Boots or hoops: Geraldton sporting talent Johny Narkle has a big decision

There’s one big drawback to the undoubted and probably untapped ability of Johny Narkle. One day, he’s going to have to do something all multi-talented sportspeople must do ... make a choice. For Narkle, it’s between basketball and football. For now, lovers of both sports in the Mid West can enjoy his rare talents. On Sunday, he will be a key player in Chapman Valley’s bid to beat the Blues and get the Royals into their first grand final in nearly three decades. Loyal Royal supporters are planning on Narkle staying in black-and-blue colours before an invitation to head to the big smoke and try his luck in the WAFL, or maybe the AFL. But basketball also wants him, in a battle of the ball games. He’s just finished his debut in the big-time, albeit smaller-scale West Coast Classic, and impressed. Mention his name to Geraldton Buccaneers coach Dayle Joseph and you receive “I want him here” looks. Joseph, rightly,wants 100 per cent commitment from Narkle, and he got it ... for the year just gone. Joseph envisages Narkle as a “win-win” for basketball and the Buccs, on and off the court. They like his skills, and they like that he could be a drawcard to the sport for Indigenous kids. But as one Valley diehard, a well-respected judge, said: “He looks better in our jumper than their singlet. Is he good? Mate, he could be the next Paddy Ryder.”