Tyson Andrews gets signed with Manly and divides family members
Have your say » 22nd Jun 2013 5:00 AM
STORY TOOLS
Cutters prop Tyson Andrews tries on a Manly jumper at Sportspower.
Tony Martin
TYSON Andrews' father is "over the moon" his son was signed by Manly. He supports the Sea Eagles.
The Mackay Cutters prop said his mother, on the other hand, wasn't so impressed.
"She doesn't support Manly," he laughed.
Her loyalty is with the North Queensland Cowboys, and she is a passionate league supporter.
So it will be interesting to see who she cheers for if her son takes to the field in a game between the Cowboys and Sea Eagles.
"She'll probably go for me to play well, but go for the Cowboys to win," he laughed.
But both parents were thrilled for Andrews and for the opportunities the two-year contract signed on Wednesday could present.
"I'm still processing in my head how surreal it all is," he said.
"Ever since I started to play rugby league (as a child), I always dreamed of playing in the NRL. This brings me one step closer."
Luckily, Andrews looked good in Maroon, and had become used to wearing the colour throughout his three seasons with the Cutters.
Rugby league will become Andrews' full-time job from November this year when he moves south.
"It's a dream come true. It's what I've always wanted," he said.
However, it means he will have to put his third-year apprenticeship as a boilermaker on hold.
He said he would finish off his theory, but the practical side would have to wait until after the pre-season.
Andrews planned to put everything he had into the pre-season.
Opportunities to play for the Sea Eagles depend on his training and whether or not he had a good pre-season, he said.
"Their style of play is very suited to my style of play. I think I'll fit in well," he said.
Andrews is a prop. At 23, he said it was the age props were usually signed.
His role puts him in the thick of the action, but that's what he loves about the game.
"It's a pretty straight forward role... but it's one of the toughest roles. You have to be willing to work hard," he said.
"I wouldn't want to play anywhere else."
But for now Andrews was concentrating on tomorrow's game against Easts Tigers.
this was on FB