Farrell to join the Ghosts

Josh Farrell’s style looks good but he will take on limited responsibility with the boot from the back of the scrum.

THE Grafton Ghosts are quickly becoming rugby league’s gamblers but their latest roll of the dice could yet prove rewarding.

Out-of-the-box recruit Josh Farrell has been poached from Australian rules-mad Western Australia to pack into a Ghosts scrum in 2010.

He has never played in an official game of the 13-man code but has the physical attributes to match any of the region’s biggest.

At 190cm and 104kg, the one-time ruckman is a rookie in a ready-made backrower’s frame.

First came some much-needed ball work after an intense pre-season in the Ghosts’ camp.

His initial test comes at today’s trial against Orara.

“I used to play in Western Australia where there you didn’t hear about rugby league,” said the 23-year-old, who will debut in reserve grade against the Axemen.

“I have played in the yard and things before but never a proper game.

“First off I couldn’t get the feel of how I had to run in a line.

“There’s a lot of new things that you have got to learn.”

Farrell has had to read the league rulebook after knowing ‘basically nothing’ before the shift east, which came about after his mother relocated to Grafton last year.

It didn’t take him long to find out about the region’s premier winter code.

“That (rugby league) is the main sport around here and played by most people,” he said.

“One night I was out at the club and a supporter said to me I should play football and should play for the Ghosts because of how good their training sessions are.

“I just want to play well and get a couple of games under my belt and hopefully next season move up to A-grade.”

Club boss Col Speed admits his latest purchase is an ‘unknown quantity’ but knows the value of a ‘natural athlete’.

“His attitude to training is excellent,” he said.

“What he’s shown with his ability has been very impressive.”

The Ghosts will hold their annual Golf Day on Sunday with an 8.45am tee-off.

Any supporters are welcome to join recently-turned 21-year-old Khan Williams and his fellow players in the four-man Ambrose event, which costs $10 to enter.

Contact Mark Hall on 0438 426 829.