Bayles covets ‘The Map’ as Bombers blitz continues

Being overlooked for the Devils program has helped fuel the fire for North Launceston’s in-form half-back to finally represent Tasmania this year.

The 20-year-old was one of 11 Bombers included in the initial 45-player state squad announced this week, with Tasmania to play two games against Queensland and Sydney/Canberra this year.

“I haven’t worn it yet, it would mean heaps,” Bayles said after Friday’s 84-point local derby win over Launceston, which improved the Bombers’ unbeaten start to seven games.

“It gives me extra motivation, for sure.

“That’s the goal, to try and get as many as we can in there. Eleven is a lot so we’re really happy with that.”

Bayles is enjoying his best season at TSL level thus far.

He is relishing the freedom of being able to take the game on and play an attacking brand under new coach Adrian Smith.

The Bombers like to joke he plays the ‘Nick Daicos’ role for them with his running and creativity from half-back.

“They call me that and it’s not true, I’m a long way off that,” Bayles said with a laugh.

“It definitely is (a fun brand to play), I really enjoy that. Its really good across the playing group where everyone’s really positive and we rarely get down on each other. If someone makes a mistake we just move onto the next one.

“Over the off season I just worked on my fitness and strength, and out there on the field be able to use my skills.

“Smithy’s allowed me to use my run and kicking, it’s been really good.”

They may have beaten the Blues by 14 goals, but internally the Bombers were frustrated at their third quarter, easily their worst of the season.

They conceded three unanswered goals, but got back on track by booting the only seven goals of the last term.

“We looked like we had the game on our terms but after the week off we maybe came back a bit rusty,” Bayles said.

“We didn’t have the polish we normally would have coming off half back, our handballing and kicking was off the mark.

“We were just hurting ourselves by turning the footy over and the third quarter especially. We haven’t had a quarter like that in a long time, they dictated to us basically.

“We always like to keep our focuson the game at hand but credit to Launeston, they came out in the second half and their defence was really good.”

The Bombers next play Lauderdale at UTAS Stadium next Saturday.

Originally published as Bayles covets ‘The Map’ as Bombers blitz continues