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A strong candidate for unluckiest player in Super Rugby last year, Emirates Western Force backrower Jono Jenkins has finally clocked some meaningful match time in the ocean blue jersey.
Jenkins was drafted last season as an injury replacement but quickly found himself sidelined after breaking his leg just 30 seconds in to his debut game against the Reds. The New South Welshman managed to battle his way back from the injury in time to help Sydney University win the Shute Shield competition and was brought back to Perth on a rookie contract for 2011.
Speaking after successfully navigating both the Emirates Western Force ‘A’ and part of the first team trial matches against the Brumby Runners and Australian Barbarians on Saturday a relieved Jenkins was all smiles.
“One of my main goals was to just stay on the field,” he said.
“It was nice to play, the conditions were really hot but I managed to get through the 60min of the ‘A’ game and then get some time at the end of the other match as well so that was pleasing from a personal perspective.”
After playing alongside the likes of Mitch Inman, Ben McCalman, Nathan Charles and Alfie Mafi in the NSW club competition he said he had found it easy to integrate into the West Australian side and was enjoying the challenges of establishing himself at the top level.
“I’ve had the opportunity to play with or against most of the guys before at club level so the way they go about things isn’t completely foreign,” Jenkins said.
“You can see we’re getting more and more used to the way each other plays and it will be another good chance to continue that when we play the Tahs.”
The Emirates Western Force is blessed with one of the strongest backrows in Super Rugby and Jenkins now has the unenviable task of trying to break into a side that includes Wallabies David Pocock, Matt Hodgson, Richard Brown and McCalman.
“You can only work hard and be ready to take the opportunities when they’re presented,” he said.
“The great thing is that you’re learning from the best here and that is a great environment to be in. I’m learning so much every day.
“While everyone is fighting for positions it is still a positive team environment and the more experienced guys are always willing to share their knowledge. That will be a benefit for individuals and the team in the long run.”
The Emirates Western Force have one remaining trial game against the Waratahs and Junior Waratahs on Thursday before heading to Brisbane to tackle the Red in the season opener on February 20. While Suncorp Stadium is a venue that doesn’t hold the fondest of memories for Jenkins, he is hoping to be part of the match day 22 and will be doing everything he can against the Tahs to book a place on the plane to Queensland in a week and a half.
“This game will be another good chance for us to get more game time and work as a unit,” said Jenkins of the final trial.
“We’ll be expecting them to provide a tough match and both sides will want to get a good result as it’s the last time we play before the season starts, however neither team will want to show their hand too much.
“Our fitness will hold us in good stead this season and I think it will be a positive for us in this upcoming match and throughout the season.”.
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