When Gordon Chan Kum Tong enters the field for his NRL debut on Sunday, it will also be a very special moment to share with several of his former Manly junior rep team-mates.
One only has to look back to the 2018 NSWRL Harold Matthews Grand Final at Leichhardt Oval to see such names as Chan Kum Tong, Tolu Koula, and Kaeo Weekes in the Manly side.
The Sea Eagles beat Parramatta 26-18 with Koula at full-back, Weekes half-back, and Chan Kum Tong at hooker as Manly lifted the club’s first ever Harold Matthews trophy.
“It's mad. We have all come through together since 2018 and we are now finally living out the dream that we use to think about when we were in Harold Matts,’’ Koula said ahead of Sunday’s clash against the Bulldogs.
“It is going to be really special to be on the field when 'Gordie' comes on. It will be a dream come true.”
For Weekes, unfortunately, he will be cheering on from the stands as he serves out the final week of a two-game suspension.
“Gordie was one of our leaders in that Harold Matthews team. It was always just a matter of time before Gordie got his NRL debut. I know he will make the most of it this week,’’ Weekes said.
“When I made my NRL debut at Kogarah, Gordie was there with my family and friends. To be there for him on Sunday means so much considering all the footy we played together coming through the Manly ranks.”
Trying to stop Chan Kum Tong, Koula and Weekes from lifting the Harold Mathews Cup trophy that day was a young Eels half-back named Jake Arthur. The pair met three times in 2018 in the Harold Matts with Chan Kum Tong taking the honours twice.
On Sunday against the Bulldogs, Koula, Arthur and Chan Kum Tong will all be wearing the Manly jersey together.
“’I played against Gordie through the juniors. He has always been a real little competitor,’’ Arthur said.
“He always carved up my team, to be honest. Gordon was probably our number one priority in that Grand Final.
“Being on the opposite side, he was a real pest back then with his chirpiness and his ability to shoot out of the line.
“He doesn’t back down from anyone. He holds his own and goes after the bigger boys to try and upset them.
“It’s been awesome to play with him this year (at Blacktown). I can’t wait for him to get his crack."
Two other good team-mates of Chan Kum Tong's in Ben Trbojevic and Zac Fulton have played their fair share of SG Ball, Jersey Flegg, and NSW Cup with the livewire hooker. Josh Schuster also captained Chan Kum Tong in 2019 at SG Ball level.
“I’m pumped for Gordie. He is honestly such a great bloke. Everyone loves him at the club,’’ Trbojevic said.
“Gordie has been killing it this year. When he comes on, he just gives 100 per cent and brings that energy. He is going to be good off the bench this week.
“It's going to be a very special day for him and his family. I’m really proud of Gordie. To be able to play with him in his NRL debut after coming through the juniors together is very special.”
It was only fitting that Fulton and Chan Kum Tong shared Manly’s Jersey Flegg Cup awards in 2022. Fulton claimed the Best and Fairest award with Chan Kum Tong collecting the Players’ Player award.
Fulton said when it comes to being an inspirational leader, Chan Kum Tong is the player that others admire and choose to follow.
“Gordie is just so tough. Stature wise, he is a duck on the field,’’ Fulton said with a cheeky laugh.
“There is no fear there with Gordie. He has great leadership qualities.
“I said this time last year that Gordie would make it in the NRL because the talent is there, the attack is there, and so is the defence.
“He just had to bide his time.”
That time arrives 2pm Sunday at Homebush.
