Junior Sunshine Coast, Brisbane and Cairns rugby league talent Darius Brive signs with Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
One of the country’s most rapidly rising rugby league prospects has been snapped up by the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs from under the noses of their key NRL rivals.
Local Sport
Don't miss out on the headlines from Local Sport. Followed categories will be added to My News.
One of the country’s most rapidly rising rugby league prospects has been snapped up by the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs from under the noses of their key NRL rivals.
The Sunshine Coast has become a solid breeding ground for rugby league talent, with the Melbourne Storm aligned with Queensland Cup side Sunshine Coast Falcons.
But the nursery is under siege from the Canterbury Bulldogs who have signed 15-year-old prodigy Darius Birve to a three-year NRL development contract.
The Caloundra State High School student and 2024 Queensland schoolboys under-15 representative will be the fifth player at the Kennel, joining Reed Mahoney (Beerwah Bulldogs and Kawana Dolphins), Blake Wilson (Noosa Pirates), Jack Underhill (Kawana Dolphins) and Nate Thompson (Kawana Dolphins).
“It is very surreal, but it is also a very humbling moment,” Birve said.
“It has always been a childhood dream to play NRL one day. Take each day as it comes and take every opportunity that is given.
“Learn from those around me, work hard, stay focused, keep healthy and to put my name on the map.”
With his older brother Ellyjah signed to the Melbourne Storm, Birve is one of seven brothers and said his family was a major driving force of his rugby league journey.
“I come from a sporting family of rugby league players,” he said.
“From my parents to my older brothers and younger brothers and my sister in-laws, we all support each other in whatever journey any of us take.
“We are each other’s number one supporters, we keep each other grounded so family is my biggest inspiration.”
The talented Albany Creek Crushers star and former Cairns Kangaroos junior has played in the halves, fullback, lock and second row but said a move to hooker last season is one he wants to make permanent.
“My parents moved us to the Sunny Coast in 2021 to give myself and my brothers better opportunities for footy,” he said.
“This will be my third year playing for Albany Creek and continuing with Caloundra SHS rugby league excellence program.
“I’d like to thank both my parents for their love, support and sacrifices with everything they do for myself and my brothers.
“Moving from Cairns was a big sacrifice, leaving half of our family behind but if it weren’t for my parents, I wouldn’t be given all these opportunities I have been blessed to have.”
Originally published as Junior Sunshine Coast, Brisbane and Cairns rugby league talent Darius Brive signs with Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
Johns/Daley Cup: Hearts broken as late magic seals draw
A stunning final-minute play has booked one side its spot in the semi-finals while a late comeback has denied another a special feat in the Andrew Johns and Laurie Daley Cup.
NSWRL Junior Reps: 150+ photo gallery from round six action
Our photographers were out in force to take the best shots across the grounds at the weekend. Check them out with our 150+ picture gallery from Harold Matts and SG Ball Cup action.