BLUES TO JOIN FRIZELL IN WATCHING HIS BROTHER’S ALL BLACKS DEBUT
NSW players will gather for an impromptu bonding session just 24 hours before Origin II to watch Tyson Frizell’s little brother debut for the powerful All Blacks.
The Blues will come together at their team hotel – the Pullman at Sydney Olympic Park – to watch flanker Shannon Frizell, 24, represent New Zealand in the third Test against France in Dunedin tomorrow night.
Tyson, 26, will be out to secure NSW an Origin series win over Queensland on Sunday night.
The Blues will complete
their captain’s run at nearby ANZ Stadium around 3.45pm on Saturday before converging in a hotel team room to watch Shannon perform the famous haka and then confront France.
And front and centre will be Tyson, a proud brother.
Frizell’s parents, Sophia and Andrew, were planning to attend ANZ Stadium to watch NSW but will instead travel to New Zealand’s South Island to watch Shannon’s big moment.
“I’m sure all the boys wouldn’t mind sitting down and watching the game with
him,” him” NSW chief adviser Greg Alexander said.
“It would be a good way to bring the boys together – I’m sure it will be a proud moment for Tyson.”
Shannon, Shannon w who is playing his first season of Super Rugby with the Highlanders, was adopted and grew up with a family in Tonga, while Tyson was raised in Sydney.
The pair has always been close but immigration laws prevented them growing up together.
“It’s very exciting and I’m very proud,” Tyson told The Daily Telegraph.
“Our parents were getting ready to come to Origin but they are now flying over to New Zealand from Australia.
“They will stay over there with him for a few days and they will also go and visit some family. If I could get over there, I’d be over there supporting him.
“He will make his debut. I spoke to him two days ago
and he let me know. Originally he got called into the squad on standby waiting for his opportunity. “Finally he got his chance.” Both brothers are known for their size, strength and aggression.
“I don’t know if he really looked up to me – he grew up playing rugby,” Tyson said.
“I don’t think growing up as kids you think about whether you’re going to get to where you are today.
“It’s hard for kids coming from a village in Tonga to be playing for the All Blacks.”