INJURY is expected to delay Koroit teenager Jarrod Korewha’s TAC Cup debut.
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Korewha was one of 15 Hampden league players named in North Ballarat Rebels’ 48-strong squad on Monday night.
But the athletic utility’s hopes of a round one call-up — the Rebels’ launch their season against Geelong Falcons at Kardinia Park on March 29 — appear slim as he recovers from a right foot injury.
Korewha missed North Ballarat’s selection practice matches.
“I did it running around home four weeks ago and have been in a moon boot four weeks today,” he said.
“It hasn’t healed enough for me to start running yet.
“I think I am in the moon boot the rest of the week and at the start of next week will take it off and see how it goes without it on.
“I missed all the practice games so that was pretty frustrating but I have to make sure it’s right.”
Korewha, who is hoping for a quick recovery and round one debut, said he was thrilled to make the Rebels’ squad.
“It was a bit of a relief and I was pretty proud to get on a TAC Cup list,” he said.
“The main focus now is to do rehab properly and get back training.”
North Ballarat Rebels coach David Loader said the club wanted to take a conservative approach with Korewha, one of three Koroit players on its list.
The mullet-clad teenager is a member of the AFL Academy — a program which nurtures promising players identified as draft chances — and played for Vic Country at under 16 level in 2014.
“He’s certainly got a hot spot in his foot so we are taking it slow and steady with Jarrod because he is going to be a really nice player in the future,” Loader said.
“He certainly won’t be ready by round one but how soon he comes back depends on how his rehabilitation goes and how quickly he can heal up.”
Cobden defender Christian Koroneos is another Hampden prospect in a race against time to be fit for Rebels’ season-opener.
The top-age teenager is managing a broken finger.
Loader said the Rebels, whose main focus is to develop draft hopefuls, were eager to again push for a top eight finish this season.
The club earned a double chance in 2014 only to fall out of the flag race in straight sets.
justine.mc@fairfaxmedia.com.au