With New Zealand, Cook Islands, Hungarian and Chilean blood, Jack Debreczeni is the epitome of the modern multi-cultural Australians.
And as one of the most promising young fly-halves in the country, the Melbourne Rebels are hoping he might be the saviour of their ailing Super Rugby season.
To illustrate just how exciting a talent the 20-year-old Debreczeni could be, you need look no further than the approach from several NRL and AFL clubs, while he was still playing club rugby in Sydney.
“It was thrown up in the air, but it was never really a possibility,” Debreczeni says. “I've played rugby since I was three years old, but it definitely opened up my eyes to different sports, but I'm happy I'm playing rugby."
He’s an imposing 194cm (6’4”) and close to 100 kilos – measurements usually more in sync with a flanker or number eight – so it’s little surprise he was in high demand with other codes.
“We were certainly aware of the attraction he posed to other clubs,” says Rebels coach Tony McGahan.
“We were delighted with getting him to sign with the Rebels. We knew how much ability he had and how much growth he could have."
His Chilean grandmother was a big influence on his formative years, taking him to South America seven years ago.
“She taught me a few dishes, a few South American dishes which were my favourites,” he says. “She told me about her culture and where she came from and how things were different in her time compared to now in Australia."
After a hamstring injury in pre-season he then tore the meniscus in his knee, but his eight weeks of recovery are almost at an end.
“It's very tough, but I guess me being positive impacts on the team success and the environment,” says Debreczeni. “But it's tough watching from the sideline."
Coach Tony McGahan says he rates Debreczeni so highly that as soon as he’s match-fit, he'll be in the run-on Rebels side.
