Springfield rugby on a roll

SPRINGFIELD Lakes staged a coup for their new rugby team when they signed coach Heta Pamatatau.

Now they have his captain from the 2008 Goodna Barber Cup champion side, Phil McCormack on board as well.

McCormack decided to join the club to play alongside his three sons, Dylan (21), Tyrone (18) and Fabian (21).

They signed up with the Hawks to play alongside their mates, George and David Pamatatau – the sons of Heta.

“I still feel alright,” the soon-to-be 45-year-old McCormack said. “It just takes a bit longer to deal with after games.”

With all that youth in the team McCormack’s experience could prove invaluable.

“It’s like a whole new beginning,” the lanky second rower said. “It feels really good.

“Trainings have been good and everyone’s keen.”

How that translates to competitive rugby will be on display tomorrow when the Hawks play their first ever game, a trial against Everton Park at Everton Park.

“Just going by training and the enthusiasm I think there is a lot of flair in the team,” McCormack said. “But that will only come out when we go back to basics.”

McCormack said signing Heta for three years will ensure the club has a strong foundation for the future and it can only be good for rugby in Ipswich.

“I think it will be good for the whole competition,” he said.

“Sooner or later Springfield Lakes were going to have a team.”