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Mitchell plays for unlikely family pride
By Nathan Ryan
8 February 2011 02:19PM EST
IN A week where the Rugby League All-Stars match on the Gold Coast is built on community and Indigenous awareness, one player attempts to blur the line between ethnicity and race.
When Parramatta hooker Anthony Mitchell runs out for the Indigenous on Saturday, he will close the void, playing for his Caucasian grandmother.
Its not only just representing your indigenous culture but its everyone, Mitchell told nospam11.com.au.
The boys here are very intent on representing their family to the best of their ability and also the Aboriginal culture.
Part of the Townsville-based Wakka Wakka tribe of which he has inked on his right arm, the hooker said it is his grandmother, Margaret King, better known as Nanna Marg', on his fathers side whom he will be playing for on Saturday night at Skilled Park.
Shes always writing me a card every week where she pours her heart and soul into it, he said.
Shes Caucasian, an Ipswich girl.
I feel touched to have someone take such an interest in me and what Im doing.
Ive got every one shes ever sent me in a folder at home where I keep all the letters, its pretty special.
Mitchell had his tribe name along with outline of Australia and stars representing his family inked in 2007 when he moved to Sydney to join Parramatta, where he played for their feeder side Wentworthville.
Ive always wanted to get it done for my mother with the Australia outline and the aboriginal flag inside it, shading and stars to represent my family and a big star in the middle for my grandmother, he told nospam11.com.au.
Shes a massive part of my football, always keeps me grounded.
She will call six or seven times a day before the game but there will be a card waiting at home for me.
Mitchell, who debuted for the Eels in round 23 last year scored a try in his debut game and for this 21-year-old who has played just three first grade games, he is pinching himself at his selection in the side.
With the game on the eve of the third anniversary of the National Apology to the Stolen Generation, Mitchell said his Aboriginal heritage has always played a huge role in his life.
Since I was born its been a big part of my life which I have respected, he said.
Im half-caste but its a big part of me and big part of my family
Im just honoured to be a part of learn earn legend and pass on the message to kids in the community.
http://www.nospam11.com.au/articles/2011/02/08/mitchell-plays-for-unlikely-family-pride/
By Nathan Ryan
8 February 2011 02:19PM EST
IN A week where the Rugby League All-Stars match on the Gold Coast is built on community and Indigenous awareness, one player attempts to blur the line between ethnicity and race.
When Parramatta hooker Anthony Mitchell runs out for the Indigenous on Saturday, he will close the void, playing for his Caucasian grandmother.
Its not only just representing your indigenous culture but its everyone, Mitchell told nospam11.com.au.
The boys here are very intent on representing their family to the best of their ability and also the Aboriginal culture.
Part of the Townsville-based Wakka Wakka tribe of which he has inked on his right arm, the hooker said it is his grandmother, Margaret King, better known as Nanna Marg', on his fathers side whom he will be playing for on Saturday night at Skilled Park.
Shes always writing me a card every week where she pours her heart and soul into it, he said.
Shes Caucasian, an Ipswich girl.
I feel touched to have someone take such an interest in me and what Im doing.
Ive got every one shes ever sent me in a folder at home where I keep all the letters, its pretty special.
Mitchell had his tribe name along with outline of Australia and stars representing his family inked in 2007 when he moved to Sydney to join Parramatta, where he played for their feeder side Wentworthville.
Ive always wanted to get it done for my mother with the Australia outline and the aboriginal flag inside it, shading and stars to represent my family and a big star in the middle for my grandmother, he told nospam11.com.au.
Shes a massive part of my football, always keeps me grounded.
She will call six or seven times a day before the game but there will be a card waiting at home for me.
Mitchell, who debuted for the Eels in round 23 last year scored a try in his debut game and for this 21-year-old who has played just three first grade games, he is pinching himself at his selection in the side.
With the game on the eve of the third anniversary of the National Apology to the Stolen Generation, Mitchell said his Aboriginal heritage has always played a huge role in his life.
Since I was born its been a big part of my life which I have respected, he said.
Im half-caste but its a big part of me and big part of my family
Im just honoured to be a part of learn earn legend and pass on the message to kids in the community.
http://www.nospam11.com.au/articles/2011/02/08/mitchell-plays-for-unlikely-family-pride/
