suncoast daily

Posted by peter gardiner (sunshinecoast daily) on 17 June 2009 | 0 Comments

Want to play 'tackle chess'?
12:00a.m. 3rd February 2009
| By Peter Gardiner

Former rugby player Mark Tanner knows something about what Super Bowl hype was all about.

He calls it “tackle chess” and he and a bunch of American football players are busting their butts to make the Sunshine Coast Spartans a reality in an expanded Gridiron Queensland competition this year.

Tanner, a law student, and local lifeguard Luke Turner had their rookie year for the Northside Rhinos last season and are keen to put in the hard yards so the Spartans touch down on the Coast.

They are both running backs – with Tanner keen to be the Spartans’ wide receiver – who found a whole new world of big hits last year.

“I’m from a rugby league background but the tackles (in gridiron) are the hardest I’ve ever felt because the guys are wearing helmets and they have no fear,” Turner said.

Both Turner and Tanner were yesterday “rooting” for the losing Arizona Cardinals against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the game that stops the American nation, largely because of Aussie punter Ben Graham’s involvement.

“I’ve played both rugby and AFL so I’m across most of the codes now and I follow Geelong (Graham’s former AFL team).

“There is something about this game that is so different to anything else I’ve ever played – I called it tackle chess,” Tanner said.

He said the game is just one big strategic battle that is fast-moving and addictive.

The Spartans have already attracted a diverse range of 20 senior players but need another 15 to complete the squad.

Tanner thinks getting the side across the line in time for the July season should be a cinch – with lethal looking linebakers and the like not too hard to find.

“There are a lot of Americans at the University of the Sunshine Coast and plenty of others looking to try new sports.”

The side is training at the Immanuel Luthern College and anyone who cares to hunker down with the Spartans can call 0431 288 089.