When Josh and Bella Nasser played their backyard games of family touch as kids, they inevitably transformed into even more willing games of tackle.
Family patriarch Brendan Nasser cast a smile over proceedings without ever knowing for sure if his kids might follow in his footsteps.
His career as a Wallaby backrower in eight Tests was a headstart in DNA but Queensland Reds hooker Josh, 24, and Australian rugby sevens star Bella, 21, are both carving out their own careers.
“We had some good backyard games as kids with another brother, Ollie, involved. The games started as touch but almost always turned into tackle. Josh has been a gym buddy and it really helped me starting out with a training partner from a professional rugby background,” Bella said.
For Josh, life on the comeback trail is gathering pace with solid efforts off the bench against the NSW Waratahs and Hurricanes to open the Super Rugby Pacific season.
His resilience has shone through. By his own admission, 2022 and 2023 were derailed by injuries. A healthy body has been a significant step.
“I had a pretty rough 18 months through injury so it’s good for confidence to get back and play in some pretty intense parts of the game,” Josh said.
“The boys put up a great fight against the Hurricanes last weekend. It’s onto the Chiefs and we are very keen for the challenge of bouncing back against a quality outfit.
“Any time we play at Suncorp Stadium, it’s special. It’s our fortress and we don’t like losing there.
“The crowd was pretty electric for the Waratahs game. They are our 24th player and they’ve got a couple of exciting games already.”
Nasser said his father had never been too overt in pressing theories on his children.
“Dad has always been good in taking a back seat but is always there to fall back on for advice,” Josh said.
“He certainly toughened me up a bit and from what I’ve heard he was pretty tough back in his day.”
Bella’s star has risen with extra opportunities on the world sevens circuit this year. She scooted over from halfway with a dummy and run against the USA at the LA Sevens last weekend after a strong Vancouver tournament.
“Obviously, Dad has a lot of knowledge. He’s never put pressure on, just highlighted the enjoyment, doing the basics and things like leg drive,” Bella said.
“He doesn’t have old jerseys hanging up all over the house and never boasts about his game. It reminds Josh and I to be humble.
“People say he was determined and pretty ruthless as a player. Hopefully, I’ve taken on those elements as well.”
Bella was still at school at Brisbane State High School when inspired by the deeds of Charlotte Caslick at the 2016 Olympics where the rugby sevens girls struck gold in Rio.
She’s closing in on her own ticket to the Paris Olympics in July.
“It’s been awesome to see Bella take her opportunities with both hands. It’s all guns blazing for the sevens girls,” Josh said.
“I know I’ll be trying to book a ticket if Bella is off to the Olympics.”
