Rise: The Sam Thaidy Story

Rise: The Sam Thaidy Story by Sam Thaidy and James Colley (Penguin Random House) PB RRP $16.99 ISBN9780143790149

Reviewed by Dianne Bates

Born in Sydney but known as a Queenslander, Sam Thaidy is the son of a native Torres Strait islander. To a keen supporter, Sam has entertained Brisbane Broncos, Queensland State of Origin and Australian fans for sixteen years both on and off the field. This book for readers aged 8 to 12 years tells, with his trademark humour and honesty, of Sam’s roots as a Townsville boy and a die-hard Cowboys fan and of how his mum Julie taught him to pass and tackle.

In simple, easy-to-read language, the book also tells of the ups and downs of the game Sam loves including coping with injury and visiting places such as Darwin and Papua New Guinea. Sam says, ‘Papua New Guinea is the only nation on earth that has rugby league as its national sport.’ He tells of his feelings towards his trainers who ‘were picking on me’, but how, as an older more experienced player, he can see they were only trying to get him to better himself.

The book has a section of coloured photos of Sam and highlights of his career and of his family with wife and two small children. Young readers will find information in Sam’s book for setting and reaching goals, handling setbacks and finding things in life that really matter.

Rise: The Sam Thaidy Story is a must-read for any young league fan, regardless of who they barrack for.