NOT that long ago, promising rugby league player Tyson Andrews walked away from the game he loved.
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On Friday night, the Singleton-born youngster will complete an amazing journey when he takes his place in the Indigenous All Stars side against the NRL All Stars at Cbus Super Stadium on the Gold Coast.
Andrews, the son of Jackie and Steven Goodwin, who played many seasons with the Greyhounds, now finds himself in a team that boasts the likes of Greg Inglis, Johnathan Thurston, Justin Hodges, Ben Barba and premiership-winning winger Alex Johnston.
And, he’s still pinching himself.
“I’m extremely happy and pumped,” the 25-year-old said.
“I’m very proud to be representing my heritage in such an important match.”
Andrews admitted he still had a strong connection with Singleton.
“I’m related to half the town,” he said with a laugh.
“My aunts, uncles, cousins still live there, as do my grandmothers Carol Andrews and Janice Goodwin.
“In fact, I come home two to three times a year.
“I even spent last Christmas in Singleton.”
The talented front-rower enjoyed one junior season with the Greyhounds before he moved to Queensland with his parents.
“My dad had an accident; and they thought the weather would be better for him up there,” he said.
“I always wanted to play in the NRL but then, when the opportunity arose, I lost my way a bit.
“I doubted myself and didn’t know if I was ready.
“I took a year away from league – and I think that helped me a lot. “It gave me the desire and hunger to try again.
“I’m now in my second year with Manly; and I debuted against the Wests Tigers in 2014.
“I’ve played four matches off the bench and I’m hoping to continue that good form this season.
“It’s great being a part of the Indigenous All Stars and working under coach Laurie Daley and his assistants Wendell Sailor and Gorden Tallis.
“I’m taking a lot out of it, so I want to learn what I can.
“And, if we win [tonight] that’s a bonus.”
Proud grandmother Carol Andrews said the family would be glued to the television on Friday night.
“We’re very, very proud of him,” she said.
“He’s played from an early age and whenever you asked him what he wanted to do, he would reply, ‘I’m going to play football’.
“A lot of Singleton will be cheering for him.”
