Hyne swaps tool belt for head gear

McInnes Wilson Lawyers Brisbane City lock Ben Hyne has enjoyed a breakout year in 2015, progressing from playing club Rugby with Brothers through to the Buildcorp National Rugby Championship (NRC) and now the Australian Barbarians. 

Hyne was one of the unsung heroes of City’s 2015 undefeated season, which saw them claim back-to-back NRC titles, and his form extended to national rep honours – with the 21-year-old crossing for the Australian Barbarians’ match-winning try in their 38-32 victory over the New Zealand Heartland XV on Tuesday. 

“I didn’t even realise my try was what got us in the lead until after the game. It was pretty exciting to get a meat pie but I think it was the entire team's defensive effort in the final minutes that delivered us the win,” Hyne said. 

A carpenter by trade having finished his apprenticeship just four weeks ago, Hyne spends his time on job sites around Brisbane during the day, while plying his trade as one of Premier Rugby’s developing second rowers in the evening. 

Originally from Emerald in Central Queensland, Hyne attended school at Toowoomba’s Downlands College, the alma mater of Queensland 100-Cap club members Tim Horan and Greg Holmes. 

Interestingly enough, Hyne lined up opposite current Australian Barbarians teammate and Bond University Queensland Country lock Phil Potgieter while still at school, with Potgieter attending rival school Toowoomba Grammar. 

Hyne believes the pairs’ selection in the Barbarians shows there are pathway systems in place for regional talent. 

“It’s a real honour to be selected in the Barbarians side, especially since it’s the first time the side has been selected from the NRC.  

“It’s been a great experience so far and it’s been great getting to know the players from other NRC sides. 

“Having Phil and myself selected in the Australian Barbarians, and with Greg Holmes having played for the Wallabies throughout the 2015 Rugby World Cup, it definitely shows that there are talented individuals in Country regions and there is a pathway in place for those who want to push for higher honours.” 

The 2015 season was Hyne’s first year in the NRC and he enjoyed the step up from club Rugby – seeing it as an opportunity to learn from City head coach Nick Stiles, who is also the Reds forwards coach. 

“Right until the end of the season, to be part of the Brisbane City side was just an unreal experience. To be picked from club Rugby and to be part of that third tier of Rugby in Australia was really special and to get the win in the Grand Final was the best feeling.

“I really enjoyed the way Stiles coached the City side. He is very straight to the point and lets you know if you put a foot wrong, but I think that’s the best way to learn.”

With Hyne set to play his last game of Rugby for 2015 in this afternoon’s second Australian Barbarians against the Heartland XV, he has aspirations to push for higher honours in the future.  

“To play Super Rugby would be amazing, hopefully playing for the Barbarians will provide some more exposure and I’ll continue to play club Rugby and hopefully an opportunity will come.”