STEAMERS coach Mick Raynes has paid tribute to premiership star James Olds after the fullback played his last game for the club on Saturday.
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Olds is moving to Queensland with his partner to be closer to family.
Raynes said Olds had been one of the best players to don the Steamers’ blue and gold.
“He was the Southern Inland Rugby Union leading point-scorer for two years when we won premierships,” he said.
“He’s been one of the better players in the competition for a while now, he’s represented our club, the SIRU and played at Brumbies provincial level and acquitted himself very well.”
Raynes said Olds’ dedication to his craft was what set him apart from the pack.
“He’s just a pure professional,” he said.
“He sets up his own shots before and after training, runs his own drills and sprint training in his own time.
“He carries himself extremely well on and off the field.
“He’s a true young gentleman as well, he’s a big loss for our club both on and off the field.”
Life on the field isn’t going to get any easier for the Steamers without Olds.
The reigning premiers have endured a tough start to the season, with just one win and a draw from their first six games.
At home to Griffith this weekend, the Steamers will need to rebound from a disappointing 48-17 loss to Wagga City last round, having defeated Ag College the weekend prior.
