Sharks NYC player Harrison Muller was front and centre last week representing the Sharks while helping to officially launch a partnership between the NRL and HIA Apprentices.
Muller, originally from Orange in regional NSW, attended the launch as one of just three representatives from NRL clubs for what was a significant announcement and a continuation of initiatives put in place by the NRL to educate players beyond their rugby league careers.
Sharks career coach Rebecca Potter accompanied Muller to the launch, where he was interviewed on stage by retired Raiders player and NRL apprentice ambassador Alan Tongue.
Potter was proud of Muller’s input into the launch and of his efforts in successfully combining his rugby league ambitions with the Sharks with his HIA apprenticeship.
“Harrison has impressed not only his employer with his skill, attitude and behaviour, but also the Housing Industry Association and the NRL,” Potter said. “It was a proud moment to see Harrison standing up there on stage being interviewed.”
The mission of the NRL-HIA partnership is an attempt to bridge the gap between sporting and professional careers, in working together to build a healthy future for the construction industry, while educating young people on the career pathways available in the construction industry.
Under the rules of the NYC players must be involved in work or study while competing in the Holden Cup competition, with Harrison currently employed as a carpentry apprentice.
Also in attendance at the launch ceremony held at Rugby League Central at Moore Park, was John Hutchinson, the NRL apprentice mentoring program manager, the NRL’s Holden Cup Manager Tony McFadyen, two Bulldogs-contracted players in Darcy Maroske and Millad Noor, as well as representatives from the host trainers Risen Developments and from HIA, including company Managing Director Shane Goodwin and NSW Executive Director David Bare.
Muller, who represented NSW Combined Independent Schools and the Australian Institute of Sport before joining the Sharks earlier this year, has made a mark in his first season at the club on the field as well as off it.
A tall, hard working back rower, Muller has forced his way into the Sharks Holden Cup 17 and will run out for their game against the Eels on Monday night.
