Little battlers warm the heart
Thursday 16 Nov 2006 10:46
by (Press Release)
Source: www.qrl.com.au
Amid the big hits, big tries and big matches of season 2006, it's been the phenomenal hearts of some tiny footballers which have come to the fore.
This year it has been the pleasure of the QRL to hear the stories of two inspirational characters who personify the spirit of rugby league - Jacob Ryan and Charlie Hohn.
Jacob, 7, has spent this past season playing the house down with the Rosewood Roosters in the Ipswich Junior Rugby League, while Charlie has given the same enthusiasm for the Goondiwindi Under 10s in the Warwick junior competition.
Their efforts are made more remarkable by the fact that Jacob is battling leukemia and Charlie is afflicted by the incurable blood disease hypogammaglobulinemia.
In both cases their medical conditions have led to the odd week off footy here and there, either for treatment or recovery. But so far adversity has failed to dampen their eagerness to get on with being 'one of the team'.
The heart-warming stories go wider than the two boys in question. Indeed, it has only been through the understanding and acceptance of teammates, opposition members, coaches and club officials that their dreams have been made possible.
For rookie Jacob, his story started with a Come'n'Try day back in the early months of this year.
After his older brother signed up with Rosewood, Jacob pestered parents Sonia and Alan to play. But knowing their son had a portacath, a central line to administer chemotherapy and blood transfusions in his chest, they decided the prospect was too risky.
Only constant hounding from Jacob and smart thinking from Roosters secretary Joanne Ryan (no relation) made his debut for Rosewood possible.
In attack Jacob went into dummy-half on each play, where he could not be tackled in under 7s. Meanwhile in defence he shuffled out to the wing and away from the action.
"Initially his Mum came to us and said she'd pay full fees just so he could sit on the sideline each week and feel part of the team," Joanne Ryan explains.
"But we thought we could do better than that. With the coach Pat O'Neill's encouragement and the help of the other kids, he never had a worry.
"It actually worked out well for the team because having the same dummy-half each time avoided a lot of the confusion and jostling you get with kids at that age."
In a tribute to Jacob, the Ipswich Junior Rugby League recently presented him a special achievement award at a gala evening.
A speech was read out to explain Jacob's plight, detailing how it had lifted his family's spirits and given him a feeling of acceptance.
"There was barely a dry eye in the audience after the presentation," IJRL chairman Brad Wolens said.
"I tracked down a copy of the speech and must admit the first half-dozen or so times I re-read it, there was a lump in the throat and a tear in the eye.
"Nine out of 10 sporting clubs would turn the kid away, but Rosewood actually went above and beyond the call.
"We gave the club a special shield which had the inscription 'For helping a young fella achieve his hopes and dreams'."
One person in the audience moved by the emotional scenes was Gold Coast Titans head coach John Cartwright, who of his own accord went to meet the Ryan family.
He gave Jacob a personal message of congratulations and welcomed him to attend future Titans events as a guest of honour.
Further west on the Southern Downs, it was the story of fellow battler Charlie Hohn which brought a similar response from another rugby league legend - Mal Meninga.
The Queensland Origin coach heard how Charlie had been born with a rare blood disease which had already claimed the lives of four of his uncles.
As a result of the debilitating condition, Charlie spent the first two years of his life in a sterile environment, forcing him to start school late.
Since then the mad Queensland Maroons and Brisbane Broncos fan has endured constant blood tests and Intragram infusions, necessitating endless hospital visits.
Despite all the setbacks and health concerns, Charlie has been hell-bent on fulfilling his commitment to the Goondiwindi club and each week has been toughing it out on the paddock.
As with Jacob, this has been done with great co-operation from teammates and officials.
When Big Mal received a letter and picture of Charlie sitting in his rugby league 'shrine' this year, he fired back a personalised reply, a signed Queensland jersey and other Maroons memorabilia.
The reception of the package exemplified just how much the game meant to little Charlie, his friends and family.
"Mal, the letter was truly heart-touching. Charlie's mother began reading the letter, got to the first paragraph and cried," wrote back family friend Frank Hartin.
"After everything she's been through it takes a bit to get her emotional, but I could see she was blown away.
"From the deepest parts of our hearts we really do thank you."
Yet while it was Meninga being offered thanks, common sense dictates it should be the likes of Charlie and Jacob given rousing applause.
For their effort, courage and pride reminds us all as to why we love the game so much.
It inspires everyone to dig that little bit deeper, believe in themselves and enjoy sport for what it really means.
News sent by: www.qrl.com.au
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Source: rleague.com