Sport
15 March, 2023
Newcomer Paix fills Wattles halves gap
Wattles halves firepower has been dented considerably since the team hoisted the Hutchies Cup first grade premiership trophy at Clive Berghofer Stadium last September.
Renowned playmakers Travis Burns and Matt Duggan have moved on, Burns retiring and taking up the Warriors’ top grade coaching role while Duggan has joined the ranks of the Western Clydesdales Hostplus Cup outfit.
Former Souths Logan Magpies Colts half-back Brayden Paix has landed at Platz Oval in recent weeks and A grade mentor Burns is impressed by what he sees.
The 20-years-old Paix, who hails from Toowoomba currently, has climbed the Darling Downs and Toowoomba and South West Queensland representative ladder, having donned Clydesdales, South West Mustangs and Central Crows colours as a junior.
He is a former 2019 Queensland Under 16 representative who has also turned out for Brisbane side Norths Devils before last season with the Magpies.
The former Toowoomba Southern Suburbs junior, who is in the final year of a carpentry apprenticeship, is the younger brother of Brisbane Broncos hooker Cory Paix.
Wattles’ winning spirit impresses Paix and was a contributing factor in him heading to green and gold territory.
“I’d like to be part of keeping that winning momentum going while enjoying my footy among great company and I am keen to learn off Travis Burns,” Paix said.
Coach Burns is impressed with Paix’s work ethic at training,
“Brayden will play five-eighth, he’s a very smart player, great talker and steers the group well, I’m looking forward to seeing him on the field in the near future,” he said.
While Wattles may be without the likes of blue-ribbon players Burns and Matt Duggan for the coming season, other losses are dual premiership winners in front-rower Mitch Koina and full-back Jackson Green, both retirees.
Burns is looking forward to a number of players in Wattles’ developing ranks putting their brand on the club’s performance in 2023.
“It’s time for a lot of our young players to step up, take advantage of their opportunity,” he said.
“The return of Allora based outside back Jacob Meddleton from the Western Clydesdales is a bonus for Wattles..
“Local former Clydesdales representative Mitch Duff will be an imposing regular addition to the first-grade pack, with reserve grade talents Tommy Morris and Lachie Henry polished and ready for higher level competition.
“We have some encouraging talent in reserve grade, and Under 19, quite a few with first grade experience and ready to take a more permanent step into Wattles future,” Burns said.
- Glyn Rees
