Sydney Roosters gun Luke Keary’s off-field passion takes him back to home turf
Roosters half Luke Keary has had a season to remember on and off the field with a premiership and new baby. But there’s something else that also makes him feel good.
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Luke Keary has won two premierships with the Sydney Roosters and earns his living from the game but he still remembers what it was like to play rugby league simply for the joy of it.
The Roosters half admits players can also “get caught in the bubble” of NRL and from time to time he needs to do something different.
“You can get caught up with things in NRL, the media, the game and stuff,” he said.
“Seeing kids playing for fun, you need that reminder sometimes. It’s a reality check.”
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It’s why Keary is returning to his roots to run a free event for kids - a program which he said helps keeps him grounded.
“It’s an awesome feeling meeting them,” said new dad Keary, who loves working with children to share his locve of the game.
“I don’t forget what I was like as a kid. I know what it would have meant to me to have met an NRL player.
“I also get an awesome feeling out of it as well. One hundred per cent it makes me feel good.
“It’s cool to know kids like it and are happy to see you.”
Now living in Dover Heights, Keary was born and bred in the Hills, playing his early football with the Kellyville Bushrangers before graduating to the Hills Bulls.
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The Glenhaven product returns to lend a hand running clinics with the Bulls but wanted to do more and has jumped at the chance to team with Youth Sports Australia for a free event for six to 12 year-olds on December 15 at the Hills Centenary Park, Rouse Hill.
“It is pretty big area for rugby league. We are under the Parramatta District rugby league and the Hills Bulls are pretty big,’’ Keary said.
“I have always wanted to do something bigger with some younger kids and this is my way to give back a bit.
“That area is where I grew up and it helped me get to be where I am now and I want to give back to it.
“There wasn’t anyone form the Hills who played in the NRL when I grew up.
“Now there’s me and Ryan Papenhuyzen. We went to the same school.
“Now we are able to go back and I hope it will inspire kids.”
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The December 15 event is from 9am to 12pm and with a free BBQ for those who attend.
Places are limited and kids must be registered online to secure a spot at www.youthsportsaustralia.com.au/events.