Bulldogs.com.au takes a snapshot look at the pre-season for Michael Lichaa.
Hooker Michael Lichaa missed the remainder of the 2015 season after scans revealed a fracture to the lower leg in the round 23 win over the Gold Coast Titans.
Lichaa came from the field in just the fourth minute of play against the Titans when his right leg got caught underneath a Greg Bird tackle, with the 22-year-old taking no further part in the match.
He required surgery to repair the injury and be ready for the 2016 pre-season.
Name: Michael Lichaa
Junior Club: Cronulla Caringbah, Yarrawarra Tigers
Birthplace: Wollongong
What do you like to do away from football?
I like to go to restaurants a lot, I love my food!
What was your first job?
I was an apprentice carpenter before I became a full time rugby league player with the Cronulla Sharks.
What are your goals in Rugby League?
My main goals are to win a Grand Final with the Bulldogs and also to play State of Origin.
What do you love about Rugby League?
The thing I love most about rugby league is turning up to work every day and being surrounded by some of your best mates who you have forged such strong bonds with.
Who has been the biggest influence on your career?
My biggest influence would be my parents; the sacrifices they made when I was growing up taking me to training and games as well as inspiring me to be a better person will always stay with me.
What is your earliest league memory?
My earliest memory in rugby league would be winning my first ever premiership… in under 8’s!
What is your best moment in league so far?
My favourite memory in rugby league so far would have to be when we beat the Tigers in extra time last season, the boys put so much effort in to come back the way we did and I felt proud to be a part of it.
Best piece of advice you have been given?
Always train harder than the guy next to you!
What advice would you give to a young rugby league player?
I would give the exact same advice I was given, “Always train harder than the guy next to you!”
Who is the player you looked up to as a kid and why?
As a kid, I looked up to a lot of players but my Idol would have to be Brad Fitler.
What are your memories of your first NRL game?
My first ever game of NRL was actually against the Bulldogs when I debuted for the Sharks… we got hammered by the dogs!
Favourite sportsman and why?
My favourite sportsman would have to be Josh Morris, he doesn’t look much like a good footballer but looks can be very deceiving.
What can’t you live without?
Good food and good restaurants.
What player do you most enjoy playing with/against?
I love playing against Johnathan Thurston, he is the best player I have ever seen.
What is the TV show you never miss?
I would never miss watching Entourage, such a great show.
What is on your bucket list?
I would have to say travelling America is right up there on my bucket list.
If you could play another sport, what would it be?
I would play ping pong, there is no fitness involved…
If you weren’t playing league, what would you be doing?
If I wasn’t playing league I would have continued my Carpentry Apprenticeship and become a full time carpenter.
How would you like to be remembered at the end of your career?
I would like to be remembered as a player who always put everything in to get the win.
