For many in Goulburn, life in the Islands would be a complete unknown, but for former NRL and, Workers Bulldog fullback Michael Bani, the Islands are his home.

So when he was asked to invite players to represent his tribal team competing in the Torre Strait Islands Cup held last month, Bani thought about who would appreciate most a different perspective on life.

He decided to ask good mate and coach of the Bulldogs Michael Picker.

After Picker had thrown him a life line and a new lease on life last year, he felt he needed to repay the favour...

Little did he know that the entire Picker family would make the trek north with trio of brothers Mick, Ben and Joe all playing for the Wagadagam Storm in the tournament along with fellow Workers Bulldog player Blake Hewitt.

“Ever since I’ve known Mick (Bani) he’s always told me about his island and I’ve always said I’d have to go up and give it a look one day,” Picker told the Post.

“To go up there and actually see it was unreal. It was really good and it was good to see how much they love footy and the similar circumstances they have coming from the bush.”

The Picker family spent a week up in the Islands. Not only did they compete in the tournament held on Thursday Island, but they also travelled to Bani’s home island of Mabuiag.

For Bani and Picker, there are now ambitious plans to permanently connect their respective communities.

The pair are hoping to give an opportunity for players in the Torres Strait to come to Goulburn.

“I’m not talking myself up or anything, but I think paved the way for everyone up there. If I can do, anyone up there can do it,” Bani said.

“I’ve always said to anyone around me that I was just one of those players who took a chance and tried my best. I had no talent or rugby league skills whatsoever, I was terrible at school, but I came down and took the opportunities when I could and look where I ended up.

“I know for a fact that there are boys up there who are unbelievably good footballers. They can read the game well and they can play well, but they just don’t have that knowledge and understanding about what it takes to become an NRL player.”

Bani says he doesn’t see the current system, which sees talented players come through the North Queensland Cowboys feeder club, the Northern Pride, working as well as he would like.

He hopes, in coming seasons, several players can come play and train for a season with the Bulldogs.

“More so to get them the experience and the lifestyle of what it’s actually like to play competitive football. Maybe if we can get them down here they might develop into a good footy player,” he said. Picker is all for the idea.

He says it would be an opportunity to give a couple of guys the kick start they might need, not just in football, but with life.

“The skill and the handling by the guys up there, that’s what surprised everyone,” Picker said.

“The amount of drop ball was next to none, it was quite impressive. If something was organised it’ll be good for the town and good for those guys, we know they will be welcome.

“It doesn’t have to be a major costing for the club, it’s something that I think would be a big benefit and a lot of people can appreciate the club. We develop a lot of juniors in Goulburn, but if we can help develop a community or an area that isn’t an hour away from a development system like Canberra, then I’m 100% sure they’d be happy to do it..”

“We just have to finalise how it’s going to work.

“Ideally as well, I’d like a few of us boys who play for the Bulldogs to go up there and play in the TI carnival every year to give the boys a look at where these boys would be from.”