Podcast: BTR Episode 19 with Alex Twal

This week’s guest on Behind the Roar is Wests Tigers try scoring hero Alex Twal ahead of this weekend’s trip to Townsville.

Episode 19 of Behind The Roar will drop at 4pm on Wednesday and is available on Apple, Spotify and YouTube.

He’s been one of our team’s most consistent forwards for many years, but until Round 16 against Melbourne Storm, Twal was still chasing that elusive first NRL try.

After waiting seven seasons and 116 first-grade games in the NRL, he finally crossed for his ‘maiden meat pie’ on a chilly Saturday night at Campbelltown Sports Stadium.

We chat about the ongoing chatter around his try scoring drought, how it felt when it finally happened, the reaction of those at the game, and the media fascination surrounding this once in a lifetime event.

We also talk about his pride in representing Lebanon, the standards set by his hard-working parents, the emotions surrounding his NRL debut, the important role he plays in Wests Tigers team, and the team’s goals over the remainder of the 2023 season.

There is also some light-hearted chat about marriage, mates, cuisine and more.

Hard work comes naturally to Twal.

Sure, it’s a good thing he’s not paid to score tries, but it’s the other stuff he does in a game that might night grab the headlines.  He gets his job done, time and time again.  A defensive workhorse, and a highly effective middle forward.

He says his Jordanian father and Lebanese mother taught him the value of hard work from a young age.

“They are very hard workers who gave me every opportunity to excel in life and sport,” said Twal.

My parents instilled in me the need for hard work, and I thank them so much for giving me the opportunity to be doing this.

Alex Twal

One of Twal’s best buddies is Wests Tigers teammate and fellow Lebanon international Adam Doueihi, who is fighting his way back from a third knee reconstruction.

“He’s staying positive and that’s the kind of guy he is,” said Twal.

“Us as teammates, and first and foremost as friends, is to make sure we get around him and support him through this tough journey.

Ads is one off my really close mates and I’m sure he’ll bounce back from this.

Alex Twal

Twal made his NRL debut as a 20-year-old against the Knights in Newcastle on 2nd July 2017, exactly six years ago to the day this Sunday.

“I remember telling my parents, mum was crying and dad was ecstatic,” he said.

“It was just surreal running out for the warm-up and then the game, it was an awesome afternoon.

It was a great moment for me and my family and it took a lot of hard work to get there.

Alex Twal

Twal also talks about his decision to join Wests Tigers after playing in many of Parramatta’s junior rep teams.

“It was a no brainer for me, the coach at the time wanted me, and I’m just so grateful for being a part of this club.

“It’s been six years here and I’ve loved every minute of it.”

He also reveals how becoming a married man late last year has given him so much joy.

“It’s been awesome and we’re loving life together, it’s good to have my wife who is my rock by my side," said Twal.

Sometimes you come home after a loss and you’re a bit down, but she knows what to say to bring me back up.

Alex Twal

“Sometimes after a win as well she knows how to level me out to make sure I don’t get ahead of myself.”

Of course, we spend quite a bit of time reflecting on ‘that try’, and the ribbing he’s copped over the past few years.

“In a way I was happy to be the brunt of the joke, If you’re not laughing your crying,” said Twal.

“Rugby League is about bringing people together and the response from the public after scoring the try as been awesome.

To be honest I’d trade that try for a win for us boys any day of the week.

Alex Twal

“Those kinds of moments, it’s why you play footy.”

Now the focus turns to Saturday night against the Cowboys in Townsville, a team that was on the end of a record loss at Leichhardt six weeks ago.

“We know what we’re capable of as a team and it’s about putting it together for the full eighty minutes,” said Twal.

“We've trained well and I think we are in good shape for the Cowboys.”