{"title":"James Colley","description":"\u003cp\u003eJames Colley’s novels blend the vivid allure of sports with rich, compelling storytelling. Readers can expect narratives that explore the highs and lows of athletic ambition, often set against the backdrop of everyday life and personal challenges.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWith engaging characters and a keen eye for detail, Colley’s works invite readers into worlds where sport and human drama intertwine, capturing the spirit of competition alongside heartfelt moments.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"tries-lies-and-meat-pies-by-sam-thaiday-9780143791584","title":"Tries, Lies and Meat Pies","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe autobiography of one rugby league's greatest characters.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eTries, Lies and Meat Pies\u003c\/em\u003e is penned by Sam Thaiday, one of rugby league's most highly regarded and respected players. Often seen as one of the last true larrikins of the game, Sam has entertained Brisbane Broncos, Queensland State of Origin, and Australian fans over his sixteen-year career.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBut behind that playful facade and infectious grin is a deeply caring and thoughtful individual, a family man who is passionate about working for equality in the community. Sam's book reveals his family connections to the Torres Strait, how it was his mum who taught him how to pass, tackle, and how to throw a punch (just in case it ever came up), how he married his high-school sweetheart, and his wishes for his daughters' futures.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eHe will also tell how this Townsville boy and die-hard Cowboys fan ended up a Broncos star. A one-club player, a rarity in the game today, he relives the high points of his career, including the 2006 premiership, his 2008 Dally M Award, and his many representative caps. He tells some of the wild stories from behind the scenes of the club and representative training camps, with a cast of characters all NRL fans will recognise.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis is Sam's unique story, told with his trademark humour, humility, and honesty.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Penguin Random House NZ","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47083047813356,"sku":"9780143791584","price":40.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/4632033482239.jpg?v=1765279982"},{"product_id":"the-next-big-thing-by-james-colley-9780645757910","title":"The Next Big Thing","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Next Big Thing\u003c\/em\u003e is a heartwarming, hilarious, quintessentially Australian debut that intertwines a young-love rom-com with a David and Goliath story.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNorm\u003c\/strong\u003e has lived in Norman his entire life. It's the town where he grew up with his dad, went to school, and met his best friend, Ella. But the town is dying: the river has dried up, and with it, all the jobs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOne night at the pub, on the anniversary of his dad's death, Norm announces a plan. He's determined to build a Big Thing – like Coffs Harbour's Big Banana or Ballina's Big Prawn – to drive tourism to the town and give it a future. And to show Ella that she could have a future here too, maybe even with him.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eElla\u003c\/strong\u003e, meanwhile, plans to leave Norman for the big smoke. She's weary of being a big fish in a small pond, especially when that pond is running out of water.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eElla encourages Norm's big idea nonetheless. If it works, Norm will have a four-metre-high reminder of her. And if not, at least they'll have one last perfect summer together.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWill Norm from Norman build a Big Thing in time to save his town and convince the girl of his dreams she belongs here too – or is it too late?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Allen \u0026 Unwin","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48244637040876,"sku":"9780645757910","price":37.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9780645757910-the-next-big-thing-1.jpg?v=1788007067"}],"url":"https:\/\/bookhero.live\/collections\/james-colley.oembed","provider":"Book Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}