NRL star Jason Saab’s childhood shaped his boxing debut

Relentless bullying as a child led NRL star Jason Saab to question his sense of identity and confidence. Now he’s using those tough times as motivation. See the exclusive video.

As a child, Jason Saab was relentlessly bullied for everything from his skin colour to health issues.

The 23-year-old used his personal battles as motivation and is now one of the fastest men in the NRL.

He’s now ready to take the next step – swapping his footy boots for boxing gloves ahead of his professional boxing debut.

“As a kid growing up, it doesn’t matter how bad things got, I never quit; whether it was my personal battles with my health or being bullied or not being a good footballer, I just never quit no matter how bad things got,” the Manly winger said.

Jason Saab in action for the Manly Sea Eagles. Picture: Brett Hemmings/Getty Images

“I just want to see how good I can be at another sport. I’m trying to be the best I can at whatever I do”.

Sea Eagles flyer Saab is the latest footballer to join the boxing world following in the footsteps of the likes of Anthony Mundine, Solomon Haumono and Paul Gallen.

“If you’re going through it now, just know that God is testing you and that he’s instilling these qualities in you for when you get older,” Saab said.

The winger made his NRL debut in 2019 for St George Illawarra Dragon before moving to the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles in 2021 and has notched up 69 NRL games thus far.

Having struggled with his sense of identity and confidence in the past, Saab saw boxing as another opportunity to persevere through life’s difficult times.

“I think it’s something everyone should do, even if it’s just to spar and get in the ring. It’s really good for your confidence and self esteem. It’s a bit of a reality check but overall it’s for personal growth and development.

NRL player Jason Saab sees boxing as another opportunity to persevere through life’s difficult times. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

“Have faith, put your faith in God, because at the end of the day take (this) as an opportunity for it to make you more resilient and instil qualities in you that you need,” Saab said.

Saab trains alongside fellow Manly players Josh Aloiai and Haumole Olakau’atu at Final Rounds Gym in Hoxton Park, in Sydney’s southwest.

Owner and trainer Hassan El-Achrafi, 44, first opened the gym in 2009, and has since been training league players for the field and in the ring.

“We were going to add some extra dimension to his football in terms of building up his confidence and grit for football,” El-Achrafi said.

Trainer Hassan El-Achrafi (centre) with NRL players Jason Saab and Joey Leilua before training for professional boxing matches at Final Round Gym in Prestons. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

“The longer he trained here, the more we saw it translate on to the field.

“Jason definitely has what it takes to go pro. He has a professional outlook towards sport in general and he’s very stubborn in terms of setting himself high standards. He’s always willing to learn and improve himself”

“He moves very graciously and has smooth feet,” El-Achrafi said.

Saab will make his boxing debut against Kusitino Sireli on December 9 at Revesby Workers Club.

He’s been training side-by-side with former NRL player Joey Leilua, who is set to fight Paul Ben on the same night.

“He definitely has what it takes. He’s a tall young man at his prime in the NRL. He’s the fastest in the NRL right now” Leilua said of Saab.

Jason Saab and Joey Leilua training in the ring at Final Round Gym. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

“He’s got the confidence and the ability to move. When he gets fit at the game and boxes more, I think he will be devastating in the heavyweight division. He’s going to be a guy to watch out for in the boxing ring in Australia”

But Sea Eagle fans can rest easy, with Saab not having any plans to give up football – just yet – with the youngster on contract until 2026.

“I’m not really thinking of it too much as a career just yet. I’m hoping to obviously have this fight and do really well, and just see how good I can handle the pressure and fight,” Saab said.

“I just want to fight and enjoy it and then go back to footy cause that is my job, it’s who I am, and then we will see how it goes.

“It’s going to be a good night. I’ve taken it seriously, I respect boxing, so I’m expecting a good night. I want to give everyone who is coming something to watch and something to enjoy”.