This is certainly not boring or mundane, but it is a story that I think about daily. After my wife left me for another woman several years ago, I decided to take a trip to Fiji to cheer myself up. I was looking forward to drinking cocktails and spending some quality time with a good book, but when I got there I was delighted to discover that the resort offered something even better; former Western Suburbs, St George, Hunter, Adelaide and North Queensland halfback Noel Goldthorpe. I've always admired Noel, and shouted him a few beers as we splashed around in the pool and discussed his sparkling career. I'm pleased to reveal that he's every bit as cheeky in real life as he was on the football field!
Noel was there for his birthday (he looks great for his age), so sadly his family and friends were pretty demanding on his time. But it was amazing how many times I "accidentally" bumped into him over the next week. We always seemed to have breakfast at just the same time, inevitably ended up in the pool or at the bar together, and - by sheer coincidence - I booked myself on several fishing trips that Noel was on. Funny how that works
So I got plenty of opportunities to talk to Noel, and he's such a nice guy.
I managed to take a few photos with Noel, one of which I have framed in my kitchen, and got him to sign my Parra cap. In return I bought him a tribal mural for his birthday, which he seemed to really enjoy (he'd want to, it wasn't cheap!). The world would be a better place if there were more Noel Goldthorpes around.
Unfortunately, I had far too much to drink on my last night there and Noel had to pull me up for getting a bit too close to one of the female staff members. I don't blame him, he was in the right, but it put a strain on our burgeoning friendship that we never recovered from. I reckon that if I'd played my cards right, we'd be watching the grand final together tonight, but it wasn't to be. Noel's a class act on and off the field, and I'm just happy to say that he was part of my life for a few short, happy days.
