When Jake Trbojevic fell to the ground against the Cowboys in Townsville, there were serious concerns for his health.
A fortnight later and doing well, Jake is expected to return to action next Thursday against the Knights in Newcastle.
While he won’t be running out with the team on Saturday night against the Broncos, he will be delivering the match ball, alongside one of his biggest fans.
That moment in Townsville, as scary as it was, has led to an amazing act of kindness from a Sea Eagles supporter, which will culminate in a touching moment just before kick-off.
Jake was heavily concussed after a collision with Cowboys winger Murray Tuilagi in the 25th minute of the Round 11 match.
The game was stopped for a period while Jake, who is often described as ‘the nicest man in rugby league’, received treatment.
Not too far away in the grandstand was a young boy named Stephen, who was clearly affected by what was unfolding in front of him. The Townsville local, a 12-year-old Manly fan who was there with his mother, began to pray for his hero, Jake.
The inspiring moment, which was captured by Manly’s media team and posted on social media, has had more than 652,000 views, generating thousands of comments and likes from people around the world.
One of those who was moved by the clip on his Insta feed was long-time Manly supporter Matt, who has chosen to remain anonymous.
So inspired was Matt, he has forked out a tidy sum to get Stephen to 4 Pines Park this weekend, paying for flights and accommodation for the young boy and his family.
Now in his fifties, Matt is a Sea Eagles Gold Member who has been attending games at Brookie since he was a kid, when the likes of Wombat and Bozo were wowing the crowd.
Not one looking for recognition for his generosity, Matt just wants to do something nice for a young boy who represents so much that is good in our game.
“I saw the Manly Insta post and I just thought wow!” said Matt.
“This young boy is just so invested in our team, and he was so concerned for Jake.
I wanted to do something special for him and I hope he and his family have a great time this weekend.
Matt Sea Eagles Member
On Saturday Stephen will get to meet his hero in person, joining Jake Trbojevic as they carry out the official match ball.
The superhero in this little yarn, Matt, will also be at Saturday’s sold-out game.
As always, he’ll be there with his two daughters, hoping like hell that after 80 minutes, it’s time to do The Eagle Rock.
It’s people like Matt, Stephen and Jake, who make this game we love, the greatest game of all.
