Chucker - Not Chucky - TWF Interviews James Stannard
A balmy 27 degrees, clear blue skies, waves crashing down and a cool westerly sea breeze greeted me as I arrived at the beach volley courts of Floreat just beside the café to watch some of the Western Force backs do battle at the net.
Perth Spirit Coach (and EWF Attack Coach) John Mulvihill was keeping a watchful eye over his boys from the ref’s position at the post, which included Scott Daruda, Haig Sare, James “Chucky” Stannard and the two Matt’s, Giteau and Henjak and other assistant coaches as they took to the sand.
Not another scrap of local media to be seen this time round, and obviously it was not open to the public, because if it was, the place would have been packed with withering women watching the boys dance, prance, jump and thump in nothing more than a bright set of boardies!
Chucky and the two Matt’s seem to have a pretty good combination and have on more than one occasion the Matt’s have claimed that “school is in” to the opposition! As to be expected some pretty awesome displays of athleticism was shown from all, of particular mention would be Gits work at the net and the monster serve of Haig. All the boys seem to be in pretty good shape but I’ll leave that up to the ladies to decide from the photos for themselves!
After three exciting if not humorous and entertaining sets, with some very unique refereeing decisions, Chucky and the Matt’s took out the title and the boys took off running down the sand towards the surf where there were only two other young lady swimmers that thought Christmas had come early!
Whilst the rest hit the waves I had a chance to ask James “Chucky” Stannard a few questions.
TIF - Where did you hear about The Whole Force?
JS – Through me old man.
TIF – So he is member on TWF is he?
JS – Yes he is
Ed: And thanks to the old man for these happy snaps of Chucky in his youth
http://gotheforce.com/uploaded/1/1195130903.jpg http://gotheforce.com/uploaded/1/1195130927.jpg http://gotheforce.com/uploaded/1/1195130948.jpg
TIF - Where did the nick name "Chucky" come from?
JS – As a kid I lived in Wagga Wagga and there was team there that Dad supported and they called “chucker” half a game, so out of me and my sister I am half the family, so Chucker, originally Chucker.
TIF - At what stage did you decide to try to become a pro player, was it at school back in Queensland or after getting to WA?
JS – I’ve always wanted to be a professional player, I talked about it more when I moved over here.
TIF - Was the move to WA based on pitching for a spot in the Force Squad?
JS – Yes it was.
TIF - You have played Flyhalf, but it seems for the Force you will be a Scrumhalf? Which position do you prefer?
JS – I have played at 9 & 10 basically most of my life, mainly 10, but I’ll play anywhere they put me, like 9.
TIF - During the ARC you also substituted on the wing, do have any concerns about being labeled a "Utility" player?
JS – (with a slight “chuckle”) No not really, no concerns, I’ll play anywhere they put me.
TIF - Do you feel the local Comp standard is improving each season?
JS – Yeah I think it is, from the first year I was here to this year I think it has improved heaps.
TIF – It’s a bit cooler today, but what is it like training in 40 degree heat?
JS – It wasn’t to bad for the backs I guess, but it was just a bit of a shock for the forwards, it wasn’t too bad.
TIF – Speaking of forwards, are the Force backs scared of the forwards? If yes, which ones in particular?
JS – (again with a slight “chuckle”) I don’t think any of us are scared; we’re too fast for them.
TIF – Not even AJ?
JS – Nah we’re not scared of AJ, but, I think Cummo might be, yeah Cummo might be a bit scared
TIF - Do you feel the ARC will adequately prepare you for Super 14 action?
JS – I think it’s a stepping stone for it, and I guess the training that I’m doing now, yeah it a good grounding.
TIF - What position do you think the Force will finish in 2008?
JS – We’ve talked about that, I think we’re going to finish pretty high up, well we’re going to try anyway.
TIF – Get in the finals?
JS – To get in the finals is always what we to do.
TIF – One last question that is pretty important to out TWF members, would you like to see cheerleaders at Force?
TS – Yep, bloody oath.
Well thanks James for your time and enjoy the swim.
http://gotheforce.com/uploaded/1/1195131319.jpg
More of The InnForcer's photos from the day (and some videos clips from other parties) can be found here
