Tyrell Sloan is one of the most enigmatic young players in the NRL - but away from the field, the Dragons fullback is still as humble and grounded as they come.
In his third season as a first grader, Sloan has cemented himself as St George Illawarra's first-choice No.1 and looks destined to become an integral part of the club's rebuild.
The 21-year-old came through the juniors playing for the Dapto Canaries, before progressing to the Steelers' junior rep program alongside the like of Junior Amone and Mat Feagai.
And after starring in the SG Ball Under 18s competition, Sloan was parachuted into the top squad and made his debut in the famous Red V at the back-end of the 2021 season.
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"It happened a bit quicker than most players," he told Sporting News/YKTR's Ebbs and Flows podcast.
"Hook [former head coach Anthony Griffin] at the time trusted me and gave me a game. He told me throughout the week that it happened a lot quicker than he would have liked.
"It was pretty cool to get to debut in Wollongong in front of my family and friends. It’s been a cool experience and I’m enjoying my footy so far.
"Being at this club is sort of a blessing for myself, because being a local junior you have a lot of pride in the jersey and it means a lot more to local juniors.
"For myself now, it’s going to be a bit of a challenge to get this club back where it needs to be. I want to be a part of it… I’m sure there’s gonna be better days ahead."
Why doesn't Tyrell Sloan drink alcohol?
Sloan's rapid rise to rugby league stardom hasn't swayed him from his own values, with the local product maintaining a level head and quiet nature built from his humble upbringing.
One temptation that hasn't got to Sloan is alcohol, with the young gun revealing his childhood played a part in his decision not to drink.
“My nan raised me and she installed in us at a young age the good and bad," he said.
"I grew up around a lot of drugs and alcohol and it’s the reason why I don’t do it. I’ve seen the bad side of things and it put me in the right direction, because I’ve only seen the bad of it.
"I respect the boys [that do drink] and whenever there’s a drink-up, I’ll always go there and look after the boys. I don’t drink because of the bad things I’ve seen and there’s nothing more to it."
Instead of living the party life, Sloan has invested wisely, buying his first home in the Wollongong region.
"It was a grateful moment and a thank you to my nan," he said.
"She raised us in housing commission, so to buy a house while she’s still here and walk her through it.
"She’s never been in a house that nice, so to bring her over whenever and her to be comfortable and put a smile on her face – that’s all I want to do."
Dragon star Tyrell Sloan using his fame for good
Along with staying away from drugs and alcohol, Sloan is also using his standing in the game to give back - especially within the Indigenous community.
During a rollercoaster 2022 season that saw him dropped on multiple occasions by Anthony Griffin, Sloan opted to go back to his roots and take a new perspective on his career.
“Last year when I was in and out of grade, I went and started working at my local primary school and did some stuff there with the Aboriginal kids," he said.
"It’s pretty cool because they are similar backgrounds to me and grew up not having the role models in their life and not having that support system.
"That’s definitely something that I want to get into – there’s a thing called Clontarf and they help kids transition into real life. It gives some kids second chances and you don’t have to be a footy player to make it.
"That’s something that I want to install in them, not everyone is gonna make NRL – but there’s always light at the end of the tunnel. I want to continue to be a role model for the next generation and hopefully start studying and get into that, and I want to start a program to help the next generation.
"There’s a massive pool down in the Illawarra of Indigenous kids and we see them at all the community events and all the home games."
Tyrell Sloan reflects on difficult Anthony Griffin relationship
The issues between Sloan and his now-former coach have been well-documented, with the speedster formally requesting a release from the club last season due to lack of game time.
Sloan was in and out of the side under Griffin, but believes the difficult period under his coaching will hold him in good stead later in his career.
“Hook gave me my debut and I’m always grateful for that," he said.
"I obviously went through the ups and downs there and I’ve always said it whenever I get asked – I was definitely a bit of a sook then and didn’t know what it was to be an NRL player.
"I probably thought I deserved more than what I put the work in… it’s put me in a better position this year. I’m still only 21 years old and I probably thought my career was over because I wasn’t playing a full season.
"I’m grateful for that position I got put into, because it taught me to grow up and act like a man instead of being treated like a little kid."
