Wests Magpies, East Campbelltown junior Tallyn Da Silva focused on pathway to achieve NRL dream

He’s the 17-year-old Wests Magpies young gun who has played Macarthur first grade rugby league with his old man, now he’s stepping beyond his father’s shadow. Here’s his story.

Wests rising rugby league star: Tallyn Da Silva

To most rugby league fans beyond Campbelltown, the Da Silva name probably doesn’t ring any bells, but as Tallyn Da Silva rises through the ranks the sounds are getting louder.

A talented hooker in the Wests Magpies SG Ball side, the prodigious 17-year-old moved a step closer to his NRL dream after scoring a train and trial contract with the Wests Tigers.

In a rare twist, up until this season he’d always shared the game-day vibe with his father and local legend, John.

An East Campbelltown Eagles favourite and multiple premiership winner, Johnny Da Silva finally hung up his boots after playing in last season’s Macarthur Rugby League first grade grand final aged 43.

Wests Magpies’ Tallyn Da Silva fires a pass from the ruck in the SG Ball. Picture Thomas Lisson

For Tallyn, a proud East Campbelltown junior and former Westfields Sports High student, his father’s longevity continues to inspire.

“As I got older, dad’s teammates told me stories about how he's been there for years and how he was a club legend,” said Tallyn.

“For him to play for so long, it really makes me want to stick around and chase my own goals for as long as I can.”

In a light bulb moment last season, after conspiring with the Eagles coach, Johnny got to share the field with his son.

“Dad’s team were down on numbers but they weren’t sure if I was eligible, it was only approved just before kickoff,” said Tallyn as he reflected on the fortuitous coming together against fierce rivals Campbelltown City.

Father and son: East Campbelltown Eagles club legend Johnny Da Silva with son Tallyn after they took the field together against Campbelltown City in the Macarthur Rugby League, 17 July 2022. Picture: East Campbelltown Eagles

“It was funny, during the game there was a big scuffle and one of the older boys was trying to come after me.

“But I felt protected because my dad was on the field, knowing that he could come and save me.”

So, did the revered Eagle step in and save his boy?

“No, no he didn’t,” Tallyn said with a laugh.

Blessed with the playmaking skills and tenacity of his father, Tallyn’s raw pace is what sets him apart. But as he continues to move through the grades, the Harold Matts premiership winner is realising there’s so much more to learn.

Tallyn Da Silva during his time at Westfields Sports High. Picture: David Swift

“I don't really have a set in stone playing style at the moment, it’s just what comes naturally,” explained Tallyn.

“The last few years I have really focused on my speed out of hooker, but I’m starting to realise there’s much more to reaching the next level.

“So in the last few months I’ve been focusing on my size and making sure I can defend in the middle with the big boys for the entire match, and I’m also working on my support play.”

A quick learner, with at least one try in his last eight appearances, the hard work is paying off. But with his sights set on a Jersey Flegg spot and a potential run in NSW Cup later this year, the hard work has only just begun.

“The defence is now getting harder to crack, so I really want to focus on my ability to read the game and know when to run,” he said.

“Hopefully I can stay training with the Tigers and learn from players like Apisai Koroisau. I could watch Api all day, but what he offers is so hard to replicate in a match.”

With an ultimate goal to play NRL, in a boost for Tigers fans, Tallyn’s allegiance is crystal clear.

“Since I can remember I’ve always wanted to play for the Tigers, especially in first grade.”