Pizzey Park is a short, 15 minute drive from Cbus Super Stadium, but it can seem a world away from the bright lights of the NRL.
Down Cottesloe Drive, it’s nestled next to Burleigh Golf Club and is home to the Burleigh Bears. A rugby league nursery that has seen the likes of Anthony Don, Eddy Pettybourne, Darius Boyd, Jai Arrow and Luke Keary all pass through its doors.
It was here that Gold Coast Titans hooker Matt Srama was plying his trade.
The slightly built, yet tough and nimble number nine had started his career well in 2011 before nailing down a regular spot in the NRL in 2012. Another consistent 2013 season saw the Titans extend his contract midway through the following year.
But then his career came to a shuddering halt. The man tipped to be the Titans long term hooker suffered a season ending hip injury.
Matt Srama dreamt of playing in the NRL, but his star burnt out quickly and at the age of 26 he was forced to give away the game he loved . . .
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