Tries, Lies and Meat Pies: The Sam Thaiday story

The autobiography of one of Rugby League’s favourite sons.

Sam Thaiday is one of rugby league’s most highly regarded and respected personalities. Often seen as one of the last true larrikins of the game, Sam entertained Brisbane Broncos, Queensland State of Origin and Australian fans over his sixteen-year career.

But behind the playful facade and infectious grin is a deeply caring and thoughtful individual, a family man who is passionate about working for equality in the community. Sam’s book reveals his family connections to the Torres Strait, how it was his mum who taught him how to pass, tackle and how to throw a punch (just in case it ever came up), how he married his high-school sweetheart, and his wishes for his daughters’ futures.

He also tells how this Townsville boy and die-hard Cowboys fan ended up a Broncos star. A one-club player, a rarity in the game today, he relives the high points of his career, including the 2006 premiership, his 2008 Dally M Award and his many representative caps. He tells some of the wild stories from behind the scenes of the club and representative training camps, with a cast of characters all NRL fans will recognise.

This is Sam’s unique story, told with his trademark humour, humility and honesty.