Coming off the bench for Queensland during the Super U20s Championship, Toowoomba product Liam Jurd has now forced his way into the starting line-up of the Australia U20s side.
Likened by some to Adam Ashley-Cooper, the next generation's ‘Mr Fix It’, Jurd has the capability to cover a number of positions in the backline but has staked his claim at outside centre.
After coming off the bench in the opening two games, Jurd made his starting debut at the tournament in Australia’s final pool game against England. He was voted as player’s player post match.
“To get recognised by my teammates means a lot to me personally,” said Jurd.
“Any opportunity you get to represent your country is a massive honour so I’m just trying to do my job.”
Popular amongst the U20s players and staff for his humble and hard working approach, whilst hoping to keep his spot in the starting line-up for the team’s last two matches at the World U20s Championship, he is simply happy to be involved and to contribute to the team.
“I’d love to be starting but any opportunity I get I’ll take with both hands. It’s a team sport and the team has to come first.”
With the Australians going down to England 17-13 in their final pool game, they’re now in the running to finish fifth at the tournament.
The team will now face Scotland for the second time at the tournament, wit the players are hungry to level the score after falling five points short against them in their opening match.
“This match against Scotland will be a redemption game for us. After losing to them first up this is a game we really want to win," Jurd said.
“We’re treating these final two games as must wins and we’re hungry to finish the tournament well.”
With Adrian Thompson naming his side for the match, the return of fellow Queenslander Campbell Magnay could have potentially seen Jurd relegated to the reserves, but he has maintained his role in the 13 jersey, with Magnay named on the wing.
Playing in his first World U20s Championship, overall Jurd has relished the opportunity to compete against international opponents.
“I’ve had a ball, it’s been a really good experience and something I’ll never forget.”
The Australians will face Scotland on Tuesday at 4:45am (AEST).
A win would put them in the fifth-place playoff against the winner of the opposite playoff between New Zealand and Wales.
