ANTHONY COLMAN
Gold Coast Titans
Date of Birth: February 12, 1995
Birthplace: North Sydney
Position: Second Row/Centre
Height: 187cm
Weight: 98kg
Contracted until: 2015
Studying/Occupation: Secondary Education/Titans trainee development officer
The Rap
He won the Titans award for NYC Player of the Year last year, but Anthony Colman is a kid who often goes unnoticed. The work he does on the field is excellent, but it’s not always flashy. He does the right things, is punctual, polite and quiet. He started on the bench for the Gold Coast under-20s last year, finally getting his chance to start when a team-mate was injured.
“He got player of the match that week,” says Titans NYC coach Ben Woolf. “Then he just sort of came along every week after that. He’s not a flashy player but he gets through his work in defence and runs his lines well, he does all the little things well in his game.
“It takes a bit to get much out of him but he’s a great kid. He never misses anything, he’s always on time, he does everything he’s asked and trains well.”
Woolf says it was Colman’s work ethic that made him stand out for the accolade and continues to earn him plaudits at the club.
The Style
According to Woolf, the 20-year-old second-rower is capable of special things on the football field but his biggest contribution to the team is his commitment in defence and reliability.
“He does all the little one-percent things well,” Woolf says. “He covers his half well, he makes sure he’s always on the right lines. He’s just very reliable. You know what you’re going to get with him week in and week out. He can have an impact on a game and he can be a player that goes unnoticed as well but he’s always making his tackles and doing his job on that edge as well.”
The Man Himself
This pre-season Colman has been training with the NRL team and gradually his size and strength are increasing as he heads into his final year in the NYC.
“He’s put on a bit of bulk since last season and he’s definitely bigger and stronger,” Woolf said.
“That’s attributed to his hard work in the gym. He’s spent a little bit of time with the first grade squad, which has been beneficial for him as well.”
Without a contract for 2016, the next few months are important to his career and now that he’s more relaxed within the team he’s ready to make an impact.
However, Colman tells Big League his main goal for the season is to make the finals given this will be his last chance with the under-20s team.
“We’re a close knit group,” he said. “I’ve probably been more relaxed going into this year. Obviously we want to make the finals so we’ve been training hard but it’s been a funny year. I feel a bit more confident though at training knowing what to expect of the year.”
Interview
How did you enjoy training with the NRL team over the pre-season? Yeah, I was doing one day a week with them. It’s obviously different being with the older boys but the main thing has been learning a lot from the coaches. Nate Myles has been good, he’s given me a lot of tips, Luke Douglas as well.
How long have you lived on the Gold Coast? I moved up here after school in Ballina, it’s only an hour and a half away but moved up at the end of 2013. I live with my brother, which is good.
Do you find it difficult to juggle university studies and training commitments? It’s not too bad at all. The Titans have a connection with Griffith University and they help us out heaps with everything. I’ve just finished my first year.
Story courtesy BIG LEAGUE magazine
