Shute Shield finals 2022: Randwick young gun Dan O’Brien’s journey from freak accident to finals

A freak accident sliding on a banister put Dan O’Brien’s childhood dream of playing rugby in jeopardy. Now he’s making up for lost time.

Amanda Lulham

@amandalulham

less than 2 min read

August 18, 2022 - 10:02AM

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Just three days after his 20th birthday Dan O’Brien slid down a banister for the last time.

A freak accident saw him suffer internal injuries requiring emergency surgery and then a second operation six months later.

It also sidelined him from the game for months as Randwick started its Shute Shield season with him watching on.

Remarkably, 10 games into his return to the field and ahead of Sunday’s semi-final between Randwick and Gordon, O’Brien is now part of the eastern suburbs’ bid for success in the premier club competition.

“The accident turned my life upside down. I was out of action for six months, in bed a lot of the time for three months and I don’t take anything for granted at all now.

“I try make the most of everything.

The Sydney Uni v Randwick finals series match last weekend.

But I feel like I’m back on track now and I’m back in my mindset.”

O’Brien grew up on the family crop and livestock farm in Forbes and played both rugby league and union, the later with the Forbes Platypi, growing up.

His union career took off when he started boarding at Joeys and caught the attention of GPS, NSW, Australian Barbarians and Gen Blue selectors.

“I want to play rugby professionally, it’s a childhood dream, so I’ll just see what opportunities come up now,” said the Randwick youngster who is doing a degree at Sydney University in media, communication and marketing and he works part time as a gardener.

Young rugby player Dan O'Brien.

Randwick were unlucky not to win the weeks rest, going down to Sydney University 29–31 on Saturday.

They will now take on Gordon in their semi-final at Coogee Oval on Sunday after Gordon defeated Warringah 36–20 in their do-or-elimination match last weekend.

“We are pretty excited, we’re getting better each week and we approve improved again on the weekend,” O’Brien said.

“If we play like we did on the weekend we should be okay.”