Age: 30
Nationality: Clogwearer
Occupation: I sell snow to Eskimo’s and sand to Arabs
Position: Utility, but preferably Hooker (not only off the field)
When did you first learn about rugby league?
Well this is going to be a ‘Listen to grandpa story’, but that must have been somewhere way back in 2008 or 2009. There were no Cobras, Pitbulls, Knights or even an proper Dutch national team. I was playing my second year of Rugby Union and was trying to play as much games as possible. Luckily I ran into Jason Bruygoms, who basically introduced me into the code we all love. I played for ‘the Dutch development team’ against Oxford University and absolutely loved the game. Accidentally watching videos on Youtube of “Billy the Kid” of Melbourne Storm brought me over from the ‘dark side’ completely. He’s my not so secret man-crush.
This is a funny question for me, because as a founding father I was part of the group that started this amazing club. So I guess I always was one, but it has probably got something to do with my snake-like behaviour.
Do you support a professional team or have a favourite player?
You are not really paying attention are you? (must be a female-interviewer)
[I never do – Tom, Editor]
Which team do you look forward to playing the most and why?
Actually it is the international against the Germans, first of all I would love to get picked for our national side again and second the games against our neighbours are epic. The atmosphere, the anthems, the skill level and the intensity of the battle is unlike anything else.
What is your personal goal this season?
Introducing and attaching even more people to the greatest game of all. At the moment I couldn’t care less who wins the competition, really. What I really hope is that we can add more teams to the competition next year, so we can extend our season and grow the level of Rugby League in the Netherlands.
When did you last score a try?
Waaaaaay too long ago. I’m pretty useless really.
Do you have an opposing player that you love to play against or have a rivalry with?
It is actually my Jedi-Master Jason Bruygoms, although he coaches mostly now. It is usually him smashing me, but before I get even older (and him too) I’d like to put a big one on him.
If you had to be one of the other Cobras for a week, who would it be and why?
Definitely Stefan, I actually would love to experience living in a Gypsy-camp for a week, being able to play the accordeon and sacrifice chickens for good luck.
What was your most embarrassing moment on the field?
Wow, hard to choose as my life is one big embarrasment. At least according to my mother. But anyway, probably getting ragdolled by Alexander Barendregt almost 5 seasons ago. We were playing the Dordrecht Scissors against Barbarians (none of the current clubs existed back then). Alex put a late hit on me and when I returned the favour. He picked me up pretended to piledrive me as his bitch. Not a great experience for a man’s ego, I tell you that. (to save a little of my leftover dignity… he did have at least 40 kilo’s on me)
What was your best one?
Beating the Germans in Germany for sure! Never been so happy after a game!
Which cobra is the funniest?
This a tactical pick, because most of the Cobras are funny as. I say David, as we have like 5 of them in our team. But German David, my little German Cobro is hilarious. Same goes for Durty Dave and his “poepschuim”. Last but definitely not least is my brother from a Scottish mother David Air. Seldom I find someone with exactly the same dark humour as me. But like I said, we are arguably a better stand-up comedy team then a League team. Laughing numbs the pain I guess.
Which Cobra is most likely to avoid paying for a round?
Must be Phelim, you know these ‘arty-type’ people, they don’t lower themselves by base things like money.
Which training drill do you dread the most?
None, I give the trainings and if I dislike a drill I just step out ‘to coach’ the others. Works brilliantly. You know the saying ‘smarter, not harder’.
Do you have a nickname?
I nicknamed myself D’anus Petomanus, not sure if the boys have one for me too. They better not if they want to play. My English mate Daniel, used to call me “Clogs of Thunder” though. I kinda loved that one.
How would you describe yourself in one word?
(a) Cunt. League-fanatic