Finance broker Charlie Murray to make NRL debut for Wests Tigers against Panthers
Drumming up new business has been put on hold for finance broker Charlie Murray as he makes himself known to teammates before his fairytale Wests Tigers NRL debut.
Murray spent time in Gold Coast and Melbourne Storm's systems before being brought down to Sydney by the Tigers on a train-and-trial deal this year.
He is now preparing to come off the interchange bench for Benji Marshall's side against Penrith on Sunday.
"I only just got to know them (his teammates), I think some of them only just worked out my name was Charlie," Murray said on Wednesday.
Murray nearly gave rugby league away before a Tigers lifeline convinced him to give breaking into the NRL another chance this year.
With as many as 66 reserve-grade matches under his belt, it is a fair wait for a chance to play at the highest club level.
"I think I played in nearly 70 (Queensland and NSW) Cup games, so when those numbers start to add up you think it might have got away," Murray said.
"Last year I was scratching my head a bit but then I got given this opportunity at the end of the year and I've just taken it with both hands."
The 23-year-old, who left the Burleigh Bears in the Queensland Cup for the Tigers, said he was happy for his brokering career to take a back seat, at least temporarily.
"I was going to stay in Queensland but then this came and I just thought one more opportunity, I'll have one last crack," Murray said.
"I've been in Sydney, Gold Coast, Melbourne, so you've got to get your stuff together and start thinking about jobs and careers.
"So I'm like, 'Oh, one more crack, I'm 23, I'm not too old,' but then you want to get started with your life."
Murray said his experience learning off players and coaches at multiple clubs would set him up well for the challenge of facing the Panthers.
"You got Cam Munster, Harry Grant, all those big guys," Murray said.
"I only did pre-seasons there but I learned a lot from Craig (Bellamy) so it was a great experience."
Murray's family is now largely based in Laurieton on the NSW mid-north coast.
He said their support was crucial in encouraging him to persevere with his rugby league aspirations.
"Parents (and) partner are over the moon, they've ridden the highs and lows with me so it's a credit to them," Murray said.
AAP
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Advertiser
11 minutes ago
- The Advertiser
Broncos star axed as Walsh gives Maguire new hope
Brisbane coach Michael Maguire has swung the axe with representative outside back Selwyn Cobbo dropped from the team. The decision, after the Broncos lost six of seven matches, shows Maguire is prepared to be make big calls for poor performances. Josiah Karapani, 23, will come into the side on the wing for his first NRL match of the season against Gold Coast at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night. Star fullback Reece Walsh returns to No.1 after missing six weeks with a posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injury and will partner halves Ezra Mam and Adam Reynolds for the first time as a combination in 2025. The Broncos have not been happy with 23-year-old Cobbo's recent performances at fullback and wing. Maguire explained his decision, with Cobbo expected to play Queensland Cup for Wynnum Manly. "As a group, and as a leadership group and as a coach, we're pushing standards here and expectations in how we're doing things, and Karapani's got his opportunity and Selly's got to look at a few things in his game," Maguire said. "(Karapani) has been really consistent in the way he's been playing through the pre -season ... and he's obviously experienced first grade. When he has played, he's played really well. I know he'll do a good job." Maguire said Cobbo "definitely" could force his way back into the side. Cobbo is off-contract but Maguire said he did not look at his axing as having an impact on whether he would still be at the Broncos next year. "I'm here to coach the team. We're creating standards and ... the more you meet those, the more opportunities you have," Maguire said, while confirming he would keep private the intricate detail of the areas Cobbo needed to Deine Mariner was also dropped while prop Pat Carrigan moves to his favoured lock position. The Broncos have lacked competitive tension in recent weeks for spots with Walsh and half/hooker Ben Hunt (hamstring) unavailable. That has now changed with Hunt not far away from a return. "It's (about) having the players available too," Maguire said. "We're starting to get the spine everyone gets excited about with Reyno and Ez and Reece ...and we'll get Hunty back in there at some stage. "It just tinkers with how you're playing and with those boys in there ... you're looking at a different outcome. "Reece is ready to go so we are looking forward to bringing his energy back in, but also to his experience and just who he is. He's a good player. I love coaching him. He'll do his job for the team." Maguire wore an "Adam Reynolds 300" shirt in tribute to the Brisbane captain who will reach the milestone against the Titans. He said it was "an honour" to mentor the 34-year-old, whom he gave an NRL debut to in 2012 at South Sydney. "To think further down the track, we're playing 300 it's an incredible achievement really," Maguire said. "For a little fella like him, he's had every big man running at him, makes plenty of tackles, pushes the team around the park and he's had some massive moments. "Grand final winner (in 2014), been in a few more grand finals and helped a lot of players. One thing that stands out for me is how Reyno influenced his teammates." Brisbane coach Michael Maguire has swung the axe with representative outside back Selwyn Cobbo dropped from the team. The decision, after the Broncos lost six of seven matches, shows Maguire is prepared to be make big calls for poor performances. Josiah Karapani, 23, will come into the side on the wing for his first NRL match of the season against Gold Coast at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night. Star fullback Reece Walsh returns to No.1 after missing six weeks with a posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injury and will partner halves Ezra Mam and Adam Reynolds for the first time as a combination in 2025. The Broncos have not been happy with 23-year-old Cobbo's recent performances at fullback and wing. Maguire explained his decision, with Cobbo expected to play Queensland Cup for Wynnum Manly. "As a group, and as a leadership group and as a coach, we're pushing standards here and expectations in how we're doing things, and Karapani's got his opportunity and Selly's got to look at a few things in his game," Maguire said. "(Karapani) has been really consistent in the way he's been playing through the pre -season ... and he's obviously experienced first grade. When he has played, he's played really well. I know he'll do a good job." Maguire said Cobbo "definitely" could force his way back into the side. Cobbo is off-contract but Maguire said he did not look at his axing as having an impact on whether he would still be at the Broncos next year. "I'm here to coach the team. We're creating standards and ... the more you meet those, the more opportunities you have," Maguire said, while confirming he would keep private the intricate detail of the areas Cobbo needed to Deine Mariner was also dropped while prop Pat Carrigan moves to his favoured lock position. The Broncos have lacked competitive tension in recent weeks for spots with Walsh and half/hooker Ben Hunt (hamstring) unavailable. That has now changed with Hunt not far away from a return. "It's (about) having the players available too," Maguire said. "We're starting to get the spine everyone gets excited about with Reyno and Ez and Reece ...and we'll get Hunty back in there at some stage. "It just tinkers with how you're playing and with those boys in there ... you're looking at a different outcome. "Reece is ready to go so we are looking forward to bringing his energy back in, but also to his experience and just who he is. He's a good player. I love coaching him. He'll do his job for the team." Maguire wore an "Adam Reynolds 300" shirt in tribute to the Brisbane captain who will reach the milestone against the Titans. He said it was "an honour" to mentor the 34-year-old, whom he gave an NRL debut to in 2012 at South Sydney. "To think further down the track, we're playing 300 it's an incredible achievement really," Maguire said. "For a little fella like him, he's had every big man running at him, makes plenty of tackles, pushes the team around the park and he's had some massive moments. "Grand final winner (in 2014), been in a few more grand finals and helped a lot of players. One thing that stands out for me is how Reyno influenced his teammates." Brisbane coach Michael Maguire has swung the axe with representative outside back Selwyn Cobbo dropped from the team. The decision, after the Broncos lost six of seven matches, shows Maguire is prepared to be make big calls for poor performances. Josiah Karapani, 23, will come into the side on the wing for his first NRL match of the season against Gold Coast at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night. Star fullback Reece Walsh returns to No.1 after missing six weeks with a posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injury and will partner halves Ezra Mam and Adam Reynolds for the first time as a combination in 2025. The Broncos have not been happy with 23-year-old Cobbo's recent performances at fullback and wing. Maguire explained his decision, with Cobbo expected to play Queensland Cup for Wynnum Manly. "As a group, and as a leadership group and as a coach, we're pushing standards here and expectations in how we're doing things, and Karapani's got his opportunity and Selly's got to look at a few things in his game," Maguire said. "(Karapani) has been really consistent in the way he's been playing through the pre -season ... and he's obviously experienced first grade. When he has played, he's played really well. I know he'll do a good job." Maguire said Cobbo "definitely" could force his way back into the side. Cobbo is off-contract but Maguire said he did not look at his axing as having an impact on whether he would still be at the Broncos next year. "I'm here to coach the team. We're creating standards and ... the more you meet those, the more opportunities you have," Maguire said, while confirming he would keep private the intricate detail of the areas Cobbo needed to Deine Mariner was also dropped while prop Pat Carrigan moves to his favoured lock position. The Broncos have lacked competitive tension in recent weeks for spots with Walsh and half/hooker Ben Hunt (hamstring) unavailable. That has now changed with Hunt not far away from a return. "It's (about) having the players available too," Maguire said. "We're starting to get the spine everyone gets excited about with Reyno and Ez and Reece ...and we'll get Hunty back in there at some stage. "It just tinkers with how you're playing and with those boys in there ... you're looking at a different outcome. "Reece is ready to go so we are looking forward to bringing his energy back in, but also to his experience and just who he is. He's a good player. I love coaching him. He'll do his job for the team." Maguire wore an "Adam Reynolds 300" shirt in tribute to the Brisbane captain who will reach the milestone against the Titans. He said it was "an honour" to mentor the 34-year-old, whom he gave an NRL debut to in 2012 at South Sydney. "To think further down the track, we're playing 300 it's an incredible achievement really," Maguire said. "For a little fella like him, he's had every big man running at him, makes plenty of tackles, pushes the team around the park and he's had some massive moments. "Grand final winner (in 2014), been in a few more grand finals and helped a lot of players. One thing that stands out for me is how Reyno influenced his teammates."
The Advertiser
11 minutes ago
- The Advertiser
Danger ready to fire as Cats eye Suns' top-four spot
Chris Scott is confident Geelong captain Patrick Dangerfield is ready to return to his bullocking best against Gold Coast, with an AFL top-four spot on the line. Dangerfield is back from his latest hamstring injury at GMHBA Stadium on Saturday as the Cats (8-4) seek to leap above the fourth-placed Suns (8-3) on the ladder. History is on their side after seven wins in as many attempts against visiting Gold Coast teams at the Kardinia Park venue. Scott, who dismissed that record as irrelevant this week, will welcome back Dangerfield after a fortnight on the sidelines. The two-time premiership coach suggested his skipper could have played in the Cats' last-start win over West Coast if required. As usual, Geelong have taken a conservative approach to the 35-year-old's rehabilitation as they eye another finals campaign later in the season. "The assessment would be that last week was the extra week, if we were going to think about it that way," Scott said. "But he's trained really well for a few weeks and probably that, in the context of previous hamstring issues he's had, this is right at the minor end. "We probably would have pushed him a little bit harder if we were in the last couple of games of the season, but didn't feel the need to do that. "So he's definitely right." Dangerfield and club debutant Jack Martin are set to add scoring weapons to Geelong's front half alongside Coleman Medal leader Jeremy Cameron. Ollie Henry has been managed, opening the door for injury-plagued former Carlton and Gold Coast forward Martin to feature in the Cats' line-up for the first time since signing as a free agent last year. The 30-year-old recruit has proved his fitness in two VFL games since overcoming his latest calf muscle setback. "It's fair to say that everyone's excited to see what he can do," Scott said. "The whole competition knows there's something special in there, (but) he just hasn't been afforded the opportunity to show it regularly." Geelong are prepared for wet-weather football, with a maximum of 15 degrees and rain forecast on Saturday. "The game does change, there's no doubt about that," Scott said. "There's no point putting your head in the sand and saying, 'Right, we want to keep playing dry weather footy necessarily if it's wet'. "But Gold Coast had some experience last week in slippery conditions and we feel like we play in those conditions a bit." The Suns have a 0-8 overall record at GMHBA Stadium but have not played at the venue since 2021. On their most recent visit they were thumped by Essendon in front of empty stands at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. "The thing that's really relevant for us is just how good they have been consistently this year," Scott said. "It might be a little bit different if we were sort of saying they're top-four after three or four rounds. "But it's past the half-way mark of the year and they're still up there and they've been formidable." Chris Scott is confident Geelong captain Patrick Dangerfield is ready to return to his bullocking best against Gold Coast, with an AFL top-four spot on the line. Dangerfield is back from his latest hamstring injury at GMHBA Stadium on Saturday as the Cats (8-4) seek to leap above the fourth-placed Suns (8-3) on the ladder. History is on their side after seven wins in as many attempts against visiting Gold Coast teams at the Kardinia Park venue. Scott, who dismissed that record as irrelevant this week, will welcome back Dangerfield after a fortnight on the sidelines. The two-time premiership coach suggested his skipper could have played in the Cats' last-start win over West Coast if required. As usual, Geelong have taken a conservative approach to the 35-year-old's rehabilitation as they eye another finals campaign later in the season. "The assessment would be that last week was the extra week, if we were going to think about it that way," Scott said. "But he's trained really well for a few weeks and probably that, in the context of previous hamstring issues he's had, this is right at the minor end. "We probably would have pushed him a little bit harder if we were in the last couple of games of the season, but didn't feel the need to do that. "So he's definitely right." Dangerfield and club debutant Jack Martin are set to add scoring weapons to Geelong's front half alongside Coleman Medal leader Jeremy Cameron. Ollie Henry has been managed, opening the door for injury-plagued former Carlton and Gold Coast forward Martin to feature in the Cats' line-up for the first time since signing as a free agent last year. The 30-year-old recruit has proved his fitness in two VFL games since overcoming his latest calf muscle setback. "It's fair to say that everyone's excited to see what he can do," Scott said. "The whole competition knows there's something special in there, (but) he just hasn't been afforded the opportunity to show it regularly." Geelong are prepared for wet-weather football, with a maximum of 15 degrees and rain forecast on Saturday. "The game does change, there's no doubt about that," Scott said. "There's no point putting your head in the sand and saying, 'Right, we want to keep playing dry weather footy necessarily if it's wet'. "But Gold Coast had some experience last week in slippery conditions and we feel like we play in those conditions a bit." The Suns have a 0-8 overall record at GMHBA Stadium but have not played at the venue since 2021. On their most recent visit they were thumped by Essendon in front of empty stands at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. "The thing that's really relevant for us is just how good they have been consistently this year," Scott said. "It might be a little bit different if we were sort of saying they're top-four after three or four rounds. "But it's past the half-way mark of the year and they're still up there and they've been formidable." Chris Scott is confident Geelong captain Patrick Dangerfield is ready to return to his bullocking best against Gold Coast, with an AFL top-four spot on the line. Dangerfield is back from his latest hamstring injury at GMHBA Stadium on Saturday as the Cats (8-4) seek to leap above the fourth-placed Suns (8-3) on the ladder. History is on their side after seven wins in as many attempts against visiting Gold Coast teams at the Kardinia Park venue. Scott, who dismissed that record as irrelevant this week, will welcome back Dangerfield after a fortnight on the sidelines. The two-time premiership coach suggested his skipper could have played in the Cats' last-start win over West Coast if required. As usual, Geelong have taken a conservative approach to the 35-year-old's rehabilitation as they eye another finals campaign later in the season. "The assessment would be that last week was the extra week, if we were going to think about it that way," Scott said. "But he's trained really well for a few weeks and probably that, in the context of previous hamstring issues he's had, this is right at the minor end. "We probably would have pushed him a little bit harder if we were in the last couple of games of the season, but didn't feel the need to do that. "So he's definitely right." Dangerfield and club debutant Jack Martin are set to add scoring weapons to Geelong's front half alongside Coleman Medal leader Jeremy Cameron. Ollie Henry has been managed, opening the door for injury-plagued former Carlton and Gold Coast forward Martin to feature in the Cats' line-up for the first time since signing as a free agent last year. The 30-year-old recruit has proved his fitness in two VFL games since overcoming his latest calf muscle setback. "It's fair to say that everyone's excited to see what he can do," Scott said. "The whole competition knows there's something special in there, (but) he just hasn't been afforded the opportunity to show it regularly." Geelong are prepared for wet-weather football, with a maximum of 15 degrees and rain forecast on Saturday. "The game does change, there's no doubt about that," Scott said. "There's no point putting your head in the sand and saying, 'Right, we want to keep playing dry weather footy necessarily if it's wet'. "But Gold Coast had some experience last week in slippery conditions and we feel like we play in those conditions a bit." The Suns have a 0-8 overall record at GMHBA Stadium but have not played at the venue since 2021. On their most recent visit they were thumped by Essendon in front of empty stands at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. "The thing that's really relevant for us is just how good they have been consistently this year," Scott said. "It might be a little bit different if we were sort of saying they're top-four after three or four rounds. "But it's past the half-way mark of the year and they're still up there and they've been formidable."
The Advertiser
11 minutes ago
- The Advertiser
Edict fires two NRL greats into frame for Kangaroos job
The NRL will maintain its stance of prohibiting the Kangaroos coach from having club ties, placing Brad Fittler and Cameron Smith at the front of the queue to replace Mal Meninga. After nine years and two World Cup titles, Meninga has walked away from the Australian Test side to become head coach of the Perth Bears ahead of their inaugural NRL season in 2027. Meninga has been one of the most vocal supporters of the international game's growth and leaves the role with an 89 per cent win rate from 28 Tests. His exit to take the Perth gig leaves the Kangaroos without a coach just five months out from the first Ashes series in more than two decades. Australia will play England in a three-Test series at Wembley, Headingley and Everton's new home ground in November. There has been speculation that South Sydney coach Wayne Bennett would put his hand up to lead Australia. But NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo said in Sydney on Friday that the ARL Commission wanted the national team coach to be at arm's length from club football. "We are all very excited for the end-of-season tour, it's been a long time in waiting, and of course we have a World Cup next year. "Today was about announcing Mal as the Perth Bears coach, and now with that secured the commission will turn its attention to the right candidate for the Kangaroos." Smith has no interest to coach at club level, but the 56-Test hooker said this week that the chance to work with the Kangaroos around his commentary commitments was appealing. Fittler, meanwhile, hasn't had a coaching position since parting ways with NSW following the 2023 State of Origin series. The ex-Australian playmaker currently works at the NRL and has received the backing of Phil Gould to lead the Kangaroos' Ashes tour. Meninga has helped restore the Australian team to the top of the international game, while the rise of Tonga and Samoa has left the Kangaroos increasingly fighting for players. "The Kangaroos job is a full-time job, it's not just coaching the team, there's a couple of other commitments," Meninga said. "From a transition point of view I'll hopefully be a part of all that. "I have loved the opportunity to coach the Australian team and build the international program. "I'm satisfied with the job I did with the national program, I'm really comfortable with the fact that I'm moving on." The NRL will maintain its stance of prohibiting the Kangaroos coach from having club ties, placing Brad Fittler and Cameron Smith at the front of the queue to replace Mal Meninga. After nine years and two World Cup titles, Meninga has walked away from the Australian Test side to become head coach of the Perth Bears ahead of their inaugural NRL season in 2027. Meninga has been one of the most vocal supporters of the international game's growth and leaves the role with an 89 per cent win rate from 28 Tests. His exit to take the Perth gig leaves the Kangaroos without a coach just five months out from the first Ashes series in more than two decades. Australia will play England in a three-Test series at Wembley, Headingley and Everton's new home ground in November. There has been speculation that South Sydney coach Wayne Bennett would put his hand up to lead Australia. But NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo said in Sydney on Friday that the ARL Commission wanted the national team coach to be at arm's length from club football. "We are all very excited for the end-of-season tour, it's been a long time in waiting, and of course we have a World Cup next year. "Today was about announcing Mal as the Perth Bears coach, and now with that secured the commission will turn its attention to the right candidate for the Kangaroos." Smith has no interest to coach at club level, but the 56-Test hooker said this week that the chance to work with the Kangaroos around his commentary commitments was appealing. Fittler, meanwhile, hasn't had a coaching position since parting ways with NSW following the 2023 State of Origin series. The ex-Australian playmaker currently works at the NRL and has received the backing of Phil Gould to lead the Kangaroos' Ashes tour. Meninga has helped restore the Australian team to the top of the international game, while the rise of Tonga and Samoa has left the Kangaroos increasingly fighting for players. "The Kangaroos job is a full-time job, it's not just coaching the team, there's a couple of other commitments," Meninga said. "From a transition point of view I'll hopefully be a part of all that. "I have loved the opportunity to coach the Australian team and build the international program. "I'm satisfied with the job I did with the national program, I'm really comfortable with the fact that I'm moving on." The NRL will maintain its stance of prohibiting the Kangaroos coach from having club ties, placing Brad Fittler and Cameron Smith at the front of the queue to replace Mal Meninga. After nine years and two World Cup titles, Meninga has walked away from the Australian Test side to become head coach of the Perth Bears ahead of their inaugural NRL season in 2027. Meninga has been one of the most vocal supporters of the international game's growth and leaves the role with an 89 per cent win rate from 28 Tests. His exit to take the Perth gig leaves the Kangaroos without a coach just five months out from the first Ashes series in more than two decades. Australia will play England in a three-Test series at Wembley, Headingley and Everton's new home ground in November. There has been speculation that South Sydney coach Wayne Bennett would put his hand up to lead Australia. But NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo said in Sydney on Friday that the ARL Commission wanted the national team coach to be at arm's length from club football. "We are all very excited for the end-of-season tour, it's been a long time in waiting, and of course we have a World Cup next year. "Today was about announcing Mal as the Perth Bears coach, and now with that secured the commission will turn its attention to the right candidate for the Kangaroos." Smith has no interest to coach at club level, but the 56-Test hooker said this week that the chance to work with the Kangaroos around his commentary commitments was appealing. Fittler, meanwhile, hasn't had a coaching position since parting ways with NSW following the 2023 State of Origin series. The ex-Australian playmaker currently works at the NRL and has received the backing of Phil Gould to lead the Kangaroos' Ashes tour. Meninga has helped restore the Australian team to the top of the international game, while the rise of Tonga and Samoa has left the Kangaroos increasingly fighting for players. "The Kangaroos job is a full-time job, it's not just coaching the team, there's a couple of other commitments," Meninga said. "From a transition point of view I'll hopefully be a part of all that. "I have loved the opportunity to coach the Australian team and build the international program. "I'm satisfied with the job I did with the national program, I'm really comfortable with the fact that I'm moving on."
