How Aston Bai is stepping out of his famous father’s NRL shadow

Meet Marymount College’s school captain – a leader, a star, and nothing like his famous father. LIVESTREAM THE TITANS SCHOOLS LEAGUE

Aston Bai, 17, is one of Marymount College’s key players in the Titans Schools League Open Boys Division 1. Photo: Jerad Williams

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ASTON Bai was three when his dad Marcus called time on a 10-year professional rugby league career which included 144 games and a premiership with the Melbourne Storm.

Born in the Victorian capital, Aston was whisked away to England for Marcus’s Super League playing stints with Leeds and Bradford – present but not aware of his father’s footy feats, including time at the Gold Coast Chargers.

Through old video tapes and various retellings of tales tall and small, Aston’s only memories of his would-be idol’s successes came second-hand.

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As he watched with awe his father’s footy heroics – 127 tries in 254 professional appearances – Aston vowed to follow in those footsteps, as a talented, technical and speedy winger.

Now, at 17, and a captain of Marymount College’s First XIII as well as school captain, Aston’s best position remains an unknown – though it isn’t on the wing.

Marcus Bai for the Chargers in 1997.

“I’ve had Aston play at five-eight, centre, front row, second row, lock … he’s the ultimate utility,” Marymount head of rugby league Jason Hamilton declared.

“He’s a big body and getting stronger all the time – very skilful, very fast.

“He’s a very good communicator and very disciplined. An intelligent kid. I think he’s looking to be a pilot or something down the track.

“When the chips are down, you can rely on him.”

Aston Bai, 17, is one of Marymount College’s key players in the Titans Schools League Open Boys Division 1. Photo: Jerad Williams

“I had a crack on the wing and at fullback,” Aston added.

“Now I’ve gotten older, and bigger … I’m much too slow these days.”

Too slow perhaps for acrobatic tries at the corner post, but most any other area of the field is fair game.

“It doesn’t really bother me (where I play), so long as I can get my hands on the ball and do something with it,” Aston said.

“I’m keen to play wherever, as long as it helps the team.”

Aston was in the back row when Marymount lost a Titans Schools League thriller to Keebra Park, 14-12, in the opening round of the Boys’ Open Division 1.

It was an eye-catching display from the underdogs and one that will fill them full of confidence ahead of Wednesday’s clash with St Michael’s.

That game – and five others – will be streamed live on the Gold Coast Bulletin website on Wednesday, beginning with the Year 7/8 Girls Division 1 match between Keebra Park and Mabel Park from 3pm.

LIVESTREAM SCHEDULE – April 28

Venue: Burleigh Bears Juniors

Year 7/8 Div 1 Girls

3PM: Keebra Park v Mabel Park

Year 9/10 Div 1 Girls

4PM: Marymount v Marsden SHS

Year 11/12 Div 1 Girls

5PM: Marymount v Marsden SHS

Venue: Nerang Roosters – Field 1

Year 9/10 Div 1 boys

4:30PM: Marymount v St Michaels

Yr 11/12 Div 2 boys

5:30PM: Marymount v Miami

Yr 11/12 Div 1 boys

6:30PM: Marymount v St Michaels