Thompson On Fast Track To Triumph
Newcastle Herald
Thursday September 7, 2000
IT will not be a long ride for plucky Wanderers halfback Aaron Thompson as he makes his way to his debut first-grade grand final on Saturday.
Thompson lives only a stone's throw from St John Oval, Charlestown.
The unbreakable No.9 has worked hard to hold his position in the top grade this season, staving off competition from NHRU representative Rookie of the Year Jon Wilson.
`There has been a lot more competition this year with Jono at the club,' Thompson said.
`He made the Newcastle representative side earlier in the year. I've had to try to hold my position which, thankfully, I have. You have to play well each week, such is the depth all the way through the club.
`That's probably why we've done so well as a club. You're always trying, it puts that little bit more pressure on you and you can't afford to be slack one week.'
Thompson hails from a fine line of footballing pedigree.
Although Thompson's father is on the board of Central Charlestown Rugby League Club, he and older brothers Graham and Greg play union.
Graham was touted as the next Brett Papworth after making the Emerging Wallabies and NSW teams straight from school. He now plays in Brisbane, while Greg plays second grade for Sydney University.
A former Two Blues junior, Thompson attended St Joseph's College, Sydney ? a breeding ground for some of Australia's top rugby players.
He never showed spectacular promise but has become one of the workhorses in Wanderers' 2000 premiership campaign.
A short stint with the Wildfires Colts in 1995 did not agree with Thompson, and he returned to Wanderers at the end of that season.
`I didn't enjoy my time there so I came back to Wanderers,' he said.
The 24-year-old played in Wanderers' premiership-winning second grade in 1996, but has never played in a first-grade grand final.
Wanderers' first game of the season was ironically held at the same venue as their last.
They played a trial against NSW University months ago, but will now meet up with Eastern Districts in the decider.
`It will be another physical, tough battle,' Thompson said.
`It's the third time we will play in four games so we know each others' games pretty well.'
© 2000 Newcastle Herald