Fletcher Myers knows the pathway he wants to follow to succeed in life.
At just 19, Myers is a very mature, well-spoken, educated and driven young Indigenous man who wants to make a career out of rugby league and also teaching.
“I’ve always done a bit of teaching, it comes second nature to me,’’ Myers said.
“My parents are teachers as is my oldest brother.
“It’s a job that I want to do post footy. I’m currently doing a Bachelor of Education (Secondary Science) degree online through the University of New England, Armidale.
“I want to get my teaching degree. I’m very fascinated by science.
“I also then want to move more into Indigenous teaching where I can do the Maori culture and Indigenous culture. I can really make it more comfortable, not for only for those kids in particular, but for everyone to understand and give that knowledge out to people.”
A Manly development player, Myers played SG Ball and Jersey Flegg last year after joining the club from the Newcastle Knights.
'Fletch' credits his junior footy club, the Waratah Mayfield Cheetahs, and Cooks Hill Surf Living Saving Club, as playing big parts in his development from a young boy.
“You hear players say pre-season training is tough but to me, it’s more about finding out what you can do as an athlete and bringing that to the team,’’ Myers said.
“What I’ve learnt at the NRL level is that everyone is human up here. It’s not like in the junior grades where you are always trying to be on show.
“At NRL training level, they understand you are human and you will have errors. It’s more about trying your best to improve your game and learning from your mistakes.”
On Friday night, Myers gets the chance to test himself at an NRL level after being named in the centres for the club’s opening pre-season trial against Souths in Gosford. He had a small stint in the Sea Eagles NRL trial against the Wests Tigers last year.
“I feel I have more to prove in this trial where as last year, I was just showing what I can do and seeing what it was like,’’ Myers added.
“This time, I really want to make sure that I’ m consistent across the whole time I’m in the game.
“I want to make sure my defence is good, I’m putting the icing on the cake with my attack, and making sure I look like a first-grade player.
“It’s only a trial and I know it’s not the real deal yet, but it’s a pretty good mark to see where you are at.”
Sea Eagles Coach Anthony Seibold said Myers is learning more about game awareness every day.
“Fletcher is really at the beginning of his journey, so he is developing as a player,’’ Seibold said.
“He is learning but he has got some attributes athletically that makes him quite difficult in that sense.
“We really like what Fletcher does in regards to his preparation and his athletic and physical capabilities. It’s about continuing to help him grow.
“Fletcher is a very smart kid off the field. He’s a really impressive young guy.”
