By George Riley BBC Radio 5 Live rugby league expert

Most people remember where they were on momentous dates in world history. Most can recall their exact location when the Berlin wall tumbled down, or when Barack Obama was inaugurated.

As a sad sports anorak, I can remember where I was when several key sporting moments took place. When Usain Bolt ran 100m in a jaw-dropping 9.69 seconds, for example, I was stood aghast in a wet suit on a stag do at a New Forest water centre.

I can also remember dropping the entire contents of my pint glass on the floor of the BBC bar when I got a text last October to inform me that Australian rugby league giants Sydney Roosters were about to sign an unproven Super League player from my home club, Leeds.

Granted, this bit of news would have passed most people by. But 22-year-old Jordan Tansey wanted by the Roosters?! It took me a while to get my head around it. Fast-forward almost eight months and the likeable youngster is making real waves in the NRL.

"I've started the last six games which is just what I needed as I really struggled at the beginning," he told me.

"They have world-class players in every position, and Anthony Minichiello was keeping me out at full-back. But then he did his ankle against Canberra Raiders and I got my chance."

I'll be back in Super League one day, but whether that is next season or in five years' time, who knows? I'd hope when I do come back I'll be able to play for the Rhinos again. Jordan Tansey

I don't mind admitting I expected Tansey to come home from Australia before the end of his two-year loan without having troubled the first team. Comfortable at full-back, half-back or hooker, Tansey has perhaps paid the price for his versatility at Leeds.

I rang Jordan in Australia for a lengthy chat this week and found a kid both living the dream and fast maturing into a hugely likeable young man.

"I only came over here for the experience," he admitted. "I didn't expect to get into the team at all, but I've been given a chance and I've settled in well."

Listen to most Roosters fans and, aside from moaning about their miserable NRL season to date, they will tell you they have been surprised by their relatively unknown new full-back from the north of England.

"I was shocked when I got the call telling me the Roosters were keen," said Tansey. "I'd never even thought about the NRL, apart from thinking it was something I may like to try later in my career.

"I thought I'd still be in Super League now, either with Leeds or elsewhere. Then my agent rang and everything changed. He said I had a chance to move to Sydney, and told me it would be a big move and a massive change in my life. "

606: DEBATE Give your reaction to Tansey's NRL success

As exciting a prospect as that sounded, moving to the other side of the world when you are 22 must be a massive call. I had to relocate to France for a year when I was 20 and I was petrified at the thought of leaving my comfort zone.

"I did have to think hard about it, but it was an opportunity I had to take, even if it was only for a year or two" said Tansey.

"I just decided it wasn't too much of my life and it would be a great experience for me and a brilliant opportunity.

"I keep in touch with all the Leeds boys. That was one of the hardest things for me, having to move away from all my friends and family. I have days when I get really homesick and miss it all.

"I won't lie, the lifestyle is awesome. The nearest beach is two minutes walk from the house I share with one of the club's academy conditioners. In the summer, it's amazing, although I don't think I'll take up surfing as there are too many shark attacks over here!"

So if he doesn't fancy becoming an Aussie beach bum, how does Tansey fill his non-rugby hours?

"I hang around with most of the Kiwi lads who live nearby," he tells me. "My best mates here are Shaun Kenny-Dowall and Setaimata Sa.

"We play a lot of golf, and my game has improved loads since I left England. Me and Gareth Ellis play a fair bit. In fact, I beat him last time so he must have had an off-day as he's pretty good!"

Tansey probably expected to live in the shadow of Ellis during their spells down under. His former Leeds team-mate is one of the game's best forwards and was always tipped to make a massive impact in the NRL after signing for Wests Tigers.

Ellis is making a big impact down under with Wests Tigers

"Gaz is going pretty good, he's ripping it up at the moment and loving it," said Tansey.

"He's the more well known of the two of us Brits over here, so he takes most of the headlines. No-one really knew who I was when I came over, but I'm getting some really good press now. "

Tansey also believes his move to Australia may prompt a fresh exodus from Super League, with players keen to chance their arm in the NRL.

"I'm sure some of the other Rhinos boys will get a chance to try and make it here, too, especially now that I've come over at a young age," he said.

"I reckon my move will change a lot of players' opinions about moving. Now I think we will see a lot more of the younger lads deciding to give it a go."

Tansey is due to stay at Sydney for two years and then head back to Leeds, who have retained his registration. But it must be hugely tempting to remain on Bondi Beach.

"I'm due back at Leeds in 2011, but if Sydney offered me another deal it would be very hard to turn down," he admitted.

"I'll be back in Super League one day, but whether that is next season or in five years' time, who knows? I'd hope when I do come back I'll be able to play for the Rhinos again. "

If Leeds do take Tansey back, they will find a very different man to the one who flew to the Roosters.

"I have grown and matured as a person as well as a player," he said. "Being away from your family on the other side of the world makes you grow up pretty quick. And I do really miss a nice cold pint of Yorkshire bitter!"

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