Former premiership winning Harden Hawk, Tyson Astill, is set to return to the Hawk’s nest for the 2021 season. Astill has carved out a successful career over more than a decade, since first hitting the scene as a 17 year old. He celebrated his 30th birthday this week.
Harden defeated Bungendore in extra time to claim the 2009 George Tooke Premiership in a team littered with youthful players such as Duncan Stewart, Lewis Grange and Tyson and guided by older players such as Captain Coach Jason Pollard and former Group 9 Harden Hawks Centre Brendon Ford.
Ford came off the bench and inflicted plenty of damage on Bungendore’s forwards that day and Astill no doubt saw as a teenager what the older players must do in a side to ensure a win. He will be looking to replicate that toughness again this year. Something that he has done his entire career and in what looks to be a Harden side that will be filled with locals or former locally born and bred players returning to Harden.
Astill’s skillset and uncompromising playing style will provide plenty of starch to the Harden side looking to celebrate 100 years of Rugby League in 2021, after Covid disrupted the season.
George Tooke had just 4 sides competing last year, however, that is set to change this year with the return of the regular teams and the possible
inclusion of Cootamundra. The Bulldogs will provide a glimpse into the distance in skill set and style that has forever been the talk of former players and old timers. How much harder is Group 9 than second division? This may be somewhat answered in 2021. A proud club like Coota will turn up prepared and ready to compete, they won’t be there to make up numbers, it’s not in their nature.
Tyson loves the rough stuff and will no doubt fill roles in the Front Row. He can also play in the Backrow and has a handy offload and a straight running style. His defence is very solid and with 13 years of experience behind him including 3 years at the Belconnen Sharks, he will no doubt be able to pass on to the next generation, some of the things he has learnt over his senior career.
Tyson said, “The chance to return for the 100 years will be great fun. If I didn’t Browny, (Luke Brown, Coach) would have probably disowned me. I’ll be happy to play where he needs me. Hopefully I can help some of the younger guys out with the 1 percenters.”
Tyson made it clear that there is a lot of respect for Luke from his peers and that he hopes players will put their hand up and return to the club for season 2021.
He said, “Browny has worked hard over the years and it may be his last year. A lot of the players love playing with him. I’m looking forward to the challenge.”
