BLACKWATER Basilisks star Eric Smyth had the distinction of representing Central Queensland at the Graincorp Queensland Country Championships in Rockhampton over the weekend.
Smyth and his team-mates battled North Queensland and South Queensland for selection in the Queensland Country Heelers squad.
Central Queensland ost both games, narrowly falling to South Queensland 15-13 on Saturday before being outclassed 43-7 by North Queensland yesterday.
Smyth said his side had no regrets though, having performed to the best of their abilities against clearly the strongest side of the tournament.
“The boys put everything out on the field,” he said.
“We gave it our best shot… we just couldn’t keep up. It’s definitely stepping up a level.”
Smyth said North Queensland just had too many quality players to contain.
“They’re used to that pace of the game,” he said.
“They just got on top of us in the second half.
“We really had our backs against the wall.”
The game against South Queensland was a very different story.
Central Queensland were unlucky to be edged out in the end.
“We were on top, I felt, in the second half,” Smyth said.
“It was a lot closer, we just ran out of steam in the end.”
Playing at inside centre, Smyth was reasonably satisfied with his individual performance in the tournament.
“I felt like I did okay,” he said.
“There were a few things I could’ve done better.
“I made a couple of mistakes.
“I gave it my best, I gave 100% effort.”
But it was not quite good enough to earn a place in the Queensland Country Heelers squad.
“You’re always wondering whether you’ve done enough,” Smyth said.
“I didn’t quite do enough to be selected this time, but that’s the way it goes.”
Even though he was not picked in the side, Smyth was proud to be playing in the Graincorp Queensland Country Championships.
“It’s a big honour representing Central Queensland,” he said.
“It’s always great… to represent your region.”
He was meant to have Basilisks team-mate Neil Dellar lining up alongside him in the tournament, but Dellar was a late withdrawl from the side.
“He was a little bit disappointed,” Smyth said.
“He’ll have a shot next year.”
Smyth said playing for Central Queensland was a valuable learning curve.
“It’s a good experience,” he said. “All the players will be stronger for it.
“We’ll take that experience back to our clubs. Most of the boys will come back next year.
“We’ll be better for it next time around.”
He is confident the Basilisks can continue their strong form when he rejoins them for their next game.
“We’re in a good position,” he said.