‘This is my home club’: Boland marks 50 in Cup
Jarrett Boland doesn’t think he could ever don another jersey in the Hostplus Cup. It’s only the red and white for him.
New South Wales born and bred, Boland will this weekend celebrate his 50th Hostplus Cup game, all of which have been played with the Redcliffe Dolphins.
A milestone is always a special moment for any player, but for the 27-year-old, it also reflects his dedication to the one club over six years.
The towering forward joined the Dolphins in 2020 – the infamous season that was cancelled by Covid-19 – and has not only found his feet in this competition, but found his home away from home.
“When my partner and I first moved to Queensland, (the Dolphins) helped us get jobs and it’s where we met all our friends,” he said.
“Our roots in Queensland have stemmed from Redcliffe.
“Apart from my junior club, the Terrigal Sharks, this is my home club. I don’t see myself ever putting on another jersey in the Queensland Cup. They’ve been the best support.”
It’s been a rollercoaster 50 games for Boland.
Last year, he was an integral part of Redcliffe’s push towards the premiership decider – a highlight in his journey – but he has also had to overcome the cancelled 2020 season and a number of injuries to notch up this milestone.
He said the injuries over his career have been the most challenging hurdles, but it was also these tough times that showed him just how good it was to be a Dolphin.
“I’ve had my fair share of injuries and niggles along the way but that’s part and parcel of playing rugby league,” he said.
“It’s arrogant to think you can play a contact sport and not get niggles along the way.
“But, even when you are hurt, you’re surrounded here by top medical staff that make every day bearable… you know you’re supported.”
Boland, who said the milestone “snuck up” on him, will play his 50th match against the Burleigh Bears at UAA Park on Saturday, August 9.
With the hope of a quiet beer at the Redcliffe Leagues Club afterwards – or maybe a cheeky stop at the Burleigh Pavilion – Boland said he’s not actually giving too much thought towards the milestone, despite his pride.
He knows the team have a job to do as they look to stay right in the frame for a finals berth.
With injuries to Max Bailey and Jaron Purcell, and Joshua James also sidelined through illness, Boland said the Dolphins have their sights set on keeping things simple.
“We spoke about it at training and it’s about going back to what works,” he said.
“Play the traditional brand of football that Redcliffe has been known for for many years – just be tough, be simple and trust the bloke next to you.”
This weekend will also mark the annual Harvey Norman Women in League Round and Boland said that alongside his dad, two of his standout supporters over his career have been his mum and his fiancé, Courtney.
They’ve all made it possible for him to be where he is today.
“Obviously it was mum and dad in the early days – the coaching, the training and getting you to and from games,” he said.
“But over the last six years it’s been Courtney, my fiancé. She dropped everything and came to Queensland with me.
“At a footy club you find mates straight away but she had to work hard, find a job, and find friends through her own ways. It’s a massive credit to her.”