3 minute read

Andrew McCullough is the old head in Brisbane's NRL forward pack and has taken his dad status to new levels approaching his 250th NRL game.

He's the old head in Brisbane's youthful forward pack but it's a pair of young backs getting the dad treatment from Broncos hooker Andrew McCullough.

McCullough, who will line up for his 250th NRL game against Canterbury on Thursday, has long had teammates come and live with him and his wife Carlie.

Halfback Tom Dearden is a permanent resident at the McCulloughs while winger Xavier Coates stays when he doesn't fancy making the journey back home to the Gold Coast during the week.

While McCullough jokes about banning ice creams or chocolate if his teammates don't pitch in around the home, the house-sharing experience is as much about helping the club's youngsters grow up off the field as they transition into adulthood.

"It's good. I think Tommy cut broccoli for the first time last night," McCullough said.

"I think she (Carlie) loves it. We're certainly getting a good laugh out of Xavier and Tommy.

"Having meals at nights where each night they talk about what they've learned and what they didn't like about today.

"It's good fun, it's really enjoyable."

McCullough's status at the Broncos is enhanced by his long association with the team.

One of the last players brought to the Broncos by legendary recruitment manager Cyril Connell, McCullough has been a one-club man throughout his career after debuting in 2008.

The 29-year-old recently took up a one-year option on his contract keeping him at the club until at least the end of 2020.

It was a decision that took little thought for McCullough and was secured in a typically understated fashion.

"It was pretty simple. I know I've got another year here," he said.

"Get it sorted and move on. It was pretty quiet and that's the way I wanted it to go. Glad to be in Brisbane for another year."