Cheers to a great friend and mentor
IT WILL be a big occasion against the Titans tonight when JT plays his last game.
I’m a little bit jealous that I miss out on playing alongside him one more time, but I’ll be down on the Gold Coast, so I get to be a part of it in some way.
It seems like nearly every week there’s been some sort of farewell for him so to actually be here at his official final game is a little bit weird.
It’ll take a bit of getting used to, but instead of being sad that he’s finishing I think we can be happy and grateful that we’ve been a part of it.
Johnno’s probably had the biggest influence on my career of any player that I’ve played with.
Certainly from when I was first at the club as a teenager he had a big influence, not so much by what he did for me, but seeing him around the place and the type of person he was.
Then since playing footy with him he’s been someone that I’ve learnt a lot off.
He’s been a good teacher for me and mentor and he’s turned into a very good friend.
The things that he’s been through since he’s been at the Cowboys have been huge and he’s leaving the club in a good place, probably much better than when he got here.
He might have finished playing but his influence and what he does around the place won’t change.
We’re losing a few players unfortunately, that’s the way footy is, but I think it can be a very good move for the club if Ben Barba does come to play fullback next season.
Ben obviously had his Dally M year in 2012 that everyone remembers him for, but even at the Sharks when they won the comp he was in great form and was a big reason why they had a lot of success.
Unfortunately he left the game for the wrong reasons, but he’s had a couple of years out.
He’s a father of four children and he’s got his own life away from footy so I’m sure he’s working on the things that let him down in the past.
If he does sign with the club then as his team mates we’d make him feel as welcome as we possibly could.
I also wanted to congratulate Johnny Asiata and his wife Shailah for having another baby.
There’s been a few boys this year who’ve welcomed little ones into their families and it’s pretty cool to see. You become really good mates so when they have personal achievements away from footy like having kids it’s always very special to be a part of it.
Thank all of our members and fans for their support this year and we’ll be back next season.
Go Cowboys!