I got to meet Nathan when he was guest speaker at a Sportsman of the Year award we hold here in town, and I compere.
Terrific bloke, who had the audience in the 'palm of his hand'..and he wasn't talking about his football career, he was talking about his 'life', his inspirations, his vision, and the love he has for his community of Tinga.
He will be back in town on July 27 for Naidoc Week, travelling to the local schools---the kids are in for a treat. Such a humble bloke who appreciates his family, his responsibilities, and is thankful for the sporting opportunities that came his way.
He said that he doesn't watch Rugby League these days, to use his words, it has become 'too predictable'.
He purchased a community bus for the people of Tinga so kids could be transported to Inverell to go to the swimming Pool. I don't know if he contributed the whole cost of the bus, but I think he made a substantial donation towards it.
He said that his Dad passed away just a week after Nathan got to play for Australia, and that is a memory he cherishes. He said he still has letters his Dad sent to him when he moved to Sydney (with Easts - as a 19yo and 60kg) and when he gets 'low in spirit' he gets them out and reads them to remember the sacrifices his parents made for him. As I said, "Champion bloke"...a credit to all Aboriginal people and to Rugby League.