The fact Bryce Cartwright will celebrate 150 NRL games on Friday is one of the more remarkable milestones in recent memory considering his career looked over on more than one occasion.
Cartwright is one of the most naturally gifted athletes in the game, with a knack for producing an offload or flick pass – often on the first play of a set. His 2016 form almost landed him a NSW Origin debut.
But Cartwright has also dealt with morale-sapping injuries, a revenge porn incident, and a forgettable few seasons on the Gold Coast after leaving his mates at Penrith.
When Cartwright was cut loose by the Titans at the end of 2019, aged just 25, he had accepted the fact he could finish his playing days with junior club St Marys.
But the Eels offered him a lifeline, then another one, and now one of rugby league’s most laid-back players brings up the unlikeliest of milestones against Newcastle at CommBank Stadium.
“I didn’t even know it was my 150th until they told me this week,” Cartwright told this masthead. “Before I came to Parra, I was going to work, maybe do some labouring, and play with St Marys, which I still want to do at some point. I’m happy it’s all worked out at Parra, and I feel at home here.”
Mr 150: Parramatta Eels forward Bryce CartwrightCredit: Parramatta Eels
Cartwright’s cousin, Souths back-rower Jed Cartwright, said: “To his credit, I don’t think there would be many people who would reach 150 with everything he’s gone through.”
Former Penrith teammate Matt Moylan, who now calls Cronulla home, was glad Cartwright had “started to come out the other side now” and was back playing some of his best football.
If Eels coach Brad Arthur had hair, it would have fallen out anyway watching some of Cartwright’s antics in attack. Who can forget the no-look flick pass to put Mitchell Moses over against St George Illawarra last year?
“I know now when to pull the trigger on a play, there are still times I’ll do it when it’s not needed, but when I was starting out I was happy to chip-chase on tackle one off a kick-off,” Cartwright said.
Bryce Cartwright’s miracle flick pass Parramatta against the Dragons last year.Credit: NRL.Com
“I’m in a team now where I don’t have to do everything. Back at Penrith in the day, I was young and that’s what I did. I got away with it a bit more then.
“I’ve been good with that kind of stuff now. The games are also a lot tighter and harder and faster, and you can’t give teams an edge.”
Cartwright, now 28, is off contract and would love to remain an Eel. The club have Matt Doorey and high hopes for young back-rower Tony Mataele.
“I live in the now, I take each day as it is, and when the time comes and I’m done, that will be it; I’ll move on to the next stage of my life,” Cartwright said.
“I think I’m the type of person who doesn’t give up, I’m pretty resilient, my body is healthy and I still have a lot to offer. I’d love to hang around.”
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