Mackay’s born and bred Harry Vella joins Brumbies starting lineup

The Brumbies rising front row star has fought back from injury to join the starting lineup against the Highlanders this week, but he couldn’t do it without the help of his family. READ MORE.

Mackay born and bred Harry Vella is stepping out from the Brumbies this weekend to make his family and home proud.

From the first 15 at Nudgee College, to the Brumbies starting lineup, a Mackay boy and rising football star said he couldn’t have done it without the love of his family.

Harry ‘The Forklift’ Vella, born in 2001, started his career with the Kuttabul Camelbocks playing two-handed touch and has bounced back from an ACL injury to make his debut for the Brumbies, and said it was ‘only natural’ he followed in his dad’s rugby footsteps.

Harry Vella of the Brumbies warms up during the round 12 Super Rugby Pacific match between the Waratahs and Brumbies, on May 11, 2024. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

From Kuttabul Mr Vella moved to the Sunny Coast, where he played for the Sunshine Coast Stingrays before being accepted into St Joseph’s College Nudgee as a boarder.

At Nudgee’s he took home the GPS Rugby premiership in 2017 and 2018.

After graduating high school Mr Vella started in the Reds under 20s programs and the junior Wallabies program, unfortunately cut short by the pandemic.

Mackay born and bred Harry Vella is stepping out from the Brumbies this weekend to make his family and home proud.

He was promoted to the Brumbies Super Pacific rugby squad in 2023 but circumstances prevented him from making a splash.

“I did my ACL, so I was out of action which was really tough,” he said.

Starting the season on the reserve squad, Mr Vella came in clutch when loose-head prop Blake Schoupp was injured in the June 1 match against the Western Force.

Brumbies captain Allan Alaalatoa said “(Harry) did an awesome job last week, someone who’s probably the hardest worker in the team”.

“He’s been a grafter for the last couple of years so he’ll probably look to get an opportunity this weekend and I know that the boys will be backing him.

“We know that he’s going to do a job upfront and do a really good job for us.”

With an impression made and expectations set, this weekend's quarterfinal showdown against the Highlanders will mark Mr Vella’s debut in the starting line-up.

Mackay born and bred Harry Vella is stepping out from the Brumbies this weekend to make his family and home proud.

“Being in the outright starting spot in a very important game … it’s a big opportunity with a little pressure but I’m really excited to be trusted with that role this week.”

Shrugging off any pre-game jitters, Mr Vella asserted his confidence in Alaalatoa’s leadership, the experience of fellow prop James Slipper and the support of his friends on the team Billy Pollard and Charlie Cale.

“I’m confident in our preparation,” he said.

“I’ve been lucky to be behind Slipper and a great leader like Alaalatoa.”

For Harry’s family in Mackay however, the Brumbies v Highlanders showdown may play second fiddle to a family wedding.

“Hopefully they don’t have too many drinks on my behalf,” Mr Vella said laughing.

“I’ll be thinking about them when I go out on Saturday.”

Mr Vella stressed the significance of his family, partner and broader support network in his journey.

“I’ve never felt alone this entire time,” he said.

“I’m really proud to represent those people.”

Originally published as Mackay’s born and bred Harry Vella joins Brumbies starting lineup