League: Family tragedy inspires Yow Yeh

Jahral Yow Yeh. Photo / Getty Images

From the wrong side of the tracks in Emu Park to the right edge of the Kangaroos test side - Jahral Yow Yeh's determination to make the most of his natural talent represents a welcome contrast to the Todd Carneys of the rugby league world.

The exotically named Torres Strait Islander of Vanuatuan descent is the antithesis of the NRL's current player of the year. While the Sydney Roosters halfback serves an indefinite suspension for his latest alcohol related indiscretion, 21-year-old Yow Yeh potentially came of age on Sunday when selected in the Kangaroos for Friday's Anzac test against the Kiwis.

Yow Yeh swore off excessive boozing before the season began in March, linking his moderation to a desire to represent Queensland in this year's State of Origin series as a replacement for AFL convert Israel Folau.

His mature outlook on life as a professional sportsman was rewarded earlier than anticipated when he was chosen to replace Four Nations representative Lote Tuqiri for Friday's trans-Tasman test at Skilled Park.

Like Matt Duffie - who will debut for the Kiwis on the wing - Yow Yeh was shocked when he was included.

It was an especially poignant moment for Yow Yeh - his uncle Kevin was considered a potential Australian test representative before the Balmain legend went off the rails when moving from his indigenous community in North Queensland to the bright lights and bars of Sydney's swinging 60s.

Kevin Yow Yeh played two stellar seasons at the Tigers - they made the 1966 Grand Final -- before returning to Queensland after just 41 games, homesick and addicted to alcohol.

There, after years of run-ins with the law, Yow Yeh died in police custody at Mackay in 1975 aged 34. His cause of death was officially listed as a heart attack though his family believe he was beaten.

Yow Yeh said his uncle's tragic demise inspired him to avoid the same pitfalls while living in Brisbane - a task made easier by senior teammates and family support.

"Kevin probably didn't have that. I can't even start to understand what he went through. It would have been hard back then."

Yow Yeh named Sam Thaiday and Justin Hodges as calming influences though self-control also had to come from within.

"I'm not going out so much," he said.

"I wouldn't say I've given up everything. When I get a chance I still like to have a drink with me mates, like any 21-year-old does. I live with three of my mates but when they go out on the weekend, I stay home.

"Me best friend at the moment is my Playstation. It's keeping me out of trouble, that's for sure."

Yow Yeh, who also works as an ambassador for an organisation promoting ear health throughout indigenous communities, had hoped to play one Origin for the Maroons in 2011.

Instead he was decked out in green and gold yesterday for the Kangaroos team photo.

"I'm nervous wearing the jersey now," he confessed.

"I can't imagine what's going to happen when I run out and the Kiwis are doing the haka in front of me."

Fortunately Yow Yeh will have club mates Darren Lockyer, Thaiday and Hodges alongside for guidance on the right side of the Kangaroos formation after kick-off.

"I'll be wearing a different coloured jersey but the same boys are inside me. They've been helping me out all year and making me look good," he said.

And of course the memory of the uncle he never knew will spur him on: "This one's for him and the Yow Yeh name."

- NZPA