By Anthony Brand

To describe former Reds and current GPS prop Jack Straker as a journeymen would be an understatement of the highest order.

The 28-year-old spent a decade both here and across the Tasman working towards fulfilling his Super Rugby dream which arrived last year when Reds coach Brad Thorn plucked him from Christchurch and placed him on the hallowed turf of Suncorp Stadium.

The 117kg-181cm hulk went on earn four Super Rugby caps with the Reds in 2020 on an injury-cover contract, attracting huge praise from Thorn who lauded the Brisbane-born prop for his mettle in filling a significant hole as a fifth-string replacement. 

Now back in GPS colours, Straker is enjoying his rugby more than ever as his undefeated side prepare for this Saturday’s Premier Rugby blockbuster against Bond who are also yet to lose a game. 

“Four from four (wins) has been a great start,” Straker said.

“On paper we have a pretty strong side, I’m not going to lie. But the culture amongst the group is really special and everyone wants to be there and are really enjoying their rugby.

“We have an awesome balance within the club and the squad as a whole and we work pretty hard during the week, but also enjoy our time there.”

Returning to full-time work as a commercial banker and without a professional contract, Straker has a newfound life balance which he is relishing.

He’s also studying part-time towards a business degree at the University of Queensland which is set for completion next year.

The former Brisbane Grammar and Queensland Schoolboys representative said a return to work and study had helped him put things in perspective.

“Rugby is supposed to be about fun, and while it is hard work, (coach) Shane (Arnold) was clear that this is amateur footy and we want to have fun,” Straker said.

“We all volunteer to be here, effectively, so let’s make it worth our while and not just smash each other and get flogged every Tuesday and Thursday night at training, and improve as individuals, footy players and as a group.

“I am really lucky to have different things going on in my life with work and what not as well rather than just solely footy. It has been a great change of pace in that regard. 

“Not that there’s not pressure at the premier grade level, there definitely is, but, when you’re working, you’ve got other priorities than footy and it puts things into perspective.

“It allows you to put your attention on your nine-to-five and then then get a good release from work with footy and vice-versa. It’s good to be able to balance that plus the social element of GPS which is what I am enjoying a lot this year.”

And Straker will have to be ready this weekend as GPS tackle a third-placed Bond side that are flying after three wins on the trot.

“They look the goods this year and are probably a pretty similar team to us,” Straker said.

“They have a good set-piece and some speed and razzle out wide and are very good at home obviously, so I think towards the end of the season they will definitely be thereabouts.”

GPS have been in solid form as evidenced in last week’s 34-11 win over Sunnybank to sit second on the ladder behind UQ.

Straker said this weekend was all about staying with what has worked for them thus far.

“We don’t really want to change anything going into this week we have just focused everything on us rather than trying to pick apart Bond,” he said.

“We will stick to our strengths in regard to our set-piece which we’ve made clear all year. When we find our shape we are really silky.

“We have a good measure of athleticism around the park and more so some flair out wide to do some freaky stuff as well – so we are lucky to have some backs that can score from anywhere.”

And in regard to getting back in the professional arena, Straker said he was content with where he was at with his rugby.

“I have just got to play it as it comes and my first priority is that I want to win a premiership with GPS and do what I can do to make that happen,” he said.

“I am really enjoying my work at the moment and have my aspirations in that department as well.

“I do think I do have some good rugby in me for sure, but what that looks like in professional context I am not sure yet.

“I am really happy with what I achieved last year and whether I want to pursue that I am undecided. 

“If an opportunity presented itself, I would have to really think about it. But as it is at the moment, I am really enjoying club footy and my work.”