GRAND final fever is in the air and with Manly Warringah set to take on the Eastern Suburbs Roosters on Sunday, there’s a Bathurst contingent that really wants the Sea Eagles to take the title.
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Former local “Gorgeous” George Rose will line up with the Manly side and many of his family members from Bathurst will be in the grandstand cheering the big bloke on.
Mum Cherie Rose moved to the big smoke from Bathurst about four years ago to follow George’s career.
His brothers Matt and Trent also live there these days, but his sister Merinda is still a Bathurstian.
However, the local support heading to Sydney for Sunday’s National Rugby League (NRL) decider will be strong.
Merinda has already travelled to the city ahead of the big game, as has George’s uncle Royce George and his family.
His other uncle Craig George made the dash over the Great Divide when his daughter Sophie finished work yesterday afternoon.
It will be a very special occasion as this will be George’s last game with the Manly side before a possible move to Melbourne in 2014.
He will be hoping to bag a second NRL premiership, having been part of the triumphant Manly side in 2011.
Back then Manly downed the New Zealand Warriors 24-10 to give George bragging rights as part of the winning side.
It was a fitting reward for the man mountain as injury robbed him of the chance to play in the 2007 and 2008 deciders.
Cherie told the Western Advocate it’s been a hectic week for everyone.
“We haven’t had time to think too much about things,” she said. “I’ve seen George a couple of times, though. If Manly play like we know they can, they will win it. The Roosters only beat them by four points before, but if Manly are on fire they will be unstoppable.”
Cherie said they have the best seats in the house.
“We’ll be right beside the tunnel where the families sit. My brothers Royce and Craig will be there too with their families as well as my kids, Matt, Trent and Merinda. It’s going to be a real family affair,” she said.
“Everyone is down here already. Craig’s the only one dragging the chain because he’s got to wait to pick up his daughter Sophie from work on the Friday.”
Craig said yesterday he’s the last one standing, although Royce’s son Dan was also dragging the chain and couldn’t get down to Sydney until on match day.
“I’ll be asking the people at WJ Coote’s to let Sophie off early so we get down there as soon as possible,” he said.
