Rookie Interview: Joseph Marley

By Jo Buchanan

As our second Give It A Go session quickly approaches, we spoke with Cowboys Rookie of the Year 2018 Joseph Marley to find out more about his experience in joining the club.

​You started with Cowboys from last year’s Give It A Go sessions, how did you hear about them and what made you come along?
"I had seen the recruitment ads on Facebook for a couple of years and it got to the point that I stopped making excuses in my mind not to try the sport out and finally give it a go."

Was there any nerves about coming along that first time and was it tough the first few times to blend in to the new team?
"This would have been the first sport I would have played at any level so the process did seem a bit intimidating at first and I also signed up without knowing any current Cowboys or anyone going to the sessions which made the first jump in a bit more daunting. I assumed it would be tough to get into the swing of things and integrate myself with the team but most of the team, especially the veteran players, were more than happy to answer any questions and make sure you were fully engaged in training sessions etc. so you don't really get caught up in any nerves you may have."

You play on the defensive line, is that somewhere you knew you would play or where you put there by the coaches?
"I assumed the coaches would know where I would play best so I hadn't a particular one in mind, during the give it a go sessions there are multiple exercises and brief position introductions to give the coaches a good idea of where you might play best. I think it was Defensive Coach Mark Beattie behind the decision so if anyone has any complaints direct them to him."
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One year in, how glad are you that you took that leap to sign up to the Give It A Go sessions and followed through with it?
"As I said in my first answer this was the first time I would be playing any kind of sport so I wasn’t really sure what I was in for, but absolutely I am glad to have gone to one of the give it a go sessions and sticking to it for the past year, it has been a great experience and having the hard work put into the training and games validated with the rookie of the year award was fantastic."

What the best thing about being a Cowboy?
"The banter and camaraderie within the team really does have a special feel to it and is something I have never experienced before but for the best thing about it is the games. In each game from start to finish the adrenaline is non-stop and there is no better feeling than doing your job well on the field and not letting your team mates playing beside you down."
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What advice would you give someone who is sitting on the fence about coming along to the next Rookie Camp?
"I'd say go for it 100%, if you are hesitating because you would be going on your own, the nerves are quickly settled on the day. The veterans of the club are quick to make you feel comfortable and there is always a good amount rookies who turn up on the day so there will be a lot of new learners. The give it a go sessions are a really great experience to get a taste for a great sport and I would recommend anyone to give it a try as it doesn't take you long to get hooked on it."

Click this link to find out more about our Give American Football A Go Sessions.