Originally starting as a fullback, now a hard-charging forward, Leading Aircraftman Daniel Nolan is explosive with ball in hand on the rugby league field.
He first strapped on a boot at age six for Nowra Warriors while his father was working at HMAS Albatross. This was only the beginning of his passion for rugby league.
Moving up and down the east coast as the son of an Air Force life support fitter, Leading Aircraftman Nolan continued his playing career with clubs in the Newcastle area and later in Ipswich.
When he was in his late teens, Leading Aircraftman Nolan got thrown into the forward pack while playing for the Fortitude Valley Die Hards. There his true potential was found.
After playing at state-level for Queensland Rugby League and being the vice-captain for Ipswich Brothers A grade, he looked for a new challenge by following in the footsteps of his dad.
'Footy runs deep in our family veins.'
Joining Air Force in early 2021, he posted to RAAF Base Amberley as an aircraft structural technician at 1 Squadron.
Few are lucky enough to be selected to represent the ADF on the rugby league field, but even fewer are the son of a previous player.
Dad Darren Nolan was proud to see his son run out onto the field on Anzac Day.
"Footy runs deep in our family veins. Seeing him debut on Anzac Day is pretty mind blowing," Mr Nolan said.
Mr Nolan still has his jersey from a 2004 match against the British Army.
Unfortunately, they were beaten back then, but Leading Aircraftman Nolan hopes to right that loss one day soon.
One of Leading Aircraftman Nolan's first Anzac Day memories was watching a war movie with his father the night before.
"I remember turning around to him and asking if I could go to the Dawn Service, bright and early," he said.
"Dad got me up, made sure I was OK to stand up for a long time and off we went."
