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Called up to start in the No.10 jersey against the Crusaders in Christchurch on debut, Max Burey might just have Super Rugby’s toughest task.
But the 24-year-old from Wagga Wagga isn’t overthinking it.
“I don’t want to dwell on things too much, just put a shoulder through someone,” he said.
While Burey might be about to experience Super Rugby’s toughest first-up assignment, the playmaker’s journey to Super Rugby already speaks volumes of his resilience.
Burey has been steering the ship for Northern Suburbs after making the move to the big smoke as an teenager.
It’s those years of hardening in the Shute Shield that have many excited about Burey’s opportunity.
Max Burey has gone from playing for Northern Suburbs to wearing the Force No.10 jersey against the Crusaders. Photo: Karen Watson
Not only does it point to the pathways in Australian rugby, but the years of running it into the teeth of the defence on Saturday afternoons against fully grown men have many pleased.
Late last year, having been asked to join Simon Cron at the Force, he was awarded the side’s most valuable player during their short tour of Japan.
A contract wasn’t forthcoming, but the country kid was soon after asked by John Manenti to join Australia’s sevens team on the highest stage by playing in Hong Kong and Singapore.
After returning from his brief stint with the national sevens squad, Burey spent weeks traveling over to Perth on a Sunday to train with the Force before returning later in the week to saddle up in Shute Shield.
Simon Cron has called up Max Burey from his former Shute Shield side to take on the Crusaders. Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images
After injuries to Bryce Hegarty and Bayley Kuenzle, Simon Cron could have shuffled Hamish Stewart into the No.10 jersey but it says plenty about the youngster’s skill set and maturity that he has been thrown in the deep end against the Crusaders.
Burey knows the chance could well be a sliding doors moment in his career.
“It’s definitely a good opportunity for me,” he said.
“Heading forward, however I perform will dictate my future but I’m not fazed about that. I’m pretty happy to be sitting at the pub telling blokes I used to play on that TV.
“It’s a pretty big-name team with a lot of stars. They’ve been quite good for the last couple of years but I think for me, what better way to challenge yourself and see where you are at?”
Max Burey will run out in the No.10 jersey for the Force against the Crusaders. Photo: Western Force
Burey will go head-to-head with Super Rugby’s best playmaker Richie Mo’unga, who will link back with Test outside back Will Jordan after the star’s return from an ongoing concussion issue.
While the Crusaders’ pack is formidable, the Force have welcomed back Test prop Santiago Medrano in a huge boost after their set-piece was smashed last week.
2019 World Cup Wallaby Isi Naisarani also returns and his ability to find space around the ruck will help the Force’s ability to get on the front-foot.
Burey says the past couple of weeks has been about catching up on the detail of his role.
Just as important is his teammates getting on the same page, with Burey an instinctive playmaker who keeps defenders guessing in much the same way as livewire halfback Issak Fines-Leleiwasa.
It’s no surprise the duo have already formed a connection and are hoping to catch the Crusaders napping.
“We definitely want that fast start, fast-paced game,” Burey said.
“Hopefully that can maybe unsettle the Crusaders, although I’m sure they’re quite accustomed to that.
“Me and ‘Finsey’ have a great relationship off the pitch and I think that transfers onto the field and hopefully [we] can play up-tempo and have a good connection.”
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.