Full name: Corben John Becker
Club: Mackay Brothers Under 20s/Mackay Cutters Hastings Deering Colts
Height: 181cm
Date of birth: 14/07/2004 (18 years)
Birthplace: Mackay
Position: Halfback/Fullback
Nickname: Corbs
Favourite NRL Clubs: Brisbane Broncos, Melbourne Storm, North Queensland Cowboys
Favourite Player: Johnathan Thurston
Occupation: Apprentice electrician
When Corben Becker received a call from a former coach late last year, he was ecstatic to receive the news.
It was a coach he’d played for at Walkerston Wanderers, who also assistant coaches the Hastings Deering Colts Mackay Cutters, giving him the call up to join the squad.
Corben has been training with the Mackay Cutters Under 21s squad and played one trial game, working hard to ensure a debut.
“I’m just taking it all in,” Corben said.
“I’m the younger half of the team so I’ve just been training and getting more experience for the years to come.”
Corben’s rugby league journey started at just five years old when he joined Brothers Junior Rugby League Club.
His family relocated to the Sunshine Coast where he continued to develop his skills at Gympie Devils and Noosa Pirates before returning to Mackay and Brothers.
Finishing his junior career at Wanderers, Corben returned to Brothers to play U20s before joining the Cutters system.
The dynamic and fleet-footed backrower is honoured to be a part of the team, taking every opportunity to learn from those around him.
“Everyone just helps you out; the culture here’s amazing,” he said.
“Your teammates are always boosting you up and you’re always trying to work yourself up to be as good as or better than the other people in your position.
“I’m just trying to play my best footy, not let my team down and play for my family.”
As a local who is following his rugby league dreams in his hometown, Corben’s advice to other young players is to keep learning.
“Always ask questions,” he said.
“Make sure you take in what the coaches tell you and put in 100% effort at training.”
Looking forward to his Colts debut, Corben is excitedly watching his team start their 2023 season with an undefeated run after three rounds.
“We haven’t lost yet,” he said.
“We’ve just got to keep up the grind and make sure we play more than a half of football.”
