Mark Gerrard

After a grueling pre-season, CA Brumbies stalwart Mark Gerrard is ready and raring to go in 2008. Gerrard had his Rugby World Cup cut short by a knee injury but is back and fighting fit ahead of this year’s Investec Super 14 season. Brumby Jack caught up with ‘Gerrardo’ to see how he was shaping up for 2008.

BJ: There’s now just a week until the first trial match against the Waratahs in Gosford. How’s the side shaping up?
Mark Gerrard: It was decided to structure the pre-season a bit different this year, concentrating on athletic performance for the first half of the pre-season and focusing on the game side of things post-Christmas. It’s been a lot of knowledge to take in but everyone’s very committed and doing what they have to do to ensure they’re ready to go. Physically, everyone seems very fit and ready to go and I’m sure that everyone’s ready to play in a week’s time.

BJ: There’s been talk about the loss of Gregan, Larkham and Paul but how important has it been to keep a core of experienced players like Shepherdson, Henderson, Chisholm, Campbell, Hoiles, Smith, Huxley, Mortlock, Rathbone and yourself?
MG: It’s very important. Obviously it’s a new era and a changing of the guard without our foundation members and now it’s up to the players you mentioned to step up and take on that leadership role, which a lot of those guys who’ve played in excess of 30, 40 and 50 Super 14 games already have. But I’m very excited about the mix of youth and experience that we have this year and we’re all working towards a successful season.

BJ: Do you see yourself taking on more of a leadership role?
MG: I’d like to think so. I’ll be doing everything I have to to help out the team and if that involves stepping up in terms of leadership then I’m happy to do that. My main focus is to play well and I think that’s probably the most effective form of leadership, but I’m just looking forward to playing.

BJ: You’ve played predominantly on the wing over the past few seasons but there’s been some talk about you possibly moving back to fullback. Are you eyeing off that ‘15’ jumper?
MG: I’d like to have the opportunity to play 15 but I’m happy to play anywhere. But this year I won’t be satisfied to just play for the Brumbies, I really want to play well for the Brumbies. I feel very comfortable playing both wing and fullback. Prior to coming to Canberra I’d played most of my career at fullback and since coming to the Brumbies I’ve spent most of my time on the wing. But I’d love the opportunity to play at fullback.

BJ: You had a premature exit from the Rugby World Cup due to a knee injury. How’s your knee feeling leading into the 2008 Investec Super 14 season?
MG: Very good. I’ve been back into full training for two months and it’s come along really well. Obviously it was a bit sore to start but it’s fine now, I’m feeling fit and ready to play in ’08.

BJ: How are you feeling physically otherwise?
MG: Very good. When you compare it to this time last year I was about 50 kilos heavier than what I am now. I feel a lot better than I have for a while. I actually think the knee injury was a blessing in disguise as it made me realise not to take the opportunity of playing rugby at this level for granted and I’ll be training my behind off and looking forward to a good season this year.