From Toowoomba junior fields to pulling on a Titans jersey in an NRL trial, Bodhi Sharpley’s rise has been built on patience, hard work and making the most of every opportunity.
Now, after progressing through the club’s Future Titans program and earning a train-and-trial spot over the pre-season, the young forward is preparing for his first taste of senior football when he lines up in the front row against the Dolphins.
For Sharpley, simply being in and around the NRL environment has already been a win.
“I’m loving it,” he said.
“It’s been good to be around the coaches and all the older boys.
The coaching staff is really good, and just to learn off all the older boys and take that into the game on Thursday, is where my focus is.”
The Toowoomba product has spent the past few seasons steadily working through the club’s pathways system alongside the likes of Cooper Bai, Jai Bilish, Viliami Fifita and Sunny Kama, relocating to the Coast and embracing everything the Future Titans program has offered since first joining in 2023.
It’s a foundation he believes has prepared him for this moment.
“Definitely,” Sharpley said when asked whether the Future Titans helped prepare him for tomorrow night's trial.
“Coming through the pathways since 2023 and now this being my first pre-season with NRL, I’ve definitely learned a lot over the years being here at the Coast.
“I’m taking everything that I’ve learned into this game and just showing what I’ve got really.”
While the step up to an NRL trial brings a new level of intensity, Sharpley’s approach remains simple and team-first.
“It’ll definitely be another step, especially being my first NRL trial,” he said.
“I’m looking forward to it, but I just have to step up my game and just be better out there.
“I’ve just got to make my tackles, run hard and do all the little things right. I don’t need to be flash or anything, but just do my job.”
Learning from those around him has also been key to his development.
Sharpley has leaned on experienced forwards throughout the pre-season, soaking up knowledge wherever he can.
“I really liked being around Jimmy Jolliffe when he was around,” he said.
“And now (since his injury) probably the likes of Tino and Kurt Morrin have been good to me.
“I’m just trying to pick out of their book, really.”
That guidance has helped ease the nerves that come with wearing an NRL jersey for the first time, even if the moment still feels surreal.
“I’m still getting used to the feeling,” he admitted.
“But I’m honoured and grateful that Josh has trusted me to trial with the boys.
"I’ll just see how I go.”
Sharpley’s trial won’t be the only chance for Titans fans to see the young forward this year.
Later in the season, he will also represent the club in the NRLQ Under 21s competition, with the Future Titans set to face the Broncos, Cowboys and Dolphins in the second year of the statewide series, and another important step in his development.
For a kid from Toowoomba who has steadily climbed every rung of the Titans pathway, it’s just the next chapter.
And if his work ethic is anything to go by, there’s plenty more still to come.
