IT was five minutes at the end of last week’s game and 25 at the end of Saturday’s that introduced 17 year old Port Macquarie footballer Angus Thurgate to the professional arena.
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The former Port Saints player was given his opportunity by Newcastle Jets coach Ernie Merrick thanks to a spate of injuries in the team.
Thurgate first sat on the bench in the Jets’ 2-all draw with top-of-the-table Sydney FC on January 3 but didn’t take to the field.
On January 12 he entered the fray against Brisbane Roar for his debut and played a solid five minutes of injury time, almost scoring after a slick pass by Patito Rodriguez.
And on Saturday, Merrick gave the youngster 25 minutes against Wellington Phoenix at McDonald’s Jones Stadium – and he had pundits talking.
“He did really well. He got us a penalty, he grafts and he’s a hard worker,” Merrick said.
The penalty Merrick alluded to brought the Jets back into the game with 10 minutes to go, making it 3-2.
Not long after, Thurgate made an attacking move in the box and arguably should have been awarded a second penalty.
“He wasn’t overwhelmed by the occasion,” Merrick said. “Unfortunately (for him) we have more players coming back now and I have to freshen up the team.”
Despite it looking likely he won’t see further first grade action this season, it’s clear the local product has a bright career ahead of him if all goes to plan.
“It was a bit of a surprise to get the opportunities but obviously I was very happy,” he said.
“I was very nervous for my first A-League match day (against Sydney). It was a good experience and it made sitting on the bench, and coming on, a lot easier against Roar.”
So is he starstruck being surrounded by some of the competitions best players? Not anymore, considering he is likely to be one himself in the coming seasons.
“It makes it a lot easier to come on with high quality players around you. You know your job is to support them. It’s special to play alongside those guys,” he said.
“I’m just happy I was able to do a job when I was called on and I’m extremely happy to bide my time until I’m needed again”
Thurgate is still on a youth contract until September and hasn’t discussed his future plans, but made it clear he wants to stay at the Jets.
Matt Attard
I was raised in Port Macquarie and consider myself a true Port local. I'm a die-hard rugby league fan and don't mind taking a photo or two. I'd love to hear from you, so please contact me at any time.
I was raised in Port Macquarie and consider myself a true Port local. I'm a die-hard rugby league fan and don't mind taking a photo or two. I'd love to hear from you, so please contact me at any time.
