July 15, 2014
by Marcus Priaulx
Floyd Aubrey loves karate, is good at running but has his heart set on becoming a rugby league player.
The St Joseph’s Primary School student was picked as a centre for Wide Bay after school trials at Hervey Bay in May, which meant he could compete in the Vic Jensen Cup involving nine teams from around Queensland during the school holidays.
Floyd said he was surprised to be chosen.
“There were a herd of kids at the trials,” the Year 6 student said.
“Each team had six or seven good players.”
When Floyd’s name was called he felt “good inside” and hopes to one day be as talented as his favourite player, Johnathan Thurston.
“I like him for his kicking game and the way he plays fair,” Floyd said.
Should rugby league not work out for Floyd he could possibly fall back on his running.
He won the Murgon-to-Cherbourg 7km Reconciliation Fun Run in May ahead of 300 children and adults, including former rugby league great Petero Civoniceva.
Floyd was the South Burnett Schools cross-country winner as well, but it’s karate he loves most.
He took the sport up when he was five years old and loves the non-contact fights.
“I also get to meet other kids from other towns and clubs,” the brown belt said.
But it’s rugby league where he sees his future and Floyd would like to play for Wests Tigers and Australia.
“Playing in a big stadium with heaps of crowds would be fun,” Floyd said.
UPDATE August 26: Floyd recently returned from the Karate Union of Australia National Championships in Sydney weighed down by medals. He achieved three Gold, one Silver and two Bronze medals.
