Daniel Alvaro knows a thing or two about dual loyalties.
The Parramatta prop, who was born in Sydney and played his junior football in the Southern Highlands of NSW, has played representative football for Queensland under-18s, NSW Country and now Italy.
“My grandad was born in Calabria in Italy,” explains Alvaro. “My dad has been there since day one, always coaching and helping out with footy teams and taking me everywhere. He still calls me after most games and gets into me, so he’s a good dad.”
The big blond forward began his career at Mittagong Lions, before moving to Brisbane to sign for the Broncos. While waiting for a first-grade opportunity in Brisbane he played for Easts Tigers and Wynnum Manly Seagulls, before moving back to Sydney to sign with the Parramatta Eels in 2013.
Alvaro was first selected to play for Italy as a junior player, and in September 2016 was part of Italy’s train-on squad for the Rugby League World Cup qualifiers.
He is one of many Italo-Australians who are expected to play a major part of the 2017 World Cup campaign.
“It was a nice surprise,” said Alvaro of his selection to the national team.
“I was stoked to get the call. It was a couple of years ago now, and I was playing under-20s at the time, but it was different for playing week-to-week footy for my club.