WHEN you turn 42 you could be forgiven for hanging up your boots to run water bottles onto the paddock.

But if you are Border Bushrangers’ forward Tim Smith you keep your gear handy just in case the team needs you.

The seasoned Texas-based front rower is tipped to be a key player for the Bushrangers as they head north for this weekend’s Central Division rugby league trials in Bundaberg.

Border Rugby League president Steve McEvoy said some last minute withdrawals from the team meant Smith, who was originally travelling with the side in a support role, would most likely wind up back on the field.

“Tim played in this side last year and he was terrific; he is the sort of player who never shirks his duties,” McEvoy said.

“So, in many ways, he is a great example for the younger blokes.

“He might have a few seasons experience on some of the others.

“But he is fit and keen and I think we’ll be looking for him on the field this weekend.”

The Bushrangers side, coached by former ARL development officer Carlo Napolitano, is one of eight teams competing in the two-day trials.

The team plays its first game against Rockhampton tomorrow morning, followed by South Burnett in the afternoon.

They then take on the traditionally tough Sunshine Coast side on Sunday.

“We played really well last year defeating Rockhampton and South Burnett,” McEvoy said.

“But I think we will find the going tough this year as we are in rebuilding phase.”

He was still expecting stand-out performances from talented fullback Michael Marshall, from Killarney, and Stanthorpe halfback Jason Wilmot.

“Jason will have to cope with some extra pressure because we have had some changes in the line-up,” McEvoy said.

“Brent Bennett and Brent Osborne, from Inglewood, are also likely to play pivotal roles.

“And we always expect solid performances from Texas player Robbie Morris.”

Then a frustrated McEvoy expressed disappointed about many players’ reluctance to commit to the representative schedule.

“I understand people have job commitments and injuries happen, I also know there is more to life than football,” he said.

“But, if more players aren’t prepared to make representative commitments, this may be the last time we take a team away for the divisional trials.”