Matt Ballin

Matt Ballin is proof that hard work and self-belief pays off.

Unwanted by the Brisbane Broncos, Ballin went to Sydney to try his luck, and made his NRL debut for Manly Warringah, aged 23.

Ballin, whose father was a teacher, and heavily involved with schoolboy rugby league, played junior football for Kingaroy Red Ants and attended the local State High School.

Ballin was signed by the Broncos, and played for Queensland Cup affiliate, Toowoomba, without getting a chance in the NRL. He made his debut for Manly in 2007 and the following year scored a try in the Sea Eagles' 40-0 thrashing of Melbourne Storm in the NRL grand final.

He's tailor-made for the cauldron-like atmosphere that Origin creates.

Des Hasler Ballin's coach at Manly Sea Eagles

Storm hooker, Cameron Smith had a mortgage on the Queensland number nine jersey, but when he withdrew with an elbow injury, ahead of Game I of the 2010 State of Origin series, there was never any doubt that Ballin would be his replacement.

It was a proud moment for the South Burnett product, when he joined the Maroons' camp at Coolum, ahead of the match in Sydney. Queensland won 28-24, and Ballin played his part. But when Smith declared himself fit for the return clash, Ballin had to step aside. There was more premiership glory for Ballin in 2011, with Manly defeating New Zealand Warriors in the grand final.

That same year Ballin was named in the NRL-RLPA Academic Team of the Year. In 2012 Ballin won the Roy Bull Medal as Manly's Best player. In 2013, Manly reached the grand final again, with Ballin the number nine. This time they succumbed 26-18 to the Roosters.

Ballin switched to Wests Tigers in 2016. He retired at the end of the 2017 season, due to injury, having played 220 NRL games. A qualified fitness trainer, he was part of Manly's coaching staff until 2022, when he joined the Broncos.