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NRL fans rally around Indi Carroll after sad setback for daughter of Manly legend
NRL fans are sending messages of support to Indi Carroll - a Manly cheerleader and daughter of club legend Mark Carroll - after she revealed she'd been knocked back from joining the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. For the second year running, Indi has been left heartbroken to miss out on selection for the most famous cheerleading squad in the world.
The 26-year-old, who has been a cheerleader for Manly for the last decade, made it to the final round of tryouts in Dallas. 'This past weekend, I had the incredible honour of standing among 80 phenomenal dancers on finals day for the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders - a dream I've held close to my heart for as long as I can remember,' she said in a statement.
'Coming from Australia, my journey looked different. I didn't grow up in the same systems or with the same access, and I don't have a large social media following or a history in the American dance scene.
'Many of the women auditioning were not only remarkable performers but showcased years of specialised training, gymnastic foundations, and performance experience in styles I simply didn't invest in growing up in Australia, however I showed up anyway, as fully and authentically as I could. I brought everything I had - my heart, my training and my deep love for the Dallas Cowboys cheerleader's legacy.
"I danced with every ounce of passion I had, knowing I was representing not only myself, but also the community back home who dared to dream with me. Unfortunately, my journey came to an end (on Sunday). I didn't advance to training camp for a second attempt, and yes, that's hard to say because when you want something so deeply, it's hard to fall short."
The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders are the subject of popular Netflix series 'America's Sweethearts', with Season 2 set to premiere in coming days. "I walk away from this experience incredibly proud," Indi added. "I left everything I had on that field. I carried a little piece of Sydney with me to Dallas, Texas, and showed up wholeheartedly as myself.
'To be in that room, to be considered among the top 80 across the world, and to have represented where I'm from on such a world-class stage, that's something I will carry with pride forever. This journey teaches you to embrace your most vulnerable self, stand proud in a place that once felt impossible to reach and be proud of yourself regardless of the outcome.
'Thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone who believed in me and supported me throughout this journey. I'm not sure what next now, but I'm excited to find out.'
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A post shared by Indianna Carroll 🕊 (@indicarroll)
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Indi's mother Monique is the director of the 'Seabirds' - Manly's cheerleading squad. Father Mark played 88 games for Manly across an illustrious first-grade career that also saw him represent NSW and Australia.
Indi's heartbreak comes with a tinge of happiness for fellow Aussie Faith Ward. The 22-year-old from Western Australia has been lucky enough to advance to the training camp phase of tryouts.
Fans took to social media to express their condolences for Indi, while imploring her to keep her head up and remain positive. "Two things my dad has always said - never let fear hold you back and if you can dream it, you can do it," she said last year.
At least you have it a shot, well done your family will be proud of you.
— Scott Donoghue (@DonoghueSc49182) June 16, 2025
Way to dream big Indi!
— Mike Olenurtz (Alpha Male) (@Mike_Olenurtz) June 11, 2025
