Liam looking
to the Future

THE Pepsi Dolphins have a history of producing top-notch players for NRL ranks. Every year at least one Redcliffe junior or Colt forces his way into the top-level ranks. Don't be surprised if Liam Georgetown joins that list in the next couple of seasons. The 18-year-old already has turned out in two Queensland Cup fixtures for the Dolphins after playing a significant role in last season's Colts premiership. And the flash has former Test prop Glenn Lazarus as his manager after a family connection tied the pair last year. "A mate of my father's persuaded Glenn to come along to a couple of games last season and he is now my manager," he said. "He has faith in me and I believe I can make a career out of playing rugby league," he said. Georgetown's talent also has been recognised by representative selectors as he was picked for the Queensland Rangers side to take on New South Wales Country in late June at Murwillumbah. "That was a big thrill," he said. "I played on the right wing and had a full match and got a try. It couldn't have been better." He was selected for Brisbane South East to contest a carnival in Mackay from where the Rangers side was selected. "Marshall Colwell was coach for the Rangers and we beat NSW Country 50-22 in front of a good turnout," Georgetown said. "It was the first time I had made a rep team and it was close to playing to a grand final. I always get these nerves playing big matches." He did not let nerves affect him in the 2003 grand final, scoring a try against Burleigh Heads. This season shapes as just as successful. A few kilograms heavier at 76kg, the wingman has worked hard on his fitness and, as he says, "I'm starting to reap the rewards". After turning out in a pre-season trial against Toowoomba, Georgetown took on Central Comets and Burleigh Bears in the top grade, nailing a try against the Comets. "Premier League is heaps faster and I try to do what I normally do in a match," he said. "My second game was one of the best games I've played as I got more involved." Originally from Cherbourg, Liam's family moved to Brisbane when he was six and he spent four years with the Brighton Roosters. "Everyone else seems to hate Redcliffe, but once you play for them it's a different story again," he said. "The club itself is brilliant and you can see why they are so successful." Still eligible for Colts, Georgetown is noted for his flashy wing play, capable of scoring a try with his acceleration and uncanny reading of play. He scored two tries in last year's season decider at Dolphin Oval, including an 80m intercept. "I had not played on the wing before until last season when Crusher asked me to play there," he said. "I had played in the centres all the time. "But I like playing on the wing now, especially after scoring 18 tries last year. Last year I was on the left wing, this year it's the right." His pace is an obvious asset, however he is coy as to whether he's the fastest player at the club. "We had a race in the pre-season and I came third behind Joel Barnes and Maddison Murphy," he said. "I had a good off-season and played touch to help keep me fit." Now in his third season at Dolphin Oval, Georgetown joined from Brighton and played with Redcliffe's under 17 before receiving a call to sign up with the Colts last season. His goal now is to cement a spot in the club's Queensland Cup ranks. Sport dominates Georgetown's life as he is in the middle of a 12-month diploma in sports management at Brackenridge TAFE. "Eventually I want to have a management role in sport," he said. "I have been into sport all my life and want to stay in it."