WITH Queanbeyan Blues halfback Andrew McLean unsure whether he will be able to return from a bicep injury this weekend, young gun half Tom Leddy will be out to get a second straight start in the first grade squad on Saturday.
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Along with halfback Tevian Arona, Leddy made his first grade debut for the Blues in their eight point victory over the Gungahlin Bulls at Seiffert Oval last weekend, and would love nothing more than to get his next opportunity against the Belconnen United Scholars at Northbourne Oval this Saturday.
The two former Western Australia Pirates SG Ball respresentatives ran on to cover for McLean and former Canberra Raider Marc Herbert, with Herbert having sustained a hamstring injury.
He is expected to return against the Scholars.
Leddy said if he focused on his own playing how he plays best, he would give himself the chance to gain further selection.
"Filling Marc Herbert's shoes against the Bulls was a big task as he has so much more experience than me," he said.
Blues coach Simon Woolford said he was impressed with both Leddy and Arona's performances against the Bulls, and said it was "comforting" knowing he had young talent to choose from when first grade spots needed filling.
"Our depth is looking good, and these young guys we're going to need a run eventually anyway, so it's great that they've had some game time now," he said.
Woolford said he planned on inducting Leddy into the first grade squad this year after he performed well for the under 18s last season, while Arona trained with the Raiders under 20s squad this pre-season.
The Blues have struggled with injuries lately, being reduced to just 12 fit men in their 10-point loss to the West Belconnen Warriors a fortnight ago.
Among these, hooker Kierran Tranter broke his collar bone and could be out for the rest of the season.
Raiders under 20s contracted player Peter Nick will make his return from injury with then Blues this weekend in some good news.