Matt gets down to business
Vikings half not quite as you would expect
MATT Egan laughs that he sometimes gets strange looks from the rugby league community.
In a world of blue-collar work, he is a 22-year-old halfback with a passion for reading, listening to podcasts and business administration.
Between footy commitments and toiling 50 hours a week installing shower screens, Egan runs a company called XXVI Clothing with a few of his mates.
He credits it for keeping him level through the ups and downs of rugby league as he chases an Intrust Super Cup debut for Burleigh.
“It sort of balances me out I think,” he said.
“I did a Cert III in business in grade 12 but I always sort of had business aspirations. I’m a heavy reader and into the podcasts and that.
“It’s something I really enjoy, running your own business, and down the line, it’s definitely what I want to do.”
Rugby League Gold Coast
takes a break this weekend as the representative Vikings team – which includes at least one player from each of the seven A-grade clubs – heads to Acacia Ridge to contest the annual Chairman’s Challenge.
Egan will line up at halfback for their games against Brisbane Blue today and Brisbane Red tomorrow.
He admitted it was an interesting challenge to be teaming up with players who most weeks are rivals.
“To be honest I didn’t really know personally anyone in the team when I rocked up to training,” Egan said.
“All of the boys have been very welcoming. It’s a great opportunity to share the field with some of the better players in our competition and I can’t wait to play with them.”
The Gold Coast junior attended Marymount College, from where he was signed by the Melbourne Storm.
After two years in the Storm under-20 system, Egan was signed by Sunshine Coast Falcons. He joined Burleigh on the eve of the 2018 season.
Egan praised ace Bears ISC playmaker Jamal Fogarty for his influence on him.
“I respect him a lot as a person and a player,” he said. “He is kind of a role model for me so definitely somewhere down the line to play alongside him would be a great honour.”