‘On the map’: Parra rookie’s pride as NRL’s first Kurd
George Clarke |
Araz Nanva is one of the few winners in Parramatta’s injury crisis and the centre hopes his presence at NRL level can achieve some recognition for his people along the way.
A week after making his debut in a demoralising 50-point hammering at the hands of Gold Coast, Nanva was part of an Eels side missing eight regular first-graders that claimed a 38-20 win over Canterbury on Sunday.
Nanva, who was lavished with praise for his defensive work by Brad Fittler and Billy Slater on the Nine Network, is believed to be the first Kurdish player to feature in the NRL.
He is proud of the fact he speaks the Sorani dialect at home with his parents, who migrated to Australia the year before he was born.
The region of Kurdistan straddles modern-day Iraq, Iran, Syria and Turkey and its people, who have sought independence, have frequently faced persecution.
“I’m of Kurdish background and for those that don’t know it’s one of the biggest ethnic populations without a country. I’m very proud to be Kurdish,” Nanva told AAP.
“I’m from the Iranian part. My mum, dad and brother came over in 2003 and I was born a year later and my parents worked very hard to raise me and my brother.
“I’ve got a lot of love from all the other Kurdish people watching and I appreciate that and I’m doing the best I can.
“Not many people know about us, so to put them on the map like that is huge.”
Nanva had a solid showing against the Bulldogs as the Eels moved to a 3-4 start to the season.
The 22-year-old is comfortable with the fact that he may make way next week if Sean Russell, who was late scratching on Sunday, is cleared to face Manly.
“No one is happy about the injuries but it opens up opportunities for the boys like me to try and do our best for the team,” he said.
AAP