This season, Nathan Hindmarsh, the Parramatta captain, has already achieved a remarkable 10,000 tackles and played his 300th first-grade game… now, he is nearing another significant milestone, as he approaches 30,000 career run metres.
Known for his incredible work ethic, Hindmarsh requires just 124 metres more to join the ranks of only three other players in NRL history to reach this rare benchmark, adding to an outstanding year filled with personal milestones for the veteran back-rower.
When contacted by NRL.com, Hindmarsh was unaware of his latest achievement and remarked that it’s a statistic he will likely appreciate more once his 14-season career wraps up in the coming years.
“30,000 career running metres? Geez, just imagine if I had carried the ball for the past four years I would have passed that easily,” the 31-year-old joked.
“Right now, these are stats that make you think ‘oh that’s nice,’ but they’re just numbers. I believe that when I reflect on my career post-retirement, I’ll think, ‘that’s not too bad, I’m pleased with that.’
“While these are all remarkable milestones, I’ve always been the type who thinks, ‘that’s that, now let’s move on to the next game.’ Reflection can happen later,” he added.
Hindmarsh will become the fourth player in the history of recorded statistics to surpass 30,000 career running metres, joining Petero Civoniceva (35,431), Luke Patten (33,134), and Steve Price (31,600).
Remarkably, two additional players, Anthony Minichiello (29,685) and Rhys Wesser (29,560), are likely to join this elite group later this year.
Despite approaching this milestone, Hindmarsh expressed regret over the decline of his once-potent attacking game, noting that his average run metres have decreased from a career-high 125.24 metres per game in 2004 to 91.32 this season (a rise from last year’s 85.39).
“You know, I would have loved to have done more,” he stated. “I think the amount of defence I have engaged in has affected my attacking game, but that’s just how it is… it’s become part of the player I’ve evolved into.
“Age is also catching up with me, so my leg speed and footwork aren’t what they used to be. But I certainly feel that my attacking game could improve, I believe. Right now, my strong suits are my defence… being able to put in the numbers in defence and help out wherever possible. I focus on those aspects,” he explained.
“When I do have the ball, the expectations aren’t high for me to create something. It’s more about establishing a run and helping us get into the right positions. I just try to carry the ball when possible and support our forwards,” he elaborated.
However, still reeling from Monday night’s heartbreaking 22-18 defeat against Melbourne after leading 18-0 midway through the second half, Hindmarsh emphasized that his immediate priority is to ensure that Parramatta maintains its intensity heading into the final rounds, following a series of near misses recently.
Though the team is out of finals contention and battling to avoid the wooden spoon, Hindmarsh has been impressed by the efforts of a young Eels side, which has faced significant challenges in 2011.
“The encouraging thing is that we’re competing,” he commented. “It’s not like we’re going out there and not trying. Everyone is putting in effort, and we’re playing some decent football in patches.
“This season and last year have certainly been lean compared to what we achieved in 2009, but we’re building something positive. I believe we have a fantastic culture developing. Players like [Justin] Horo and young Pat O’Hanlon are showing promising signs, so I foresee brighter times ahead.
“Looking forward, I think a player like Chris Sandow will bring a lot of excitement to the team next season. He’s energetic and quick. Similarly, Ben Roberts shares that quality. It seems like things are beginning to fall into place for us,” he added.
When asked if it has been more challenging to inspire his teammates after a series of golden-point losses and Monday night’s late-game collapse, Hindmarsh replied: “I haven’t had to do that. I think my role this season… it’s much easier when you’re winning, but motivating these guys hasn’t been difficult at all. They don’t require additional motivation.
“They’re all very positive and focused on the upcoming week. We’re already concentrating on how we’re going to approach Souths on Monday night, so nobody has let their intensity drop.”
Nathan Hindmarsh Career Statistics
Games: 302
Avg Runs: 13.2
Avg Metres: 98.9
Avg Tackles: 36.3
Career-best Runs: 26 (v Roosters, 2006)
Career-best Metres: 252 (v Dragons 2001)
Buford Balony says: With the most tackles ever and ranking 4th in metres gained, Hindmarsh is undoubtedly the ironman of the NRL.
