Mahalia Murphys sad family drama, sister died when she was 13, SAS Australia, NRL news

Mahalia Murphy may be one of Australia’s finest Australian rugby and rugby league players, but the 29-year-old hasn’t done it easy.

The tough as nails rugby player, who has represented her country in both union and league, is taking part in the latest series of SAS Australia.

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On Tuesday’s airing of the show, Murphy revealed how her fall into the sport came about purely because of a few no-shows.

“I moved away from home straight out of high school, I used to come back on a Friday night and spend the weekend,” she said.

“I’d watch my sister play on a Saturday and a couple of girls didn’t turn up for the game so the coach asked me if I could play. It was just that moment that I realised I really love this sport and I really want to play.”

The star who has appeared in two World Cups however went back to her childhood and the tough times she endured growing up.

As soon as SAS instructor Ant Middleton asks Murphy about her upbringing, the emotion overwhelms Murphy.

“When I was four years old my mum had a car accident,” she says as her voice breaks.

“She’s still with us though gratefully but she did die three times on the table, and she spent a year and a half in hospital.

“My dad was a night truck driver and it was really hard not having him at home throughout the day and mum being in hospital away.

“My oldest sister had moved away to Walgett. And my younger sister below her had to take responsibility but she was going through that phase where she, cause she didn’t she have a figure around her to lead her she kind of just took the wrong path and got involved with drugs.

“I remember my mum sitting there making me hug my sister because we actually weren’t sure if she was going to be ok.

“At this time I probably would have been able eight. Eight years old. But yeah, so my sister was on the wrong path. And then my older sister passed from a heart attack.”

In a piece filmed outside of the interrogation room, Murphy opens up on the toll her sister’s passing had on her and the family.

“Losing my sister when I was 13 was a massive impact on my family again,” she says.

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“Experiencing grief at a young age I kind of went into a shell and isolated myself from everyone.

“It was painful. The fact that I will never see or hear her voice again or give her one more cuddle really hurts.

“Yeah, if it wasn’t for my mum I definitely wouldn’t be where I am. I just feel like I had to be that child to make her proud.”

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