One last post before I head up to Mulubinba/Newcastle to enjoy my grand final day. Up until a couple of weeks ago, I had a different day planned. Way back in February, I bought tickets to see Kate Ceberano play tonight. Caring more about football than that concert wasn’t even on my radar, but here we are. A massive shoutout to The Art House, who were so accommodating and happily gave us a credit note to return our tickets. We know our minds wouldn’t be on the show. We will see you next time Kate!
So instead I’m heading home to watch the game with my parents. My dad lived in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs and supported the Roosters for years, but he couldn’t resist getting behind the Knights when they entered the competition in 1988. He’s always had a foot in both camps, and he’s still unsure which jersey he’ll wear today. My mum hasn’t cared about football for most of my life, but she discovered the NRLW a couple of years ago and threw her whole heart behind the Knights’ women’s team. Until recently, her only interest in the men’s game has centred around checking out Dom Young, but she’s become pretty passionate about the entire team. Like me, she’s hoping for a Knights victory today.
I’m also really glad to be around family after the terrible vehicle accident in Newcastle yesterday. My heart goes out to the victims and everyone who witnessed the crash and had what was supposed to be a really happy day turned upside down. And, although it seems a controversial opinion, my heart also goes out to the young man behind the wheel. It’s very easy to point fingers in these circumstances, but we’ve all made mistakes and most of them won’t weigh on us as heavily as the mistake this young man made. I have a lot of compassion for him as well.
Before I go, it seems only right to share “Better,” by the Screaming Jets. It’s become an anthem for the Knights and the city over the years. I have fond memories of being in the front row of the free concert the Jets staged a couple of days after the Knights won their first premiership, singing along to this song with the Knights players on stage. I know the Jets will be part of tonight’s entertainment line-up. I really hope they get a moment to perform this and fire up our players. Go the Knights!
Photo credit: Mike Bird @ Pexels