Triple premiership Tiger Nathan Broad has laughed off claims it’ll be “bruise free football” when WA takes on Victoria in the AFL Origin game on Saturday.
Amid plenty of banter between the two sides heading into the return of the state pride clash, Broad is adamant no player will take a backward step.
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“There’s risks every day at training, there’s risks in intraclub games – there’s risk at the end of the day, it’s a game of football,” Broad told reporters,
“We’re representing our state. No one is going to take our foot off.
“Twenty-eight years or something since the last Origin – there’s lots of commentary, ‘players are going to take it easy, bruise free football’ – but that’s not how we’re going about it.
“It’s got to be all in, and we’re all in.
“We’ll see first bounce on Saturday.”
It was a sentiment echoed by WA teammate Brad Hill, who said he was pumped to represent his state.
“I think that’s an awesome concept,” the Saints star said.
“We’ve missed it for so long.
“We’re very excited to put it back on the big stage.
“I think there’s a little bit of tension, a bit more on the line … A bit more edginess around.
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“Their team on paper is pretty packed.”
Broad, who joins a WA defence end led by the likes of Giant Sam Taylor, Hawk Tom Barrass and Bulldog Rory Lobb, said he was “extremely honoured” to be selected for Saturday’s clash.
“I’m a country boy – never got to represent WA in the 18s. I was in the squad but never actually got to pull on the guernsey,” he said.
“To do it now, it’s something I’m extremely proud of.
“I’m not getting any younger – it’s something I’ll cherish to have on my resume.
“It’s a proud moment to represent my family and obviously the state.”
When asked who would get the tough task of taking on Victorian Sam Darcy, Broad could only laugh as he said “not me, that’s for sure”.
“Glad I’ve got Sammy Taylor, Barrass – it’ll be one of them I’d have thought,” he shared.
“Rory Lobb is back there as well.
“I’ll stay clear.”
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