Caleb Binge: Narrabri Blues prop reflects on his NRL past

That's how former NRL player Caleb Binge described himself.

He had just finished playing for Narrabri in their 26-14 loss to Kootingal-Moonbi at Tamworth Rugby Park on Sunday.

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The 27-year-old - 1.79cm and 105kg - carried an injury into the game but played a full 80 minutes and caused the Roosters plenty of headaches in attack and defence.

Not the biggest front-rower in Group 4, or even at his club, but a real goer who has "fallen back in love" with footie.

So much so that he's going to be a huge asset for the Blues after debuting for them in their recent win over Boggabri.

Born and raised in Lismore, Binge attended St John's College Woodlawn before becoming a junior Bronco and entering the club's junior development program as a 16-year-old.

Two years of that led to him signing a deal with the Gold Coast Titans. His career appeared to be taking off.

He played for the Titans under-20s for two years. And in his third year at club he made his first grade debut, in 2014. It was against the Storm. He played two NRL games - all for the Titans.

"But then I had a few injury hiccups and I moved to Brisbane and played for Wynnum-Manly," he said. "Then my missus (Lauren) fell pregnant and it got tough.

"We then moved to Wee Waa and I worked in a cotton gin for a couple of years. That was a big change for a coastie. [I] had to adapt."

After two years in the cotton gin, he "got into mining" and has been in the industry ever since. "I lost the love," he said of rugby league.

Instead, he loved his time with his growing family.

Lauren and he have three children: Ellie (his stepdaughter) Jarli and Ailani. "I'm loving the game again," he said.

Narrabri meet old rivals Gunnedah at Collins Park on Sunday. Both sides have three wins and a loss.

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