Next generation: Cam Crawford

 

New to the squad this season, 23-year-old Northern Suburbs and former Brumby Cam Crawford adds size and speed to the backline.

 

A skillful and versatile fullback, Cam spent five years with Northern Suburbs before moving to Canberra to accept an Academy position for the 2011 season.

 

Unfortunately, a torn medial ligament ruled him out of Super Rugby action that season but after returning to Shute Shield action and proving his fitness with Norths later that year, finishing as the Shute Shield’s third highest try scorer for the second year running, he was rewarded with a full time contract that saw him make his Brumbies’ debut in an exhibition match against Wales in 2012.

 

After two weeks of pre-season, Cam is relishing the new challenge and enjoying working hard in the company of his new team-mates. “I was expecting it to be pretty hard and it has been,” he said of his experience so far.

 

Gruelling steps sessions might not be everyone’s idea of fun but said Cam, “It’s hard but enjoyable. 

 

“Not training at same ground is a good thing, I’ve really enjoyed the variety of going to Coogee stairs and Manly.

 

“The hardest session was definitely the first Coogee stairs session - the first one is always the hardest!”

 

Returning to NSW after two years in Canberra, Cam knows most of his team mates from having played against them, but this is his first experience of his new coach Michael Cheika. “He’s been great,” said Cam.

 

“I like how he tells it how it is. He’s straight up and he tells you how he’s feeling. I’m also enjoying the face we’re doing skills so early, it shows that he wants everyone to catch and pass and we’re starting to see that he wants to play fast and attacking rugby which is exactly what I enjoy!

 

As well as the chance to represent his home state of NSW and kick start his Super Rugby career, Cam’s move also allows him to continue his studies with Sydney University, where he is nearing completion of a Bachelor of Commerce and Arts degree.

His decision has also been popular with his family, who live in Killara. Having grown up on the North Shore and played rugby for local side Lindfield from the age of eight, Cam was educated at Sydney Grammar School. A talented batsman, in year 12 he captained the GPS first XI cricket team and as flyhalf and captain of the school’s first XV rugby team, in 2006 he earned selection for GPS seconds, the presence of Joeys Kurtley Beale preventing him from making the first XV.

Outside rugby, Cam has a passion for music. Having spent his university years playing bass and singing in an indie rock band called Hey Maverick he still enjoys time out playing an acoustic guitar and now back in Sydney, is looking forward to catching up with his old band.

Read more:
Ollie Atkins
Ben Volavola