Tamara's Report

I'll admit I was a bit disgruntled (ha) when Russell said there would be no band gig in Jax after all. I'm sure he had the best intentions and no I don't think he can do everything -  much as he tries. And I very much enjoyed following the team last year on radio and NRL internet footage. Shoot, I wore my first Rabbitohs shirt to the 2001 gigs. But still, I was more excited about seeing friends (and I saw so many! That was great) than I was about seeing a rugby league game. WOW! Was I wrong!  The game was so exciting! I cheered myself nearly hoarse. It just keeps going, doesn't it? No chance for breath! I thought it was fantastic how the announcer explained what we were watching both during the scrimmage and during the game proper. I also grasped the importance of focusing entirely on the team for the weekend - especially when Russell had to get right back into character Monday! Don't know how he does it. I'm dead tired and all I did was party! I was really pleased that I remembered so many of the players names and faces. What a fantastic success they had! Couldn't believe the size and enthusiasm of the crowd - wonderful. We were lucky enough to talk to Dean a bit without many people around, nice and relaxed and quiet. He pointed to my "I heart Dean Widders" shirt and said, "That's me!" and his face lit up like a kid at Christmas.  He was so cute I wanted to take a bite out of his ear. I asked to have my photo with him and he said come on and snugged me up tight and luckily the flash didn't pop so Mary Anne had to take it a few times. He talked away about Souths' website and his hamstring and the game. Lovely man. Dean charmed me completely. And at that moment I think I understood what Russell means when he says they're not trying to bring Rugby League to the US but they've brought the team because it's a good experience for the players. He really is the big daddy bunny! I think it's an extension of that philosophy we hear when he exhorts us Americans to get passports and not be such big fraidy cats about exploring the world.   Had a chance to say hello to Russell as well. He seemed to be in a terrific mood and is always so lovely to his fans.