Super Freak
International Captain
Forum Staff
- Jan 25, 2014
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THE death of his best friend has inspired Broncos hopeful Todd Murphy to relaunch his career and chase his NRL dream.
Murphy is back in Brisbane trialling for a contract with the Broncos six months after the death of Sunshine Coast Falcons prop James Ackerman.
Murphy first pulled on a Caloundra Sharks jersey alongside Ackerman as an eight-year-old.
They played schoolboys football together at Mountain Creek, then moved on to the Redcliffe Dolphins before snaring under-20s contracts with the Broncos in 2009.
Murphy was a groomsman at Ackerman’s wedding and they barely left each other’s side for more than a decade.
Murphy left Norths for Cronulla last season but the shock death of Ackerman as the result of a tackle during an Intrust Super Cup game in June has seen him return to his home city.
Not a day goes by when the 25-year-old halfback does not think about his lost mate but Murphy is hoping to use his new lease on life to crack the NRL.
“He was like a brother to me,” Murphy said.
“We grew up together. We played together since under-8s all the way through under-20s.
“I think about him all the time, every time I run out there. As a halfback, I used to catch the footy and dish it on to him.
“He’s always in the back of your mind.
“You’re never going to get over it but he’d want you to get on with life and enjoy it as much as you can. That was his philosophy.
“It can all be gone in the blink of an eye so enjoy it while you can.’’
The rest of the 2015 season was tough for Murphy as he languished in the NSW Cup with Newtown despite playing in the Auckland Nines for the Sharks.
“I was coping all right down there, then the passing of Ackers hit home pretty hard,” he said.
“Trying to get through the year was pretty tough. The opportunity came to come home and be close to family and friends was most important for me.
“When I was down there all I thought about was footy. When I lost Ackers, I started concentrated on what I love doing.
“I’m back playing with my mates at Norths and trialling for a contract with the Broncos.’’
Murphy came through the Broncos system with Ackerman alongside Ben Hunt, Josh McGuire, Andrew McCullough and Jharal Yow Yeh.
It is a big ask to break into a team which includes halves duo Anthony Milford and Hunt but Murphy can see a silver lining.
“They’re two of the best halves in the competition,” he said. “There’s an opportunity to learn off the greatest coach (Wayne Bennett) of all time. That’s going to improve me as a footballer.
“I want to get better. All I can do is train hard and improve.’’
http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport...y/news-story/212202ff2093f05906ff83613702ee0e
Murphy is back in Brisbane trialling for a contract with the Broncos six months after the death of Sunshine Coast Falcons prop James Ackerman.
Murphy first pulled on a Caloundra Sharks jersey alongside Ackerman as an eight-year-old.
They played schoolboys football together at Mountain Creek, then moved on to the Redcliffe Dolphins before snaring under-20s contracts with the Broncos in 2009.
Murphy was a groomsman at Ackerman’s wedding and they barely left each other’s side for more than a decade.
Murphy left Norths for Cronulla last season but the shock death of Ackerman as the result of a tackle during an Intrust Super Cup game in June has seen him return to his home city.
Not a day goes by when the 25-year-old halfback does not think about his lost mate but Murphy is hoping to use his new lease on life to crack the NRL.
“He was like a brother to me,” Murphy said.
“We grew up together. We played together since under-8s all the way through under-20s.
“I think about him all the time, every time I run out there. As a halfback, I used to catch the footy and dish it on to him.
“He’s always in the back of your mind.
“You’re never going to get over it but he’d want you to get on with life and enjoy it as much as you can. That was his philosophy.
“It can all be gone in the blink of an eye so enjoy it while you can.’’
The rest of the 2015 season was tough for Murphy as he languished in the NSW Cup with Newtown despite playing in the Auckland Nines for the Sharks.
“I was coping all right down there, then the passing of Ackers hit home pretty hard,” he said.
“Trying to get through the year was pretty tough. The opportunity came to come home and be close to family and friends was most important for me.
“When I was down there all I thought about was footy. When I lost Ackers, I started concentrated on what I love doing.
“I’m back playing with my mates at Norths and trialling for a contract with the Broncos.’’
Murphy came through the Broncos system with Ackerman alongside Ben Hunt, Josh McGuire, Andrew McCullough and Jharal Yow Yeh.
It is a big ask to break into a team which includes halves duo Anthony Milford and Hunt but Murphy can see a silver lining.
“They’re two of the best halves in the competition,” he said. “There’s an opportunity to learn off the greatest coach (Wayne Bennett) of all time. That’s going to improve me as a footballer.
“I want to get better. All I can do is train hard and improve.’’
http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport...y/news-story/212202ff2093f05906ff83613702ee0e
