Gold Coast’s Angus Blyth is ready to take his career to the next level.
The hulking 115kg lock wants to cement a place in the Queensland Reds forward pack.
Blyth, 21, played seven games in the Super Rugby competition last season and is focused on earning a starting spot ahead of the Reds’ season opener against Canberra on January 31.
“That starting position is really important to me,” Blyth said.
“There are a lot of good players in my position, while they are my mates, there is no secret I want that spot.
“I’ve been training extremely hard and working towards getting that spot. I really want to cement my place in the team and own that position.”
The Bond University Bachelor of Commerce student extended his deal with the Reds until 2023, proof they see a big future in the towering 204cm giant.
For Blyth it’s vindication of everything he’s done since playing as a kid on the Gold Coast and getting beaten every week.
“We used to get beat by 50 every game as a kid,” he joked.
“I just played because I loved it. Playing for TSS and then Bond, the mateship and entertaining people is what I love to do.
“Every level you go up in rugby, you have to learn everything again, it’s a whole other world. Little things like executing simple skills well, under pressure and under fatigue, it becomes even more important to get those things right.
“Scoreboard pressure is also massive the higher up you go, the core skills are always there, but it is the little things that make a big difference to give you an edge.
“I don’t take it for granted, playing for the Reds, playing at Suncorp Stadium in front of my family, it is really special. They have been supporting me the whole way.
“It’s awesome to have them come here and watch me play.”
Blyth’s younger brother, Wilson, earned a John Eales Excellence Scholarship at Bond University late last year.
The brothers are already scheming about playing together in rugby’s premier competition.
“I like to joke that I’ve paved the way for him a bit, but he’s put in the work and deserves it,” Blyth said.
“It is awesome for Wilson to get the scholarship, mum and dad are very proud and I’m very tight with my brother. It is awesome to see the sacrifices mum and dad made as we grew up is paying off. They have done so much for us. Wilson has a great opportunity.
“The pathways from Bond to the Reds is great, the University has been so supportive of me in everything I do.
“From club rugby to academy to NRC and the Reds, Bond has been really supportive and helpful to get me here.”