Burleigh Bears and Gold Coast Vikings halfback Matt Egan’s impressive business background

Matt Egan laughs that he sometimes gets strange looks from the rugby league community.

MATT Egan laughs that he sometimes gets strange looks from the rugby league community.

In a world of blue-collar work, he is a 22-year-old halfback with a passion for reading, listening to podcasts and business administration.

Between footy commitments and toiling 50 hours a week installing shower screens, Egan runs a company called XXVI Clothing with a few of his mates.

He credits it for keeping him level through the ups and downs of rugby league as he chases an Intrust Super Cup debut for Burleigh.

“It sort of balances me out I think,” he said.

“I did a Cert III in business in grade 12 at school but I always sort of had business aspirations. I’m a heavy reader and into the podcasts and that.

“It’s something I really enjoy, running your own business, and down the line – whether it’s clothing or something else – it’s definitely what I want to do.”

Burleigh Bears rising star Matt Egan with a XXVI Clothing cap. Picture: Jerad Williams

Rugby League Gold Coast takes a break this weekend as the representative Vikings team – which includes at least one player from each of the seven A-grade clubs – heads to Acacia Ridge to contest the annual Chairman’s Challenge.

TITANS LAUNCH MILESTONE PROGRAM

Egan will line up at halfback for their games against Brisbane Blue on Saturday and Brisbane Red the following day.

He admitted it was an interesting challenge to be teaming up with players who most weeks are rivals.

“To be honest I didn’t really know personally anyone in the team when I rocked up to training,” Egan said.

Matt Egan (left) makes a tackle against Tugun. Picture: Mike Batterham

“All of the boys have been very welcoming. It’s a great opportunity to share the field with some of the better players in our competition and I just can’t wait to play with them.”

The Gold Coast junior attended Marymount College, from where he was signed by the Melbourne Storm.

KELLY OUT TO MAKE AMENDS

After two years in the Storm under-20 system, Egan was signed by Sunshine Coast Falcons. He joined Burleigh on the eve of the 2018 season.

Egan praised ace Bears ISC playmaker Jamal Fogarty for his influence on him.

Jamal Fogarty in action for Burleigh at Intrust Super Cup level against Ipswich. Picture: SMP Images

“I was really lucky, throughout the whole pre-season I got to train with him in the gym and up until Round 1, I was his halves partner in all of the trials,” he said. “I learnt a lot from him.

“I respect him a lot as a person and a player. He is kind of a role model for me so definitely somewhere down the line to play alongside him would be a great honour.”

SIGN UP FOR OUR FULL ON FOOTY GOLD COAST RUGBY LEAGUE NEWSLETTER

Vikings squad: 1. Jack Mackin (Runaway Bay), 2. Tevita Folau (Southport), 3. Kurtis McDonald (Tugun), 4. Jack Conlan (Southport), 5. Te McDonald (Burleigh), 6. Zac Walsh (Southport), 7. Matt Egan (Burleigh), 8. Stuart Mason (Currumbin), 9. Jenan Parrish (Runaway Bay), 10. Luke Polson (Southport), 11. Mike Gray (Currumbin), 12. Parahi Wilson (Ormeau), 13. Kody Parsons (Tugun). Interchange: 14. Liam Hampson (Southport), 15. Jack Welsh (Bilambil), 16. Darcy Sims (Runaway Bay), 17. Dan Palavi (Runaway Bay), 18. Ben Valeni (Burleigh). Coach: Scott Cooke