand finale with the Force win over the Reds at Suncorp. Finally on Saturday night we were able to transfer everything learned from the first three games, into a solid 80 minute performance. Last week will be very hard to top and will go down in the highlight reel for many years to come.
Recovering from my hamstring complaint and being keenly aware that I could become a father any day the club have been amazingly supportive. The plan was to fly out Friday morning to be in Brisbane for the captain’s run, hopefully play the game and then return on the first flight back Sunday morning, with an induction booked for Monday morning.
However I have just had a big wake up call that I am no longer in control of my own time. My little man was in a hurry to enter the world and decided that the time to do so was late Thursday afternoon. Originally at St John of God Hospital to do some neonatal monitoring, at 5pm we were told we were about to become parents by emergency cesarean section. Three calls were made, one to each mum and then to Foles (Coach Michael Foley). With his permission my flight the next morning was cancelled so that I could remain with Jo and my son for the weekend. By 6:27pm I had my son in my arms, finally meeting my boy Hunter Patrick Hodgson. If I had not been there I would never had known what I had truly missed out on. To hold my wife’s hand as she was swept into surgery and moments later watch your son be delivered. The relief you feel knowing that both Jo and Hunter were safe and healthy. It was a truly unique experience and one I will never take for granted.
To miss a game is one of the most difficult things a professional rugby player can do. The call on my hamstring could go either way as we approached game day. Testing results were looking good but we had been cautious so I had not trained with the team all week. Foles had made it clear that it was ultimately my call and that he understood that the pending baby arrival would also be a contributing factor. It is a subjective prediction to come back from an injury like this – do you wait one more week to make sure you are right to play 80 minutes; or do you trust that it feels good so play like you always want to?
When the moment came to make the call in light of the circumstances it was a quick decision to make. Not that I was able to just kick back and enjoyed the game. Watching, when you want and could have been involved, is torture! And this game in particular had me a nervous wreck. The whole second half had me pacing up and down, counting down the minutes and playing each play with them. How do the Sea of Blue do it every week? I have a new found respect for the spectator and coaches!
In many ways it was a victory by defense. I know that the Reds would have waken up sore after that encounter. This was a particularly physical contest and both teams threw everything at each other in contact trying to secure an advantage. You always physically pull up worse when you lose.
For me it was a true team victory. It was reassuring to see the combination between our nine and ten working so well as it is something that we have wanted and needed for so long. Alby (Mathewson) to me out shown a world class number nine (Will Genia); although he was returning from injury, Alby’s game would have shone against any opposition in any competition. I am excited to see how the Force combinations continue to develop and strengthen as the season progresses. The signs are good after only playing 4 games together.
After playing on the road so far the Force faithful finally get to watch a long anticipated home game. With a refitted NIB Stadium hosting a re-launched Force it is time to start a new ethos at home. The only thing that has never needed a reboots is the Sea of Blue; they are well known to be the most loyal and vocal supporters in the Australian conference and are the envy of every other franchise. It is going to be a proud moment running out the team this weekend at home for the first time as Captain. I will work hard to be a Captain you will respect and I know we all want to be the team that you are proud to support.
So while we all enjoy the high of the win against the Reds the focus has already shifted to this weekend’s game against the Cheetahs. They have always been a difficult team to play and their last two wins against the Waratahs and Highlanders show that they know how to win on the road. We will be trying to bottle the commitment and intensity from the Reds win into this week’s preparation and game.
The Cheetahs are known for their unpredictable play in attack. We will need to maintain discipline and improve our play at the set piece to secure this win. It is rewarding to see a win in return for hard work and we take the positives and the confidence from last week into this week’s game. We have areas we will constantly look to improve and will continue to seek improvement in all areas of our game. The Force is a work in progress and a win is a much-needed step in the right direction in a long journey to our ultimate destination.
Let’s hope my new little luck charm can continue his form and winning record. It has been too long since we enjoyed a win at home and there is nothing this week that will stop me playing.
