Source: Gisborne Herald
From Monday to Saturday medical student Isaac Braithwaite-Beach is bound by the Hippocratic Oath.
But
on Saturday afternoons, the former Gisborne Boys' High School first 15
first five-eighth swaps his study books and stethoscope for footy boots
and a Richmond rugby league jersey.
"That's when I take out all
my frustations from the week -- on the league paddock," said the
20-year-old who has been named in the New Zealand team to compete at
the Universities Rugby League World Cup at Brisbane, starting on
Thursday.
"Apart from the odd game of rugby when I was seven it
was always union, but after going to Dunedin to study medicine I played
league with some mates and now league's No 1 for me.
"It's a faster game than union, it nevers stops, there's hardly any penalties and no lineouts.
"It's
also a physical, confrontational game, which I like. When you're taking
the ball up there's usually a line of four players facing you . . .
it's you against them."
Braithwaite-Beach transferred to Auckland University after two years in Dunedin to be near family.
"Mum, (Rosemary) and Dad (David) still live in Gisborne and Auckland's a lot closer than Dunedin."
Braithwaite-Beach
was selected for the world cup squad after playing for Auckland
Universities in the national universities games.
"We finished
third but a lot of our team, including my league mentor Dan McGregor
who's in the Warriors development squad, are going to Brisbane.
"We leave on Monday for a week's acclimatisation at a rugby league academy."
While determined to finish his medical studies, an offer to become a professional player would be snapped up.
"That's the goal. We've heard there will be scouts from a lot of league clubs at the world cup.
"I'd
love to play for the Warriors, country, loyalty and all that, but if an
Aussie club came in with a contract I'd definitely put my medical
studies on hold."
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