Standing 195cm tall and sporting a flowing mullet, there's no missing Dylan Coutts as he rips into his first NRL pre-season with the Sharks.
A strapping back-rower with ball-playing ability, Coutts made the move from the Sea Eagles ahead of the SG Ball (under 19s) season earlier this year.
Still growing into his 101kg frame, the 19-year-old has spent time with the Jersey Flegg (under 21s) squad and is now benefitting from training full-time alongside seasoned NRL players as he prepares to make the jump to senior football.
"It's been good being back training. Especially with all the older boys coming back now, it's been an eye opener," said Coutts, a Narrabeen Sharks junior.
"It's so cool being around all those boys (who are established in first grade), they're so experienced. It's good to just watch how they prepare."
Coutts said he was enticed to trade the northern beaches for the shores of Cronulla by "the opportunity here that wasn't at Manly".
"And just learning about the club and the culture was what got me to move over. I was really impressed by that," he added.
Having played five-eighth in his younger days, Coutts possesses plenty of skill but is focused first and foremost on "running hard lines" and his defence.
Eligible for Jersey Flegg for the next couple of years, Coutts isn't getting ahead of himself heading into 2024. A NSW Cup debut for the Newtown Jets is in his sights.
"Just to stay regular in Flegg and maybe push for a few reserve-grade games would be pretty cool. Just playing the best footy I can would be ideal," he said.
In his spare time, Coutts is a keen fisherman who enjoys getting down to the beach.
"I try to surf but I'm not very good at it," he laughed. "I love being around the water."
Player profile: Dylan Coutts
Date of birth: 17/03/2004
Nicknames: Couttsy, Dyl
Birthplace: Sydney, NSW
Height: 195cm
Weight: 101kg
Position: Second row
Junior club: Narrabeen Sharks
Rep honours: N/A
Studies undertaken: Certificate III and IV in Fitness
Hobbies: Fishing, going to the beach
