It wasn’t too long ago that NSW Waratahs flanker Charlie Gamble was driving around delivering beer around Sydney.
Now, the former Canterbury flanker has rocketed himself into national contention after a world-class showing against the British & Irish Lions.
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Gamble was inspirational in the 21-10 defeat to the Lions, stealing four turnovers and making a host of big tackles.
The presence of the 29-year-old frustrated the visitors all night as the freshly-trimmed flanker nearly crossed for the side’s opener, denied by the TMO.
It led to captain Hugh Sinclair calling for the flanker to earn a Wallabies call-up, with Gamble admitting it’d be a dream come true.
“Ever since I've been eligible, obviously that's something I want to do,” he said post-match.
“I always want to play professionally and when you want to play professionally, you want to reach the highest levels. So, Australia's my adopted country and obviously, at the start, it was probably a bit funny, but it's something I really want to do.
“I want to represent this country and if I ever get called in the squad, or, whatever happens, happens…I'm always ready, and I'll be very keen to play.”
If Gamble were to receive that call-up, it would complete a remarkable journey that started his Australian career in part-time suburban Rugby with Petersham in 2018 while delivering beers for Modus.
"I went through the Crusaders Academy and then came over here. I was rolling kegs and delivering beers to pubs which was good fun," he explained.
“I hadn’t been to Sydney many times before that. Just drove my way around Sydney and delivered craft beer around pubs and the whole of Sydney.”
Gamble won the comp with the ‘Shammies’ before being signed up with Eastern Suburbs in the Shute Shield.
His rise continued as the Waratahs came knocking, with last night’s performance the type to catch the attention of Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt.
“It's obviously a pretty funny journey,” Gamble said.
“I went back [to New Zealand] for my sister's 21st last weekend and Dad was like ‘Make sure you play your best. It's been a while.’
“I'm just glad. Obviously, I play the game because I love it because now it's a bit of a repayment back to all the hard work they've done for me.”
Gamble is guaranteed at least one more shot at the Lions, unveiled as part of the First Nations Pasifika squad for the tour match between the first two Tests.
He knows the Lions will have his name circled after his heroics on Saturday.
“They know that I'm probably going to try again. So I'll probably have to watch out a bit more, be a bit smarter,” he added.
“To be able to do it again would be awesome. Make sure I recover, stay fit, and go headfirst again.”
