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05 Jun, 2025
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Finance broker to make NRL debut after almost 70 reserve grade matches
@Source: abc.net.au
Drumming up new business has been put on hold for finance broker Charlie Murray as he makes himself known to teammates before his fairytale Wests Tigers NRL debut. Murray spent time in Gold Coast and Melbourne Storm's systems before being brought down to Sydney by the Tigers on a train-and-trial deal this year. He is now preparing to come off the interchange bench for Benji Marshall's side against Penrith on Sunday. "I only just got to know them (his teammates), I think some of them only just worked out my name was Charlie," Murray said on Wednesday. Murray nearly gave rugby league away before a Tigers lifeline convinced him to give breaking into the NRL another chance this year. With as many as 66 reserve-grade matches under his belt, it is a fair wait for a chance to play at the highest club level. "I think I played in nearly 70 (Queensland and NSW) Cup games, so when those numbers start to add up you think it might have got away," Murray said. "Last year I was scratching my head a bit but then I got given this opportunity at the end of the year and I've just taken it with both hands." The 23-year-old, who left the Burleigh Bears in the Queensland Cup for the Tigers, said he was happy for his brokering career to take a back seat, at least temporarily. "I was going to stay in Queensland but then this came and I just thought one more opportunity, I'll have one last crack," Murray said. "I've been in Sydney, Gold Coast, Melbourne, so you've got to get your stuff together and start thinking about jobs and careers. "So I'm like, 'Oh, one more crack, I'm 23, I'm not too old,' but then you want to get started with your life." Murray said his experience learning off players and coaches at multiple clubs would set him up well for the challenge of facing the Panthers. "You got Cam Munster, Harry Grant, all those big guys," Murray said. "I only did pre-seasons there but I learned a lot from Craig (Bellamy) so it was a great experience." Murray's family is now largely based in Laurieton on the NSW mid-north coast. He said their support was crucial in encouraging him to persevere with his rugby league aspirations. "Parents (and) partner are over the moon, they've ridden the highs and lows with me so it's a credit to them," Murray said.
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