Injury-plagued hooker Matt Srama discusses his career in this week’s Lost Titan feature
MATT Srama looks back on his time as a Titan not as an opportunity missed, but as one gained. The 65-game hooker discusses his injury-plagued career in this week’s Lost Titan feature.
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MATT Srama looks back on his time as a Titan not as an opportunity missed, but as one gained.
After a gruelling four-year battle with hip, ankle, groin and shoulder problems, Srama’s six-season, 65-game stint on the Gold Coast came to an end when he announced his retirement in January 2017.
A tear of the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee in March of the previous year had been the final straw, prompting doctors to suggest he walk away from the game for his own long-term wellbeing.
It was a bitter pill to swallow for a 26-year-old once touted as State of Origin material, but the one-Test Philippines international refuses to dwell on his misfortune.
“It’s one of those things, you can look at it from different perspectives but I got to live out my childhood dream,” the former hooker said.
“At the time it was a bit of a shock (to retire) but I let it sink in and you put perspective on it and my goal was just to play one game, as opposed to six or seven seasons. My perspective, not just on football but on life, has changed a lot.
“It makes you a better person long term. You live through those negative experiences, it’s just how you perceive it.”
Coming out of a cutthroat NRL system, Srama, now 28, has managed to land on his feet.
After spending time as a real estate agent, the Gold Coast NYC product has since November been working as the academy co-ordinator for the Titans Elite Development System.
“I really enjoyed real estate but I just felt my heart pulling me to get back into the footy space and helping the younger guys,” Srama said.
“Within our elite academies there’s four regions we’re focusing on: Ballina, Tweed Heads, Gold Coast and greater Brisbane. We’ve got some scouts in all those areas and then I go out to keep tabs (on the players) and help them on the field and off the field. I get a base of where they’re at with being young men.
“I really enjoy getting to know not only the kids but their families. It’s also doing a lot with our affiliate schools and also just helping out with junior recruitment and a lot of talent ID stuff.
“I generally love it each day, I wake up grateful for the opportunity. It’s a job I’ve always dreamed of, having a role with younger guys developing them not only on the field but also off the field.
“I’m able to use that experience from my playing days.”
MATT SRAMA FACT FILE
Age: 28
Junior club: Wests Centenary Panthers (Brisbane)
Position: hooker
NRL games: 65 (Gold Coast Titans 2011-15)
NRL debut: Round 12, 2011 vs. Bulldogs (a 28-6 loss)
NRL tries: 7
Notes:
■ One Test for Philippines in 2012, scoring a try and kicking seven goals in a 86-0 win over Thailand to seal the Asian Cup
■ Retired in January 2017
■ Now working as academy co-ordinator for the Titans Elite Development System
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