From a young age, I already knew what I wanted in life. My grandmother showed me old action films Rambo, Bloodsport and I was hooked. I wanted to be that guy on the screen one day. She was the one who shaped a lot of my childhood. She would pile my brother and me into the car and take us on holiday trips Tweed Heads at Christmas, little camping grounds here and there. It didn’t matter where we went. If Nan was there, we were happy.
My parents split up when I was still a kid. They had my younger brother, Nicholas, after me. After the separation, Mum ended up with another man, and that’s when things got bad. The relationship was violent, and we saw more than any kid should see. I can still picture my mother covered in blood every couple of weeks. This man treated my brother and me okay, but the way he treated her it left scars on all of us. We were living in Bowral then. I’ve got some good memories from there, but plenty of dark ones too.
There were times when Mum tried so hard to make life fun. Weekends with friends, afternoons filled with games. She did everything she could to make sure we had good moments. I only remember my dad a couple of times from back then. That’s it.
Eventually, Mum left her partner and followed Nan up north to Tweed Heads. We spent years moving in and out of houses, never really settled. Some days it felt like we only had what we could carry. Then, somehow, Mum’s ex found his way back into our lives up north, and we started the cycle again different towns, different schools, different friends. Too many times, I drove away from mates not knowing if I’d ever see them again. Most times, I didn’t.
The man got violent again, and after a while, he ended up in prison. By then, I had already seen too much blood, shouting, fear. More than enough for a lifetime, and I wasn’t even a teenager yet.
We eventually stayed in one place long enough for me to finish years five and six, and then I made it all the way through high school. I still remember a teacher telling Mum that he saw me “digging trenches” for a living. In year six, I got bashed so badly I ended up in the hospital. That led me to boxing, and at first the coach called me lazy. I took it personally. I pushed myself harder after that. I’d always been the smallest, weakest, scared kid. I hated that. I wanted to prove people wrong.
High school turned into a turning point. I went from invisible to being “somebody.” At first, it was cigarettes I stole from a shop I worked at. I’d sell packets to students and even teachers, then break down the last pack and sell singles.
Soon I was in deeper working for a dealer by the time I was fifteen. I was told to form a gang for backup, to have people around me if things went bad. I wasn’t supposed to tell close mates or family, just keep it quiet. I made more money than most kids my age and bought myself shoes, clothes, and whatever I wanted.
After years of violence and crime, I eventually shifted my focus. I’d had enough of living in darkness. I started promoting positivity, especially online. Mental health, mindset, believing in yourself that’s what I wanted to push. After everything I’d seen, I believed the world needed more love, laughter, and encouragement. I wanted to bring that into my future, into my career.
I’ve always loved action on the screen, but in real life, I’m done with it. I want to leave behind something better, especially for my two sons. My biggest inspiration is Dwayne Johnson. The way he works, the way he gives everything if I can even do half of that, I’ll be proud.
In 2022, I chose to start the year different. No drinking, no parties. I hit the gym instead. Within weeks, I landed auditions, photoshoots, and even a role in a short film. That’s just the beginning. My goal is clear: get that speaking role, start building a name, and prove to myself and others that no matter where you come from, you can go after what you want.
So that’s where I’m headed. I’ll give it everything I’ve got, and when people look back, I hope they’ll say I inspired them to keep chasing their dreams. And like I always say stay awesome, legends. Never give up.
