Tries, Lies and Meat Pies

Book excerpt: Sam Thaiday is one of rugby league's most highly regarded and respected players. Often seen as one of the last true larrikins of the game, Sam has entertained Brisbane Broncos, Queensland State of Origin and Australian fans over his fifteen-year career. But behind that playful facade and infectious grin is a deeply caring and thoughtful individual, a family man who is passionate about working for better outcomes for Australian Indigenous communities. Sam's book reveals his family connections to the Torres Strait, how it was his mum who taught him how to pass, tackle and how to throw a punch (just in case it ever came up), how he married his high-school sweetheart, and his wishes for his daughters' futures. He will also tell how this Townsville boy and die-hard Cowboys fan ended up a Broncos star. A one-club player, a rarity in the game today, he relives the high points of his career, including his 2008 Dally M Award and the 2006 premiership, his many representative caps, lining up for the National Rugby League Indigenous All Stars team and being one of only three current players to be named in the Indigenous Australian rugby league team of the century. He tells some of the wild stories from behind the scenes of the club and representative training camps, with a cast of characters all NRL fans will recognise. This is Sam's unique story, told with his trademark humour, humility and honesty.