Rookie builds footy career
FOR Geoffrey Broome, representing his indigenous heritage on the footy field in Hawaii is almost too good to be true.
It is Broome's first time overseas and what a way to do it, mixing playing footy and cultural experience in paradise.
The Queensland Murri squad Broome is part of will be welcomed by traditional Hawaiian dancers and will be accompanied by indigenous Australian dancers.
Broome admitted to being both nervous and excited by the tour, which leaves Australia on Tuesday.
The tour includes a match against the USA national team, featuring Ipswich Jets players Joshua Rice and Jayson Rego.
So he is glad to have the likes of senior Jets players Ian Lacey, Brendon Marshall, Keiron Lander and Donald Malone alongside him.
Broome sees the tour as a chance to improve his game and press for further representative honours.
"I'll probably use it to open a few doors," he said.
"I just need to train hard and play hard for the Jets."
Broome is still eligible for Colts next year but hopes to make the step up to the senior grades soon.
"I can if I push myself to it," he said.
"I've just got to keep training."
Making the tour is a source of pride for Broome who will represent an indigenous team for the first time.
"It is pretty special to represent our culture and experience another culture," he said.
"To learn about Hawaiian indigenous culture.
"It's pretty exciting."
Without a strong support network around him, Broome doubts he would have been in the running to make the tour.
"My friends and family have pushed me to get where I am," he said.
"Without them I wouldn't be here now.
"I'd probably be playing back at the club (Brothers), not pushing myself and not really caring.
"The main credit goes to my mum."
Broome also owes a debt of gratitude to his employer Apprenticeships Queensland (AQ).
"I actually like it," he said of work as a carpenter.
"When I finish my apprenticeship, I hope to keep going with the same company.
"I'm pretty focused on footy (as a career) but if I can't do that, I'll keep working on my carpentry.
"It's good because you can learn how to make your own house and renovate it."
As a young, up-and-coming Jets forward and AQ apprentice, Broome is following in the footsteps of fellow Queensland Murri squad member Kurtis Lingwoodock.
Lingwoodock followed a similar path to achieving his roofing trade and Broome is looking forward to completing his own trade in two years.
Both Lingwoodock and Broome are highly regarded by the team at Apprenticeships Queensland.
"It's good to see our apprentices doing well," AQ marketing communications manager Anita Dwyer said.
