A former international from Australia, Joel Monaghan is preparing himself for a wave of criticism as he is set to make his debut for Warrington in a pre-season friendly against Leigh this Sunday.
After eight years with his hometown NRL team, Canberra Raiders, the 28-year-old had to leave due to a drunken incident at an end-of-season party, which involved him engaging in sexual acts with a dog… the canine type.
During the 2008 World Cup final, Monaghan represented the Kangaroos but went into hiding last November when a lewd image was circulated online, admitting he feared that his career might be over.
At Warrington’s pre-season media event, Monaghan shared with the British press, “It was the worst time of my life.”
“For nearly two months, I didn’t access the Internet or read any newspapers. It was an extremely dark period. The most challenging part was witnessing the toll on my family.”
“My little sister called me after receiving the photo, and that was painful. Although it took about a week for it to become public, I was receiving calls from various people daily.”
“In a sense, it was beneficial that I could prepare my family in advance. I gathered everyone and called my grandparents, which was the hardest conversation I ever had. I didn’t sleep for a week.”
“During that first week, I thought it might be all over, so the chance to come here, play with my brother, and be part of a fantastic team shows there is light at the end of the tunnel.”
Numerous Super League clubs pursued Monaghan after he expressed his desire to move to Europe, and he came close to joining the Catalans Dragons.
However, the dream of playing alongside his older brother Michael, who plays as halfback or hooker for Warrington, influenced his final choice, leading to a one-year contract with the Challenge Cup champions.
“We promised dad that we would eventually play together, and when I informed him I had signed, he couldn’t stop smiling for three days.”
“He’s overjoyed, and both he and mum have already arranged their visit for this year.”
Having just returned from a Christmas getaway in Australia, Monaghan will make his debut in the upcoming friendly at Leigh, along with fellow Australian newcomer Brett Hodgson.
by Buford Balony
