BATTLING through a challenging rugby league season, Rosewood Roosters captain Jasper Strong has a valuable ally keeping him focused.
Jasper, 19, and brother Joel, 24, are part of the club’s new-look Reserve Grade side playing in this year’s Rugby League Ipswich competition.
The Roosters lost their latest match 48-4 to defending premiers Fassifern at Harrisville.
However, Jasper is determined to keep kicking ahead with his older sibling and other loyal Rosewood footballers.
“It’s a bit tough at times but we’re just trying to get our feet and play some good footy,” he said.
“We’ve just got to get training and have each other’s backs.”
The regular hooker, who played halfback in the latest game, has stepped up as captain when needed.
“We’re a family club and we all respect each other and help each other,” Jasper said.
“It’s great to play with your ‘family’ and then you’ve got your own family out on the field.”
Jasper praised head coach Paul Hassett for overseeing the return of Rosewood’s Reserve Grade side this season.
“Paul’s awesome. He’s a great coach,” Jasper said.
The Roosters are looking for a second win after beating West End 22-10 last month.
“Being a fresh team, we’re just trying to gel together and play some good footy together,” Jasper said.
“Hopefully we have everyone next year then we can try and get a better season next year.”
Rosewood’s next Reserve Grade match is against home side Redbank Plains on Saturday.
Roosters C-Grade coach Josh Hassett was sore after strapping on the boots to help his team in their latest 28-16 loss to Karalee at Harrisville.
“The knees are killing me,” Hassett said after playing an interchange role at Hayes Oval.
“That was my third game for the year and probably my last.
“I’m getting too old for it.”
However, Hassett was pleased to see his team battling on in a rebuilding season.
“Definitely, it’s a massive improvement from the boys,” he said.
“I think that’s been one of our best games all year and the boys agree with me.”
The first-year Rosewood coach said his players were starting to work hard for each other, even with knee and shoulder injuries having an impact.
“We’re doing all right – we’re just hanging in there,” he said.
Rosewood’s latest try scorers were hooker Tobias Roope and centres Jayden Ward and Sam Straney.
The team was captained by young prop Lachlan Staples.
“If we keep sticking it out and keep working hard at training, we’ll get there,” Hassett said.
The Roosters C-Graders are also tackling the Bears at the Redbank Plains Recreational Reserve on Saturday.
