Abed Atallah loves Rugby League and always will he said; the 28 year old has played the game since the U6s age division and has spent much of that time running around in the Maroon and White for The Harden Hawks.
Atallah was instrumental in the Hawks 2009 Grand Final side that overcame Bungendore 15-11 in extra time. Abed played five-eighth in the Grand Final but has the size, agility and skills to play anywhere in the halves or in the backrow. Abed kicked a goal from the sideline in windy conditions to send the game in to extra time.
When asked what Abed thought he could bring to the side he said he hoped some experience and leadership. The Hawks are fielding a youthful side again this year based mainly around players from the Harden-Murrumburrah area. He highlighted the need for “older players to help guide the younger players” as was done for him when coming in to the grade.
He has been playing for ShellHarbour in the Illawarra competition and last year captain-coached the reserve grade side that narrowly lost the major Semi-Final. Abed’s younger brother Abe is a member of the 20s squad with St George Illawarra and lives with Abed and his family. Abed said it’s been good to pass his experiences down to him, after playing Jersey Flegg which is what the 20s comp used to be called. He understands the hard work and dedication that’s needed these days if you are to make a career out of rugby league.
With both Abed’s parents and wife Natasha’s parents still in town he said he likes to get back so the kids can spend time with the family, as well as catching up with the friends he grew up with.
When it comes to football, Abed said the focus is on getting a similar result to the last time he played in Harden when they won the comp.
