Race against time for Qbn Kangaroos halfback

[Renee]

Race against time for Qbn Kangaroos halfback


Kangaroos halfback Clint Wright has been out of action for the Kangaroos for the past month with a shoulder injury. Photo: Andrew Johnston

QUEANBEYAN Kangaroos halfback Clint Wright is in a desperate race against time to be fit for Sunday’s Canberra Raiders Cup preliminary-final against the Belconnen United Scholars.

Wright has been out of action since badly dislocating his shoulder in the Kangaroos’ round 17 loss to Goulburn.

The injury was so severe it took doctors at Goulburn Hospital more than two hours to put the 22-year-old’s shoulder back into place. It also threatened to rule the talented playmaker out for the rest of the season.

But with the prospect of a grand final showdown against the Queanbeyan Blues looming large, Wright is determined to retake his spot in the side this weekend.

A Kangaroos victory against the Scholars would set up the first all-Queanbeyan decider in the Canberra first-grade competition since 1987.

Wright was due to take part in a final contact session last night but said everything appeared to be on track for a return to the field against the Scholars.

“It feels really good at the moment, I got through most of the ball work and contact at training [on Tuesday] and there weren’t any problems with it,” he said.

“I’ve just got to build the strength in the shoulder back up, at the moment it’s at about 85thperthcent so by Sunday it should be right hopefully.”

The injury has been particularly frustrating for Wright who spent the early part of the year shaking off a persistent groin problem that sidelined him for four months at the end of last season.

Should he be passed fit by the medical staff, Wright will likely be a walk-up start in the number seven jersey for the Kangaroos having played a key role in the side’s late-season revival.

The former Narooma Red Devils halfback had been forming a dangerous halves combination with captain Aaron Gorrell prior to his injury setback.

Wright’s return would also allow strike weapon Travis Robinson to slot back into his preferred centre position and would see the Kangaroos field close to their strongest possible line-up. ]

The Blues await the winner of Sunday’s match after they accounted for Belconnen in last weekend’s major semi-final.

Many of the current crop of Roos and Blues players weren’t even born the last time the two sides met with a premiership on the line when Queanbeyan United beat the Kangaroos 6-4 24 years ago.

And Wright said the opportunity to guide the Kangaroos into a once-in-a-generation local derby grand final was one he didn’t plan on missing.

“If we can get the win and make it Blues verses Roos in the final that’d be bloody awesome,” he said.

“Ever since they beat us the second time around earlier this year I’ve wanted to play them again and there wouldn’t be anything better than to get them in the grand final.”

Source: queanbeyanage.com.au