It's a tough school as a young up and coming front rower, especially one at the Cronulla club, with Daniel Vasquez working at his craft as he looks to earn the respect of not only the coaching staff, but also representative club mates and fellow prop forwards in Andrew Fifita, Aaron Woods and Matt Prior.
The big boys crash and bash every day as a part of their regular training routine, with no quarter given and none expected.
The learning curve is a steep one, but it is set to have Vasquez ready for if and when his opportunity presents.
It all began for the now 21-year-old at the local St Joseph's club, before he moved down the road to play for the Yarrawarrah Tigers. His talents were spotted by the Sharks and a junior rep career followed, with Vasquez man of the match in Cronulla's SG Ball Grand Final victory of 2015, NSW 18's Origin selection coming shortly after that.
From there it was the Australian Schoolboys, where Vasquez played alongside Cronulla teammates Blayke Brailey and Curtis Scott, before his elevation into the Sharks NYC squad.
Then it was a year at the Newtown Jets in the Intrust Super Premiership, where he made 18 appearances last year, leaving Vasquez primed for the next level. A no frills, hard running prop, Vasquez has size and the body shape which makes him tough to tackle, with his junior pedigree indicating his time will come.
Until then look for him to lead the way forward at the Jets next season, waiting for the opportunity to show what he can do on the big stage.
Vasquez spoke to Sharks media and not only did he answer our questions, he also revealed a couple of hidden talents.
Take a look at Daniel Vasquez 'under the surface', as we get to know your 2019 Sharks NRL squad.
Daniel Vasquez
Born – July 21, 1997,
Position – Prop
Height – 189cm
Weight – 109kgs
NRL games – Yet to play in the NRL
