MY CAREER: “Footy’s Been in My Blood Since Day One—Mum and Dad Never Let Me Give Up”: Brisbane Broncos Fan-Favorite Tells His Story, Reflects on the Road to the NRL, and Promises to Give Back the Same Way Others Did for Him
In a heartfelt sit-down that resonated far beyond the locker room, one of the Brisbane Broncos’ most admired stars took fans on an emotional journey through his rise in rugby league, revealing the roots of his passion, the sacrifices behind the scenes, and his mission moving forward.
“It started when I was just a kid,” he began. “Footy’s always been more than a game for me. It was the one thing that made sense, that gave me purpose. I’d grab any ball I could find—footy, soccer, didn’t matter—and spend hours running around the yard pretending I was scoring the game-winner.”
Growing up in a working-class neighborhood, the future star didn’t always have access to the best gear or facilities. But what he did have was a family that believed in him long before anyone else did. “We didn’t come from money, and there were plenty of weeks where things were tight. But my parents never let that stop them from supporting my dream. Mum was the one driving me to early morning trainings, and Dad was the one fixing my boots with duct tape when we couldn’t afford new ones. That kind of love stays with you forever.”
It wasn’t long before local talent scouts began to take notice. Still a teenager, he was already showing flashes of the powerful, disciplined game that would one day make him a key player in one of the NRL’s most storied franchises. But even as the spotlight started to shine a little brighter, he never let go of his roots.
“There’s a certain hunger that comes from where I’m from. You learn not to take anything for granted. Every time I pull on that jersey, I think about those early days—cold mornings, long drives, and my family in the stands, no matter what.”
That humility has been a defining trait throughout his professional career. Known just as much for his leadership and humility as for his on-field dominance, he’s built a reputation as the kind of player young fans can look up to. But his success hasn’t come without challenges.
“There were injuries, setbacks, people who doubted I’d ever make it past the junior ranks,” he admitted. “There were moments I almost gave up. But every time I thought about quitting, I remembered my parents and how much they gave up for me. Quitting wasn’t an option. Not for them. Not for me.”
Off the field, his commitment to growth is just as strong. He’s involved in mentoring programs for at-risk youth, often making unannounced visits to schools and local footy clubs just to talk to kids who remind him of himself. “I know what it’s like to feel invisible. That’s why I try to show up for the next generation. I want them to know they matter, that someone sees them.”
Despite his rising stardom, he’s refreshingly grounded. He still returns to his hometown whenever possible, checking in on the people and places that shaped him. From grabbing a meat pie at the same corner bakery to sitting with kids at his old club, he remains committed to staying connected.
When asked what continues to drive him, the answer was immediate: “Legacy. Not just in terms of footy, but in terms of the type of person I am. When the final whistle blows on my career, I want to be remembered as someone who gave his all—to the game, to his teammates, and to the community.”
That mindset has earned him widespread respect—not just within the Broncos’ fanbase, but across the league. Teammates describe him as a glue guy, the kind who leads with actions instead of noise. Whether he’s stepping up in a clutch defensive set or putting in extra work after training, his professionalism never wavers.
He credits much of that to the discipline instilled by his family. “My parents taught me that success isn’t just talent—it’s showing up every day and doing the hard stuff. That’s what I try to live by.”
As for his future, he’s got big plans. While still focused on bringing success to Brisbane on the field, he’s laying the groundwork for a long-term impact off of it. He’s currently pursuing coaching certifications and has also launched a foundation aimed at providing scholarships and resources to young rugby league hopefuls from underserved communities.
“The dream doesn’t stop when you make it to the top,” he said. “That’s just the beginning. Now it’s about reaching back and helping others climb.”
In a sport often dominated by headlines about stats, contracts, and rivalries, his story is a powerful reminder of what footy is truly about—community, resilience, and heart. He doesn’t chase the spotlight, but it keeps finding him anyway, because authenticity like his is hard to ignore.
And as he continues to carve out his legacy with the Broncos, there’s one thing he hopes people remember most: “This game gave me everything. Now, it’s my turn to give it back.”
It’s a promise he’s already living out—one training session, one kid, one act of service at a time.
