Darcy Lussick may be a Sydney boy currently calling the northern beaches of Manly home but the barnstorming prop enjoyed the chance to make another trip to Dubbo this week.
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The Sea Eagles big man was joined by teammate Matt Wright at Dubbo on Wednesday and Thursday as part of the NRL’s Community Carnival.
While speaking about the importance of respect at Dubbo North Primary, Lussick spoke of his enjoyment of returning out west to the city where he made his representative debut for the City Origin side in 2014.
He was also at Dubbo last year when the Sea Eagles’ Harold Matthews and SG Ball side took on the Western Rams juniors at Caltex Park.
“I’ve been out here a fair times now,” he said.
“I love coming out here and coming to the country and seeing the kids. I always enjoy it.
“I’ve seen a few of the kids a couple of times now and Dubbo is always so welcoming and I really do enjoy coming here.”
The NRL Community Carnival is all about respect, belonging in a community and celebrating differences.
Having been a part of numerous teams since his days as a junior, Lussick said it is something everyone can relate to and pay heed to.
“It’s all about respect. If new people are coming into your school or team you need to respect them and welcome them and give them that sense of belonging too because there’s lots of cultures.” he said.
And it was clear the young students got into it too, almost all in attendance keen to answer any questions.
“Obviously without any NRL teams being based near here they don’t get to see teams or players often so you can see they’re pretty stoked when we come out here. It’s good to be a part of,” Lussick said.
In terms of the upcoming season, the former Parramatta Eel will miss the first few rounds with injury but he said after a long and tough pre-season everyone in the squad was raring to go.
Much is expected of the Sea Eagles this season, with coach Trent Barrett only managing to lead his side to 13th on the ladder in his first year at the helm. The side has a fresh look this season with the likes of Jackson Hastings, Blake Green, Akuila Uate and Curtis Sironen all linking up with the side for 2017 while Jamie Lyon and Jamie Buhrer are just two of the players who have departed.
“We’re looking alright so everyone is looking forward to playing,” Lussick said.
“There was a massive turnover with staff and players at the start of last year and we didn’t go too well last year but we’re used to each other now and had a year together so there’s no excuses this year.
“We’re confident we’ll go alright but we won’t know until we start playing and we’re looking forward to it.”
Nick Guthrie
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
