By Luis Narvaez | 4th Jun 2015
Jarrod Watling has only been in north Queensland for a matter of months but he's happy to represent us.
The midfielder was selected to play for NQ in the representative round this weekend in Brisbane - even if he is a little unsure of what it all entails.
"From what I can gather the coach has told me I'd probably play off halfback, which is something new," Watling said.
"It's going to be good to meet some new players."
NQ plays South Queensland at the Moreton Bay Sports Complex on Sunday morning.
Watling relocated from Smithton in north-west Tasmania during the off-season and has enjoyed taking his foot off the serious-pedal in the north.
"I coached for the past two years at Smithton (Saints)," he said.
"It's nice to play in warm weather rather than wet, windy and cold.
"I've enjoyed having fun with footy without taking it as serious (as I was)."
The drive is still there for the 29-year-old who has battled injury throughout his career.
Two shoulder reconstructions and a series of soft tissue injuries were not enough for Watling to give it away. "Moving up here, maybe it's the warmer weather, but I haven't had anywhere near as much (injury) trouble," he said.
A painter by trade, Watling had family in the Mackay region and visited a few times previously and was happy to move to the cane capital.
"Weather was a part of it, it doesn't change down there," he said. "I spoke to Matty (Crowley, Hawks' coach) and there's some Tassie boys among the Hawks, so it all made sense."
Watling's Mackay City Hawks are second on the Allied Pickfords Cup ladder with Watling playing predominately as an on-baller.
Photo by Kaz Morrison
Last Modified on 10/06/2015 15:00