LeagueNut - Panthers
Pauls Story
Part Four The Selection
His team were preparing to take the field for the second half, but Paul couldnt stop thinking that he was done for.
His first half error had obviously had an effect on Mack, who had vanished from his usual spot.
Coach, I dont know if I can play the second half
Whaddya on about?
That knock, I dont know, I just feel pretty crook
Get in there and see the Doc
Paul wasnt crook at all he was scared. Not only had he spoiled the plans set out by Mack, but hed also lost his crutch for the rest of the game. Without Mack sitting in the stand, Paul knew hed be about as useful as tits on a bull for the second half.
Doc, Im gone, I cant finish the match
Cmon, the knock wasnt that bad. Cmere, Ill give you a needle
Nah mate, Im done
No youre not. The tone in his voice suddenly became a lot more serious.
Aye?
The Doc sighed. Do you really think youre the only one in on this?
What??
Look, lets not waste time here alright. Dont worry about Mack, hell be there for the second half. Just dont make any more f**k-ups OK?
Paul looked stunned, and also started to feel pretty stupid. Who else knows?
Dont worry mate, youre not going to get busted. Just get out there and keep the plan going
But
but
Paul froze. He knew hed been cheating, but it was a lot easier to justify it to himself when he thought it was his own little secret. His mind began to swim with a million different questions but right now, he was needed out on the field.
Youll be right mate. Dont worry about it for now. Just wait for Mack to get back to his seat and itll be all on again
Doc was right Mack was there for the second half, and the charade continued. After the final whistle, and yet another man-of-the-match award, Paul caught up with the Doc in the sheds.
Paul found out that it was only the three of them in on the scam. Mack needed another person close to the game-day operation to keep things under control, and he knew the Doc from something that happened in the past Paul didnt want to probe that any further.
Listen mate, its not going to last forever. He cant stick around for too long because people will start to ask questions. Hell make a few bucks off you this year, set you up with a nice contract and maybe an Origin jersey, then be on his way
And youre OK with this?
Mate, I have to be. And you need to be as well trust me
Has he done this before?
Doc paused. Yeah I reckon so, but I dont know for sure. It would sure explain a few form reversals in recent years though aye?
Paul was deep in thought as he left the ground but was quickly brought back to earth when he ran into Mack outside.
What the hell was that in the first half? he hissed.
sh*t, I know mate, it wasnt on purpose. These things happen right?
Mack grumbled under his breath and quickly drove off.
Over the next few weeks Mack was busy setting other wheels in motion. It was easy enough to find out what the Origin selectors were looking for in their halfback, and even easier to make sure Paul produced to their satisfaction in the weekends. They were worried about a kicking game, so Paul produced three 40/20s. There were questions about his defence, so suddenly he was popping balls loose in tackles. The media lauded Pauls form and selection was all but a certainty which would also mean a very healthy contract upgrade would be on the cards.
Mack was sitting at home listening to his radio as the Origin teams were about to be announced. When Pauls name was announced as starting #7, Mack allowed himself a rare smile enough to show a couple of the gaps where teeth used to be.
The phone rang pretty much straight away.
I know yeah, dont worry, Ill get him right itll go like clockwork
Mack hung up, sat back in his chair, and even had a little chuckle. This was only the beginning.
To be continued
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