Gordon Chan Kum Tong has heard it all before about his stature.
It’s almost become a broken record…familiar cries of ‘too small’ to ‘not big enough’ have now background noise for this exceptional young Sea Eagles hooker.
Remember, many said the same thing about a young Manly half-back named Geoff Toovey. And look at how that turned out.
It’s why the family motto of ‘Doubt Not and To Fear Not’ is carved deeply inside 'little' Gordie’s big heart.
“We’re built really small, so my Mum has always told me to take my challenges head on and to not doubt yourself,’’ he said.
“That’s where the motto comes from.
“People often doubt me, saying I’m too small. That’s just who I am. And I love proving people wrong.”
Born to Samoan parents (his father is half-Chinese), there will be no better chance for Chan Kum Tong to showcase his toughness and skills than on the big stage in Manly’s Pre-Season trial match against Souths in Gosford this Friday night.
At just 91 kilograms, the very talented Sea Eagles development player loves taking on opposition stronger than him.
Just like that famous old rugby league saying, ‘the bigger they are…’
For a 21-year-old, Chan Kum Tong displays a level of professionalism, competitiveness, and natural leadership well beyond his years. He also has impeccable manners.
It’s why he has rightfully held the roles of either vice-captain or captain of every Manly team he has played in. Team-mates can't speak highly enough of him.
“Gordie is just so tough. Stature wise, he’s a duck on the field,’’ joked good friend Zac Fulton, who started his journey with Chan Kum Tong in the Manly Pathways system.
“There is no fear there. Gordie is the first one I want next to me, yelling ‘let’s get up off the line here’. I would follow him into any battle.
“I have no doubt Gordie will make it in the NRL. He just needs to bide his time because he will get there.”
Getting to the NRL has been a dream of Chan Kum Tong’s ever since he first stepped on the club provided ‘Manly bus’ that brought the then 15-year-old, and several promising Western Sydney youngsters, to Narrabeen for training three times a week.
One of those ‘promising youngsters’ was a kid named Josh Schuster.
“(Schuey) always sat at the back of the bus. He was like the top dog,’’ Cham Kum Tong revealed.
“He looked after us young fellas. I cherish those memories.”
New Sea Eagles Coach Anthony Seibold said Chan Kum Tong has been impressive over the pre-season.
"The thing I love about Gordie is his energy. He has a fantastic attitude to his footy and is a very positive person,'' Seibold said.
"He has been a leader in his age groups and you can see those characteristics in him even though he is a development player.
"I'm really looking forward to watching him play against men, so this is a great opportunity for him."
So, the final question, just how tall is Chan Kum Tong?
“6’5,’’ he laughed.
Spoken like a true, cheeky hooker!
