SEAN Barrett never would have thought he would find himself playing in the front row when he played his first game in the top grade.
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But that’s exactly where he’ll find himself on Saturday when the Port City Breakers take on Wauchope at Regional Stadium.
It’s a completely different scenario facing the 21-year-old after he ran out on the wing in his debut with the club five years ago.
“I remember it was a completely different level,” Barrett said.
“I wasn’t expecting how hard, physical and quick it was and it was completely different, but I’m used to it now.”
Barrett’s 100th game for the club will coincide with his return from injury after three weeks out. He said it’s the first time he’s suffered a serious injury.
“I’ve never been out for injury until just now,” he said.
“I did my rotator cuff and tore a muscle in my shoulder so it will be my first game back from it.”
Injuries have punctuated the Breakers’ season so far with coach Digby Murray calling on 30 players in first grade so far in 2016.
Barrett believes the trickling of players back into their playing ranks in coming weeks will ensure they are poised to strike at the back end of the season.
“It’s a bit hard to win games with 30 players because you never have the same squad, but things are looking up,” he said.
Although the Blues currently sit in second-last position on the Group 3 ladder, Barrett expected a tough contest.
The Port Macquarie side ran in two late tries when they defeated Wauchope 28-16 on April 16.
“They never seem to leave the game, they’re always in it no matter what the score is,” he said.
And now Barrett has set his sights on another 100 games.
“I’ll never play for another club,” he said.
“I like the boys I play with, I wouldn’t change anything and I’d love to get to 200 … I reckon I’ll get there.”
