Malachi Dumas came to rugby league through his older brother, who taught him how to step in the backyard before he ever played a game. It’s a detail that fits the way Dumas approaches everything — with family at the centre of it. His older brother is both his childhood hero and one of his sporting idols. The advice his brother gave him, drawn from faith, is the best he’s ever received: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

The right winger’s career has already covered remarkable ground. He is one of the few players in the competition who has played both VFL and Hostplus Cup at a young age, and his 2023 season with the Tweed Seagulls — an undefeated premiership run — stands as his most memorable campaign. He prays before every game and has one of the most memorable on-field moments in this year’s survey: running half the field, losing his shorts in a tackle, and keeping going anyway.

Away from the field, Malachi loves golf and spearfishing, dances like Michael Jackson (his words, and probably accurate), and lists French Polynesia as his dream destination. He also speaks about wanting to support young Indigenous kids and help direct them onto the right path — a purpose that sits alongside the footy, not beneath it.

#OnTheField

Position: Right Wing

Junior Club: Tweed Cudgen Hornets

What’s your first memory playing rugby league? My older brother teaching me how to step.

Who introduced you to the game? My older brother.

Career Highlight: Having the privilege to play both VFL and Hostplus Cup at a young age.

Pre-Game Ritual/Superstition: Always pray before I run out on the field.

Most Memorable Game: My first year playing rugby league in 2023 — winning a premiership with the Tweed Seagulls going undefeated all year.

What’s Your Personal Goal for the year? Play consistent Hostplus Cup footy.

What’s the biggest lesson footy has taught you? Resilience and keeping a positive mindset.

What advice would you give to young players starting out in footy? If you really want it, work hard for it — and have fun with it.

 

#OffTheField

If you weren’t a footballer, what would you be? Someone supporting young Indigenous kids and helping direct them onto the right path.

Childhood Hero: My older brother.

Favourite Game-Day Pump-Up Song: Goodness of God — CeCe Winans.

Hobbies: Golf and fishing / spearfishing.

Favourite Post-Game Meal: Chicken salad bowl.

Hidden Talent: Can dance like Michael Jackson.

Favourite Sports Team (Outside Rugby League): Sydney Swans.

Best Advice You’ve Ever Received: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Favourite Holiday Destination: French Polynesia.

Dream Team You’d Love to Play For: South Sydney Rabbitohs.

Dream Player You’d Love to Play With: Greg Inglis and Johnathan Thurston.

 

#CaprasTop3

Game Day Snacks: Banana with honey.

Movies of All Time: Remember the Titans.

Meals: Vodka pasta.

Sporting Idols: Stephen Crichton, Cyril Rioli.

Bucket List Destinations: St Lucia or Tahiti.

Things You Can’t Live Without: Family.

Worst Drills at Training: Conditioning.

Embarrassing Moments on the Field: Ran half the field and mooned the whole stadium — didn’t care, kept going with my shorts down.

 

#TeamTalk

Who is the team pest? Liam.

Who is always late to training? Matteo.

Who takes the longest to get ready? Eli.

Who would you not want to be stuck on a desert island with? Bailey Cav.

Who is the best dressed on the team? Eli.

Who is the worst dressed on the team? Bailey Cav.

Who is the biggest joker on the team? Bailey Cav.