Many Rugby League fans wouldn’t instantly stop at the name ‘Josh Mantellato’ – but the no-frills Wyong Roos Intrust Super Premiership NSW veteran has done more in the game than most ever will.
The sharp-shooting winger, who appears likely to hang up the boots at the end of this season, has played in the NRL, featured in two World Cups and travelled the globe doing what he loves.
That dream, however, appears to be coming to an end.
“I think this will be my last year in [Intrust Super Premiership NSW],” Mantellato, a prolific point-scorer who topped the league for three consecutive seasons, tells NSWRL.com.au.
“I’m 31 this year, I don’t think I’ll want to make the trip to Sydney or Newcastle to play ‘Cup’ anymore…
“I’m studying at Newcastle University to be a school teacher, and playing at Wyong in between so it’s keeping me busy.
“At the moment though I’m really dedicated to my studies, but we’ll see what happens.”
The two-time Italian World Cup representative crossed for a try and kicked six from six across two NRL appearances for Newcastle in 2013 and 2014 before heading to England for a two-year stint at Hull KR. He says that experience – and playing in the NRL – changed his life.
“I spent two years in England and I wanted to be an Australian who went over and accepted their culture and their team culture and that kind of stuff – I absolutely loved it over there,” Mantellato says.
“They welcomed me with open arms. We had some success the first year then obviously the second year we got relegated in heart-breaking fashion… but it was the best two years of my life.
“[I played NRL with Newcastle] during the Origin period for the Knights. I was filling in for (Akuila) Uate and we were down a couple of outside backs.
“I got told by Wayne Bennett on the Friday morning after training that I’d be playing tomorrow (in Round 12, 2013, against South Sydney). I think it was a good thing I didn’t know earlier because come Saturday I was so excited I was giggling. I wasn’t nervous, I was just so excited. That was back when the Knights had a really strong side and made the Prelims every year. I was just happy to do my job in the lower grades and if I got the call-up, I got the call-up.
“My first game I scored a try and kicked a few goals. From memory I think the staff were happy with how I went. I popped a couple of ribs that day with a couple of minutes to go so I couldn’t get a look in the following week. Looking back, though, I’m just glad I made the most of that opportunity.”
Some may reflect on that career, featuring a total of 50 points across six World Cup matches, as a one of missed opportunities. Not Mantellato. Not when you’re playing in NSWRL’s blue-ribbon competition and being watched by Roosters coach Trent Robinson. Not when you’ve played with the likes of Kurt Gidley, Willie Mason, Darius Boyd, Anthony Minichiello, Paul Vaughan, James Tedesco and more. Not when you’re a hero to Hull.
“I played with Newcastle in a couple of NRL games. It truly was a dream come true,” he says.
“Being affiliated with the Roosters, if you’re playing well and there are injuries you never know… If I’m doing the things [Robinson] requires week in and week out here at cup level, especially at Origin time, you never know.
“I had a crack, I was playing country footy ‘til I was 25 then I made the trip to Newcastle and progressed from there and I’m glad I made that decision.
“It’s been a lot of fun.
“Of course I’m a little disappointed (to not play more NRL matches) but I’m just grateful I got the shot. I debuted at 26 which is pretty late for most players.
“I played two NRL games. I got to play Super League off the back of that. Got to travel the world and play sport – and I got paid for it.
“That’s the dream. It’s been brilliant.”
