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Sam Thaiday played for the Brisbane Broncos for sixteen years in the NRL. He is a former Broncos captain, an Australian international and Queensland State of Origin representative, and was a member of the victorious Australian 2013 Rugby League World Cup team. He received numerous awards over his career, including the Dally M award for second-row forward of the year, was named in the Indigenous Australian Rugby League Team of the Century, won a premiership title with the Brisbane Broncos and was awarded the coveted Ken Stephen Medal for his tireless efforts to help close the gap on Indigenous health and youth issues.

Sam, who is of Torres Strait Islander descent, was born in Sydney and raised in Townsville with his four brothers. He played rugby league football for the Brothers club in Townsville, attending Kirwan State High School.

Off-field, Sam is a long-time Nine Network personality and also hosts a successful Saturday morning radio show called Thank God It’s Thaiday on Nova.

Books by Sam Thaiday

Rise: The Sam Thaiday Story

A junior autobiography one of rugby league’s greatest characters who has always risen to the occasion, no matter the challenge.

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Tries, Lies and Meat Pies

The autobiography of one of Rugby League's favourite sons.

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Let us tell you a story

Australian authors and personalities read some of our favourite picture books.

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Bluey books read aloud

Read along with Julia Gillard, Sam Thaiday, Jamila Rizvi and John Wood.

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Bluey: My Dad is Awesome | Read aloud by Sam Thaiday

Buy now: https://www.penguin.com.au/books/bluey-my-dad-is-awesome-9781760899400 Everyone loves Bandit, especially Bluey and Bingo! Find out what makes this true blue dad so special in this hilarious and heartwarming book. A gorgeous hardback book that will make the perfect Father’s Day gift. Sam Thaiday played for the Brisbane Broncos for sixteen years in the NRL. He received numerous awards over his career, including the coveted Ken Stephen Medal for his tireless efforts to help close the gap on Indigenous health and youth issues. Sam is the author of RISE and TRIES, LIES AND MEAT PIES. #Bluey #MyDadisAwesome #SamThaiday

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Read aloud videos by dads

Aussie authors and fathers read picture books for Father's Day 2020.