🗣️ Emotional Debut a Dream Come True

Bronson Garlick's South Sydney Rabbitohs debut was more than just another NRL appearance, it was the fulfilment of a childhood dream that brought his father, former Rabbitoh Sean Garlick, to tears.

A Special Homecoming

The jersey presentation before last weekend's match was an emotional affair for the Garlick family. Bronson's father Sean presented the jersey alongside his family with tears flowing freely in the dressing room. The significance of the moment was not lost on the young hooker, who wore the number 9 jersey his father made famous during his own Rabbitohs career.

Growing up, Garlick's memories of the Club are vivid. He remembers wearing Red and Green, attending matches and working as a ball boy at the ground. But after moving to a different system, he believed his chance to represent South Sydney had passed. "I actually thought that I would never get the opportunity again, so to be holding that jersey and to run out there and to wear the number 9 is pretty cool," he said.

The emotion of the occasion has even changed his father. Garlick revealed that Sean has become more sentimental since becoming a grandfather, shedding tears during the jersey presentation when he would have kept his composure in years past.

Learning from Wayne Bennett

Under Wayne Bennett's guidance, Garlick has found a coaching approach that suits his style. The master coach keeps his messaging simple and calm, which resonates with the hooker who prefers not to overcomplicate his role.

"He just keeps it really simple, he doesn't try and overcomplicate things, his game plan is really simple and his messaging is calm and I think I relate to that," Garlick explained.

Having previously played under Craig Bellamy at Melbourne Storm, Garlick is uniquely positioned to compare two of Rugby League's greatest coaches. While both possess a significant presence, their approaches differ in key ways. Bellamy is known for his intense demeanour, while Bennett maintains his trademark composure. Despite their different temperaments, Garlick sees similarities in their standards around effort and their ability to simplify the game for their players.

Ready for the Derby

This week brings another milestone for Garlick as he prepares for his first South Sydney Rabbitohs versus Sydney Roosters derby. Growing up in the area, the rivalry was ingrained in him from an early age, with playground bragging rights on the line every time the two sides met.

The hooker recalled how the local community was split between the two clubs, and even friendships were tested when derby week arrived. Those childhood memories of the intense rivalry remain unchanged, and Garlick can feel the anticipation building in the community ahead of Friday night's clash.

"I don't think you need any motivation. Growing up in the area you’re pretty much taught to hate the Roosters," he said with a smile, acknowledging the fierce local pride that defines the fixture.

The match also carries additional significance with Alex Johnston closing in on the all-time try-scoring record. When asked how the milestone should be celebrated, Garlick took a measured approach, noting Bennett's preference expressed in a recent press conference. However, he acknowledged that if Johnston breaks the record against the Roosters, the script could not be better written.