When were you born and where?
Born on June 30 1989.
I was born in Whakatane, New Zealand but grew up in Hamilton.
At what age did you first start playing footy and where?
I had my first game of rugby league at the age of 15 in late 2004. It was at the Eastern Suburbs
Rugby Club for the Hillcrest Hornets U15’s in Hamilton New Zealand. I scored 3 trys.
Why football?
For fun one day after school with the boys. I'd always had an interest in league (was originally a
union player) and my love of the game grew from there.
What footy player inspires you the most and why?
Although he doesn't know, Darryl Fisher is a big inspiration. He has played NRL and I've known
Dazzler for a while now. He tends to give me a different perspective on things and how possible it
is for me to achieve NRL status.
Also Anthony Minichiello, was such a huge fan of his and still am. It's quite funny chatting to him
casually now.
Signing up to the Axemen camp must have been a leap of faith, leaving your family, country, what
are your thoughts on these?
It wasn't really too hard of a decision to make. I decided in 2006 that I was going to pursue a
career in the NRL and that playing under Darryl for a season or 2 would be a great start. I keep in
contact with family over the phone, but it's still very tough, particularly on mum. At the end of the
day we have to make sacrifices to get where we are so I'm pleased with my decisions.
What is it like playing under captain/coach Darryl Fisher?
It was awesome to play under Darryl Fisher. I learnt more than I could've imagined. He gave plenty
of advice, was very professional and gave me a kick up the backside when needed. He's a
fantastic coach! Matty Donovan and Brett Davis welcomed me and taught me a lot, it was a
pleasure to play with these guys. The whole team in fact.
Briefly outline your journey to play with the Roosters.
After being scouted by the Rabbitoh’s and training with their U20s squad (including Mal Webster
Jr) I received a call by Peter O'Sullivan, the recruitment officer for the Roosters (formerly
Melbourne). I had a training/trial with 1st grade and physical testing. They were impressed and
offered me a contract straight away. I mulled it over a little with Darryl and decided where my best
opportunity was.
Why did you return to the Axemen?
Came back to seek opportunities elsewhere due to lack of game time, and wanted to get some
game fitness.
What do u want out of life?
I want millions, literally. I've started a progress saver with ANZ and called it my millionaire account.
Aside from that my goal is obviously to play NRL.
What’s the craziest thing you have ever done?
The craziest thing I've done is being a stripper and doing a naked film for nude day in NZ, called
"Stark in The Park".
Just one final thing….
Just to say I love playing for the axemen and made many special friendships here. I can’t imagine
playing anywhere better.
Reported by Susanne Randall
.
Born on June 30 1989.
I was born in Whakatane, New Zealand but grew up in Hamilton.
At what age did you first start playing footy and where?
I had my first game of rugby league at the age of 15 in late 2004. It was at the Eastern Suburbs
Rugby Club for the Hillcrest Hornets U15’s in Hamilton New Zealand. I scored 3 trys.
Why football?
For fun one day after school with the boys. I'd always had an interest in league (was originally a
union player) and my love of the game grew from there.
What footy player inspires you the most and why?
Although he doesn't know, Darryl Fisher is a big inspiration. He has played NRL and I've known
Dazzler for a while now. He tends to give me a different perspective on things and how possible it
is for me to achieve NRL status.
Also Anthony Minichiello, was such a huge fan of his and still am. It's quite funny chatting to him
casually now.
Signing up to the Axemen camp must have been a leap of faith, leaving your family, country, what
are your thoughts on these?
It wasn't really too hard of a decision to make. I decided in 2006 that I was going to pursue a
career in the NRL and that playing under Darryl for a season or 2 would be a great start. I keep in
contact with family over the phone, but it's still very tough, particularly on mum. At the end of the
day we have to make sacrifices to get where we are so I'm pleased with my decisions.
What is it like playing under captain/coach Darryl Fisher?
It was awesome to play under Darryl Fisher. I learnt more than I could've imagined. He gave plenty
of advice, was very professional and gave me a kick up the backside when needed. He's a
fantastic coach! Matty Donovan and Brett Davis welcomed me and taught me a lot, it was a
pleasure to play with these guys. The whole team in fact.
Briefly outline your journey to play with the Roosters.
After being scouted by the Rabbitoh’s and training with their U20s squad (including Mal Webster
Jr) I received a call by Peter O'Sullivan, the recruitment officer for the Roosters (formerly
Melbourne). I had a training/trial with 1st grade and physical testing. They were impressed and
offered me a contract straight away. I mulled it over a little with Darryl and decided where my best
opportunity was.
Why did you return to the Axemen?
Came back to seek opportunities elsewhere due to lack of game time, and wanted to get some
game fitness.
What do u want out of life?
I want millions, literally. I've started a progress saver with ANZ and called it my millionaire account.
Aside from that my goal is obviously to play NRL.
What’s the craziest thing you have ever done?
The craziest thing I've done is being a stripper and doing a naked film for nude day in NZ, called
"Stark in The Park".
Just one final thing….
Just to say I love playing for the axemen and made many special friendships here. I can’t imagine
playing anywhere better.
Reported by Susanne Randall
.