Shute Shield: Carlo Tizzano reveals why he chose rugby over AFL

He’s already been earmarked as one of the rising stars of Australian rugby. But why Carlo Tizzano opted to play the sport over his first love of AFL is interesting to say the least.

Carlo Tizzano breaks away to score during the pre-season Super Rugby match between the Waratahs and the Highlanders at Leichhardt Oval.

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This could rank as one of the most and usual reasons for a player to pick rugby union over AFL as a career choice.

He’s a rising star of Australian rugby out to make a big impact thousands of miles from his home in an AFL stronghold.

But Mascot’s Carlo Tizzano could have been contesting a different sport from his family home in Subiaco, Perth, if things had been just a little different.

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The rugby young gun, who made his Shute Shield debut with the West Harbour Pirates last month before injuring his leg, said while he loves AFL but there is one thing which turned him off the code as a career path.

Carlo Tizzano in action for the Waratahs.

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“I was an AFL player and I am a massive AFL fan,” said the 20-year-old, part of the Young Wallabies side which last year made the final of the under 20s world championships in Argentina.

“But I got sick and tired of players running away from me and not into me.

“I do love the contact. I really love it.

“I don’t worry about getting hurt. This may sound a bit primate, but I like to have a battle and see who comes out top dog.”

AFL’s loss has been rugby’s gain with Tizzano making his Super Rugby debut with the Waratahs until released to play for the Pirates.

Carlo Tizzano made his debut for the Pirates in the same game he injured himself.

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“I hurt my foot so I’m back in isolation for a week before going back to the Waratahs,’’ he said.

“It was great to get my first cap for West Harbour and I want to try and get back for some game after I recover.

“They are saying six to eight weeks but I reckon four.’’

The flanker opted to sign on with the Pirates after hearing about the club from old Western Force teammates Harrison and Cameron Orr.

“I am so keen to get to out and play some more,” he said.