Berrigan in for Ryan
by
Friday February 28, 2003
Source: http://www.broncos.com.au

Injury has again set back a chance for a future star at the Broncos and this time it is Michael Ryan. A hamstring to the little hooker has ruled him out of this weekend's trial match with the Sydney Roosters at Athletic Oval in Toowoomba and Shaun Berrigan's older brother Barry will take his place in the number nine jersey.

The Broncos' third choice hooker will be able to show the selectors what he is really made of and will be looking to grab his opportunity by the throat on Saturday night.

Michael Ryan was devastated by the decision, just when he thought his chance had come to try and secure the number 9 jersey in front of first choice hooker and New Zealand International, Richard Swain, who will miss the match due to suspension.

"I was positive of playing until I saw the physio on Wednesday morning," Ryan said on the Broncos' official web site.

"He was worried because I have done it twice in a short space of time and neither of us were prepared to take the risk of hurting it again."

Ryan said he hoped missing the chance to impress while Richard Swain is out for a week will not prove too costly in the long run.

"It's disappointing to miss the chance to play after 10 months on the sidelines, because I feel I have something to prove to Wayne (Bennett) and the team," Ryan said.

"It was a really tough decision to make, but I need to be 100%. With Richard at the club now it put a little bit of extra pressure on me to play, but I can't take the risk of re-injuring it. If I was to do it again it would be a disaster and would almost certainly have long-term repercussions.

"But after such a good pre-season, where my strength and fitness are both better than ever before, something like this is hard to swallow."

Ryan, however was confident that Berrigan would do a good job in his absence.

"Barry's only just back from knee surgery and he was outstanding last weekend (against the Bulldogs)," Ryan said.

"He is such a strong guy and is really experienced and I am sure he'll do a great job. It is a good sign when you can call on a guy like him, because no one doubts his ability to slot straight in."

For a full match preview of the Broncos' trial game against the Roosters, click the link on the right hand side of the screen.