HE may be a Super Rugby regular with the ACT Brumbies nowadays, but Queanbeyan Whites winger Robbie Coleman believes there will be many more chances for his local club to win another John I Dent Cup.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Playing in just his second game for the Whites this year, Coleman, who played all of his junior and senior local rugby for the club, was picked at wing by coach Adam Fahey in the grand final, having no Brumbies commitments at the moment.
He sustained a minor leg injury at the end of the Brumbies season, and had a slight limp during the John I Dent Cup grand final, but was cleared by Brumbies doctors to play.
But despite being one of the most prolific try-scorers for the Brumbies this year and locking down his spot on the wing for the long term, he was confident the Whites would keep improving to allow him the chance to claim another local championship.
"It's not personal for me, I just love coming back and playing for these boys, and it shows that they go out there, without individual superstars, and work for each other, and go out there and give it there all," said Coleman.
"I'll always put my hand up and help them out because playing for that team is special. There were two tries against the run of play today [grand final] that hurt us a bit, but I couldn't be more proud of them."
Coleman was part of the club's last John I Dent Cup winning side in 2010, and also played in the 2009 grand final when his men lost to the Vikings.
He said he spent the week of training leading up to this year's grand final helping out the younger players.
"I gave them some pointers, but they still know their systems...the average age is only about 20, so there's positive signs to come," he said.
Coleman will now turn his focus to the Canberra Vikings domestic competition side, who kick their campaign off on August 23.