For Harrison Usher, grand final week was a rollercoaster of emotions.
On Thursday, the Bull Sharks prop got the call every young forward dreams of - selection in the Queensland Reds’ squad for the new Super Rugby AUS competition. A recognition of his dominance in Premier Rugby and the kind of raw power that wins scrums and hearts alike.
Hours later Bull Sharks coach Mick Heenan announced his team for Bond’s grand final against Brothers. Despite starring in the major semi against Easts, Usher’s name was on the bench. With former All Black and current Wallabies squad member Aidan Ross released by Rugby Australia to make his Bull Sharks debut, Usher was the man to make way.
If he was hurt, he didn’t show it and by Sunday afternoon, all that mattered was the medal around his neck. Usher came on and did his job, and when the final whistle blew at Ballymore he was part of a squad that had delivered Bond University its historic premiership.
Coach Mick Heenan praised the way his prop had handled the week.
“Harrison handled the whole situation with absolute class,” Heenan said.
“He did a great job for us off the bench in the grand final.
“His attitude was fantastic, and his performances for us throughout the season are part of the reason we made it to the grand final.
“It’s great that the selectors have recognised that and called him into the Reds squad. He deserves this and we are really excited for him.”
The Bachelor of Business graduate, a former Australian Under-20s rep, has been steadily building his reputation against the monsters in the Hospital Cup.
Reds set-piece coach Zane Hilton said Usher’s progression was exactly what Super Rugby AUS was designed to foster.
“Certainly players like Harrison Usher over the last couple of years have really dominated the club competition and really shown us that they want an opportunity at the next level,” Hilton said.
“We’re really grateful for an opportunity through the Super Rugby AUS program to give these players the chance at the next level to see if they thrive.”
The Reds open their campaign against the ACT Brumbies at Ballymore Stadium on September 14, followed by clashes with the Waratahs and Force as they chase a spot in the inaugural final.
Reds head coach and incoming Wallaby coach Les Kiss is upbeat about the development opportunities Super Rugby AUS will offer.
“There are chances for some standouts from club rugby like Kohan Herbert, Hamish Muller and Harrison Usher,” he said.
“It will be a competitive league, exactly what Australian rugby needs to build.”