Jaeger O’Meara’s superb form on the training track has forced Rodney Eade and the match committee to strongly consider the young star for selection this weekend, despite his lack of match practice.
 
The 21-year-old has accelerated through his recovery from cutting-edge surgery on both his knees last October, passing each test put before him with flying colours.
 
Even with his eye-catching form - particularly during match simulation - Eade has all but ruled out playing the 2013 Rising Star recipient in the Gold Coast SUNS opening fixture against Melbourne on Saturday. He made it clear that O’Meara may need to get some minutes into his legs in the NEAFL before returning.

VIDEO: Watch Rodney Eade's press conference ahead of round one against Melbourne
 
“We’ve probably always had a plan to err on the side (of caution) there and play in the NEAFL. But certainly he hasn’t missed a beat and he’s trained exceptionally well,” Eade told reporters on Tuesday.
 
“He trained exceptionally well on Saturday, when we had some match practice – he actually dominated.

“Certainly at this stage we’ll just see how he pulls up, but I wouldn’t think he would play in the NEAFL.
 
“If he is available, what’s best for him? Is it best to play as a sub or is it best to play or is it best to play a NEAFL game. I think it would be a long shot at the moment.”

VIDEO: Watch the Round One Optomo Injury Report with Matthew Kennedy

O’Meara and his surgeon, the world-renowned Professor Hakan Alfredson, scheduled some match practice in the NEAFL as part of his rehabilitation program. Something he has yet to cross off his list.
 
“I think he’s got to be comfortable where he’s at. I think he’s always had his mind set with the program that was set by the surgeon in London that he would like a game in the NEAFL,” Eade said.
 
“I think he’s got to be confident, the medical staff have got to be confident because they’ve been very stringent with the program on what he could do.”