Oryn Keeley, a highly-touted Newcastle Knights forward, had a memorable 2022 after representing NSW Under 19s for their Origin victory as well as earning a first grade debut for the Novocastrians.
His journey to this point is even more remarkable when you take into account the significant adversity he has overcome to return to the game of Rugby League.
Keeley has been one of the top talents in the NSWRL from a young age. He won the Harold Matthews Cup with the Knights in 2019 and captained the NSW Under 16s in the same season.
A neck fracture followed by knee surgery delayed his progress and cost him more than two years out of the game, but his unbreakable work ethic and newfound gratefulness led to even more success in his comeback for Newcastle and in the NSW Pathways.
Not only did the NSW Under 19s win the Origin Shield in dominant fashion at Leichhardt Oval in June, but Keeley was later named Player of the Match at the Brad Fittler Medal and spoke of how appreciative he is to be back playing his favourite game.
“After being out for two and a half years – nearly three – from my injuries, I came back this year and didn’t think I would play Flegg (Under 21s),” Keeley said.
“It’s just been a crazy year (2022) and I couldn’t thank my family enough – my mum and my partner and my stepdad. If it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t be here.
“My goal was just to play SG Ball (Under 19s) and play consistently every week – there was a little goal to play Flegg – and when I made (NSW) Cup and then played NRL, I had to write that on the board as well.”
As for what’s “on the board” in 2023 the promising back-rower has begun his first pre-season with Newcastle’s NRL squad, so watch this space.
