Wapau takes his time

Emma Greenwood

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

PALMER Wapau's luck finally seems to be turning.

The former Cairns District Rugby League star continued his
road back to full fitness on Saturday night when part of a Redcliffe side that thrashed the Northern Pride 26-0 in their Queensland Cup clash at Barlow Park.

The match was just the Weipa product’s second in the top grade since round two of the competition when he suffered a sprain high on the ankle that kept him sidelined for more than two months.

A rib cartilage problem in his comeback game put things back further for the rampaging forward but he is determined to put the frustration behind him as he bids to find top form.

"This year’s pretty bad for me because I’ve been out injured for a while (and) I just got back," he said on his return to Barlow Park.

Wapau made a major impression in his first year at Redcliffe, playing well enough with the Brisbane feeder club to win a contract with the Broncos.

"It’s all going pretty good," he said.

Still feeling some pain from his rib problem, Wapau is still building his game time and was relatively happy with his efforts on Saturday.

"I couldn’t complain. I’m happy with any time I get on the field pretty much," he said.

But he was not expecting an NRL call-up just yet.

"I’ve just got to play some good footy first."

Redcliffe coach Gary O’Brien was certainly pleased with Wapau’s return.

"Palmer’s a really important member of our club and I’m sure the Broncos look at him as important to them as well," he said.

<strong>Back in the north: </strong>Palmer Wapau made a winning return to the Far North in a Redcliffe team that trounced the Northern Pride.

Back in the north: Palmer Wapau made a winning return to the Far North in a Redcliffe team that trounced the Northern Pride.

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