Barbershop Blog

AUSTRALIAN SPORTING HEROES - MULLETS AND ROLE MODELS

April 26, 2021

Where do Aussie kids get their hairstyle inspiration? Most of our young and inspiring talents look at their idols in the professional leagues of Australian sport. What their heroes and role models bring to the big stage today, you can bet your bottom dollar that the young bucks will be emulating tomorrow. Today we look at three influential names in Australian sport. All with famous mullet hairstyles and all making an impact where it matters most.

Sydney's best barbers talk mullet hairstyles and sport starsSydney's best barbers talk mullet hairstyles and sport starsSydney's best barbers talk mullet hairstyles and sport starsSydney's best barbers talk mullet hairstyles and sport stars
Ryan Papenhuyzen - National Rugby League

The Melbourne Storm fullback came away from the 2020 NRL Grand Final with a premiership trophy and a Clive Churchill Medal for a man of the match performance. Ryan’s wild looking mullet hairstyle has gained a lot of media attention and has become the inspiration for many of his young fans haircuts. 

The Australian media has not been as kind with news outlets comparing poor team performances to the super stars hairstyle. One outlet called it ridiculous and after a big Melbourne win over Canberra, news.com.au stated  “The only thing worse than Canberra's opening 25 minutes last night was Ryan Papenhuyzen's haircut.”

One thing is for sure and the boys love this stand out style and are copying him in the droves. When talking about his aspirations in a recent interview he stated that: 

"I just want to be a role model to other kids, and not a one or two-year player – I want to be a 10-year player who is respected,”
"I want to be someone I’d want to look up to when I was a kid."
Ryan Papenhuyzen Mullet Hairstyle
https://cdn4.theroar.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Ryan-Papenhuyzen-Melbourne-Storm-1-755x515.jpg



Rhyan Grant - A League

The Sydney FC player scored the winning goal in the 2020 A-League Grand Final against Melbourne City. He was also awarded the Joe Marston Medal for his man of the match performance. Rhyan is at the top of the game with 4 appearances for the Australian National Team, The Socceroos.

Ryhan’s mullet hairstyle was first rocked back in 2018 and has since gained cult-hero status with many of his young fans following his lead. 

In most recent events, Rhyan has turned to the clippers and allowed is famous mullet to be shaved off as part of the Leukemia Foundation’s World’s Greatest Shave. Raising close to $26,000, it is great to see one of the countries top sporting role models leading by such a positive example.

Rhyan Grand Mullet Hairstyle - World's Greatest Shave
https://www.socceroos.com.au/sites/socceroos/files/2021-02/EudxiJmU4AEpQBH.jpeg



Bailey Smith - Australian Football League

Western Bulldogs midfielder Bailey Smith has been described as one of the game's most exciting young players. He has also been labelled Mr Instagram where he goes by the handle #Bazlenka and has over 200k followers. The poster boys rapid ascension has been as well documented as his long golden locks, a mullet hairstyle that he cuts and maintains himself. 

In a March 2021 interview with Damian Barrett, Bailey discloses his troubles with mental health issues. He related to the pressures on young boys “growing up through school, and footy and stuff” and called for greater acceptance and discussions around the topic. He stated that:

“I think it's healthy to talk about it, and know that everyone doesn't always cope as well as they would like, and it's OK to put your hand up and say you're struggling.”

At only 20 years old, Bailey Smith is a rock star of the game and one of the AFL’s most influential young men. Wild mullet or not, Bailey is clearly a positive role model for the youth of today.

Bailey Smith Mullet Hairstyle
https://resources.afl.com.au/photo-resources/2020/09/28/0c95515a-72bc-469d-85ee-be68d042ea8f/gYIefsaj.jpg


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