TYRAN OTT INTERVIEW

We sat down with new recruit Tyran Ott to discuss a number of topics including his aims for 2024, being impressed by the Bradford fans and having a burger with Stevo!

The hooker received his VISA clearance this week and as a result, was named in Eamon O’Carroll’s ASN Doors 21-Man Squad for Friday night, meaning if selected, he will make his competitive debut.

“That would be perfect [making his debut on Friday], I don’t know what the plan is yet but I will prepare as if I am and see what happens,” said Ott, who is sponsored by Mary-Jo and Dot Daly. 

“It will be exciting if I get named, hopefully I can do a great job to help the team try get a win. I have just been making sure I am right, my body is right, I am keeping fit and wait for an opportunity to arise.” 

After a few years playing in the Reserves competition in Australia, Tyran started to look further afield for a chance to fulfil his ambitions of becoming a full-time sportsman. 

A confidante appeared in the form of Great Britain legend Mike Stephenson MBE (Stevo), who encouraged the move over a burger down under! 

“I have been playing Reserve Grade in Australia since 2019 and having aspirations to be a full-time sportsman, I was banging at the door but thought I might try over here with a different set of eyes and let the wind take me. 

“I spoke to Mike Stephenson (Stevo), he was all for coming over here, I’ve done his journey in reverse. I sat down and had a burger with him, chatted about his journey and he couldn’t recommend it anymore. I am fortunate to have a man like him speak to me and offers his words of wisdom. He was all for me just getting here and make it happen, I am stoked to have him push me along and chase my dreams.” 

Ott offers a utility value to Eamon O’Carroll in 2024, though primarily seeing himself best at dummy half. 

The former North Sydney Bear just wants to add value to the team to help win games however, insisting strong performances both personally and for the team would represent a successful year. 

“I’d say the position that suits my skill set the best is dummy half, I still really enjoy playing other positions, but I consider myself an elite hooker. If I can add value wherever I can to win games, that’s what I want to do.

“A successful year would be playing well personally and the team playing well. I am quite fortunate that the boys have welcomed me with open arms and have been fantastic so far on a social front and enjoyment front. I am sure that will continue and if we get some joy on the field that will be great.” 

Life in England got off to the perfect start when he dove over for a try two minutes into his first appearance on trial, for the Reserves. 

One notable area Tyran prides himself on is his efforts in defence, where there’s no ‘grey area’.

“I couldn’t have planned it any better, to score a couple of minutes in on foreign soil. I was pretty stoked and it’s been great, I have built some good friendships in the Reserves and First Team. 

“[Tackling] It’s an area where you either do it or you don’t, you make tackles or you miss them. It’s the same with passing, if you don’t hit the mark its glaring so I make sure I do those things right.” 

The 23-year-old got his first taste of Bradford’s support in the trip to Wakefield earlier this month – although admitting he didn’t quite capture the words, he was impressed by the noise made by the red, amber and black army.

“The crowds are fantastic here, the Wakefield game was a big game and to hear the crowd get noisy was fantastic, I still don’t know what they were saying but it was ringing in my ears all night! 

“It will be great to see the Bradford fans on Friday, I’ll be there, playing or not, supporting the boys.”

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