Former NRL hopeful Danny Allende chasing new career in rugby and as role model
Former NRL hopeful Danny Allende believes you can’t be what you can’t see and it is why he’s having a second crack at being an elite footballer.
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Danny Allende believes in leading by example.
It’s what has taken him out of his comfort zone for a crack at a career vastly different from his current one as a program manager at the La Perouse Youth Haven.
Allende maintains you can’t be what you can’t see and for him being a role model is important.
“It is really important that everything I talk to the kids about I do,” he said.
“They love to ask questions about my football and I hope I am inspiring others by having a go instead of sitting back and saying ‘I could make it, but’.’’
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Allende, a former junior player at the Roosters and Rabbitohs, had his own local role model to show him what is possible with talent and determination.
“Out here where we live, it is rugby league dominated,” said the 24-year-old from La Perouse.
“But we had Maurice Longbottom make the Australian (Rugby Sevens) team.
For me I know it’s my last chance to make it. The experience I have gained playing rugby league and bouncing around has driven me more
“We were old teammates and watched him play sevens, I though, ‘if he can do it, so can I’.
“We want to try and show league isn’t the only option.”
Also important for Allende is reinvigorating his dream of being an elite athlete – in a sport different to the one he once used to aspire to – via the First Nation program identifying potential sevens talent.
Allende, whose sister Jasmine made her long awaited NRLW debut with the Roosters this season and cousin Harley Lester is also in the First Nation squad, played rugby league the majority of his life but played union for Northern Suburbs in the Shute Shield last year.
“For me I know it’s my last chance to make it. The experience I have gained playing rugby league and bouncing around has driven me more,’’ Allende said.
“It has got me thinking about rugby and the opportunities.
“My first priority is to play sevens and hopefully for Australia but if that doesn’t happen, 15s is something I really want to have a crack at.
“For me the dream would be to play for the Tahs (Waratahs) and then the Wallabies.’’
Allende, who played at the Western Sydney 7s event last weekend, has been named to compete in the Hottest 7s event in Darwin later this month.
Up to two players from the First Nation squad could eventually secure Rugby Australia contracts.
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