Ryan Keating ready to represent his Dutch heritage
Yeppoon Seagulls winger Ryan Keating is preparing to swap his club colours for Netherlands orange as he joins the Lions for the 2026 Men’s Rugby League European Championships in Serbia.
For the 21-year-old, the opportunity to represent the Netherlands is about more than rugby league. It is a chance to honour his family’s heritage and make those closest to him proud.
Keating’s Dutch connection comes through his grandparents, who emigrated from the Netherlands to Australia. His journey towards international selection began when he registered his heritage through the NRL app, hoping it might open the door to representing his ancestral homeland.
Around 18 months later, that initial enquiry led to an invitation to join the Netherlands squad for matches against Ukraine and Serbia.
“My family’s really proud of their Dutch heritage and where we come from,” Keating told journalist Liam Emerton.
The selection carries particular significance for his mother and brothers, and honours the memory of his Dutch grandfather, who died before Keating was born.
Joining a squad based largely on the other side of the world presents its challenges. Keating has been speaking with the team’s leadership ahead of the tournament, but his first opportunity to train alongside his new teammates will come in Serbia.
Those conversations have already helped him feel welcome. He described an enthusiastic group and is looking forward to meeting the squad, learning from the experience and adjusting to a different style of rugby league.
His selection is also a proud moment for Yeppoon Seagulls. Having played for the club since his junior years, Keating credits its supportive environment and talented players for helping his development.
The Netherlands begin their campaign against Ukraine on 21 October, before facing hosts Serbia on 24 October.
For Keating, pulling on the Lions jersey will bring together his sporting ambitions and a family connection that spans two continents.
Adapted from “Dutch odyssey calls Ryan”, originally reported by Liam Emerton, CQ Today.
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