His debut came as a surprise and his re-signing at the Melbourne Storm can as an even bigger surprise and with a new deal sorted, Bronson Garlick wants to capitalise.
His new deal will see him remain with the Storm until the end of the 2025 season.
A late bloomer in terms of playing, Garlick, 27, made his debut in round one earlier this season, with the man himself calling it a dream come true.
“I didn’t think I would be here last year and then to debut round one was dream come true,” Garlick said.
“I’ve looked at the honour board in the sheds every day hoping to be added along side some of the greats of the game.
“To play one game has been incredible and to be given the opportunity to play at Storm for another two years is hard to believe.”
Garlick was quick to praise the Storm and head coach Craig Bellamy for the opportunity that he thought would never be possible.
“I can’t thank Craig and the coaches enough,” Garlick continued.
“They have given me the chance to play first grade which is something I never thought would happen and to do that at Storm – the best club in the world – it quite surreal.”
Storm General Manager of Football Frank Ponissi praised Garlick for buying into the system from the minute he signed.
“Bronson has bought into our club from the very first day he first joined us in November 2021 on a one-year deal,” Ponissi said.
“He’s obviously come to us as a mature-aged player with some great experience at reserve grade, but he has worked extremely hard on his game playing with Brisbane Easts last season.”
Ponissi also stressed that Garlick’s current role is now an important one off the bench.
He was rewarded with another one-year deal for 2023 and after an outstanding pre-season, we’re pleased he’s seeing the results of that work by getting a regular start this season playing an important role off the bench,” Ponissi continued.