Tough times breed tough characters, a concept Under-20s coach Eric Smith has seen on full display this season.
The Thunderbolts have experienced their ups and downs so far in 2016 but amidst the rollercoaster several young players have stood up to lead the team.
One man to put his hand up has been out local Sunshine Coast product Lachie Timm.
Be there when Storm host the Bulldogs at AAMI Park on Monday 11 April. Get your tickets!
Timm has been a shining light for the Thunderbolts in just his first year in the Holden Cup.
The 19-year-old’s leadership credentials were on full display last Saturday as he guided his side back into the game against the Knights.
“I’ve been really impressed with Lachie Timm. He has been coming off the bench for us and has been one of our better performers,” Smith said.
“He’s been promoted into the starting team this weekend and has been working really hard. The gap between his worst game and his best game, there isn’t too much.”
The Thunderbolts will return home this Saturday to take on the Bulldogs at Sunshine Coast Stadium. Storm Queensland-based members will be given free entry to the game.
It has been a bit of a travelling roadshow for the young side in recent weeks who have been to New Zealand, Cronulla and down to Melbourne over the past month.
The experience has been an important one for the Thunderbolts but Smith admits his players are glad to be back at home this weekend.
“It’s been a good experience for these players… they’ve got to see the ins and outs of weeks of travelling and trying to be up on different turnarounds to get yourself right to go,” he said.
“It is definitely good to get back at home though. We are really looking forward to playing up here and hopefully getting another win for our fans.”
“We are 1-from-1 up here so hopefully Sunshine Coast Stadium is the lucky charm.”
Storm NYC Thunderbolts v Canterbury Bulldogs
Saturday 9 April, 3pm
Sunshine Coast Stadium
Melbourne Storm Queensland Members get FREE entry to Sunshine Coast Stadium on Saturday and can see a full day of rugby league with the Thunderbolts playing the second game in a four game schedule featuring the Sunshine Coast's Colts, Cyril Connell Cup and Mal Meninga Cup teams in action.
