Wests Tigers recruit Jamal Idris reveals how intrepid world tour gave him a new lease on life

FOR years Jamal Idris was uncomfortable in his own skin, forever worrying about what people thought as they stared at the 195cm representative star. Not any more.

Jamal Idris is all smiles at Wests Tigers training. Picture: Gregg Porteous

JAMAL Idris had an epiphany wandering the streets of India that led him all the way back home.

To Australia. To rugby league. And finally, to a Concord Oval training session on a sunny November morning.

For years he was uncomfortable in his own skin, forever worrying about what people thought as they stared at the 195cm representative star.

Not any more.

“You travel to somewhere like India and I stick out like a sore thumb,’’ Idris said.

“Then you realise maybe they’re not staring at you because of football, they are staring because you’re six foot five, black with dreadlocks.’’

“I’m a big believer in that everyone has their own journey, their own path to walk and this happened to be mine.’’

Jamal Idris is all smiles at Wests Tigers training. Picture: Gregg Porteous

Idris, 26, is back in the NRL after a year of travel and “finding himself’’.

Now, he just wants to get fit, rip-in and help the Wests Tigers become a football force once again.

Sick of trying to live up to the expectations of others, now he’s just playing for himself.

“I don’t have to prove myself to anyone but myself,’’ Idris said. “That's who I am here for, that's who I am trying to prove myself to.

“This is a year for me to sit there and see how good that I can be.

“It was the little things I had to learn about myself. Being able to sit there in silence without having all this background noise.

CONFIDENCE: Ennis backs Idris to shine

“Being able to walk around a group of people without being nervous and wondering what they are thinking about me. Or what they are saying behind my back.

“Being able to stand in a crowd like this (media conference) and still be relaxed. I wanted to get over the fact people would stare at me and I wanted to know what they thought.

Idris shares a joke with school kids in India. Picture: Instagram

Idris has been training at Concord for five weeks. The hunger is returning, and so is his mental desire to play and succeed.

“A year away will do that (rekindle passion for NRL). But travelling, you get to see the world and you don't have that ‘what am I missing out on’ thoughts that are always sitting in the back of your head,” he said.

“When I first started (playing first grade) I was still in school. I didn't have time to see and travel the world and learn who I am in this world. That's exactly what I did.

“I was laughing the other day to my old man. I was sitting there saying that this is the first time I have actually had a pre-season that I am enjoying. I come to training and I am happy to be here. I guess it's like riding a bike — all the ball skills.”

Idris in India. Picture: Instagram

Asked if booze was still a part of his life, Idris replied: “It's funny you bring that up, everyone likes a drink, simple. What are you comparing it to?’’

Reminded it had been his downfall, Idris said: “You don't really know me that well. I can go out and not drink and be a sober driver. The fact is I am out. People are going to say they saw me out. They don't ask whether or not I have been drinking. Neither here nor there.”

Wests Tigers teammate Chris Lawrence said Idris was already having an impact at the club.

“He is definitely a character and definitely brings a lot of energy, fun and enthusiasm,’’ Lawrence said.

“Look, he will be great for our squad, he has been around a couple of clubs now and played at the highest level. He has plenty of experience,’’ Lawrence said.

Lawrence back Idris to change perceptions next year.

“He has been given another chance,’’ Lawrence said. “When someone is given that second chance, a chance to prove themselves, most often they come out and prove everyone wrong.”