Every now and then in life you meet someone who really gets it, someone who sees only opportunity.
Earlier this year, I had the chance to return to my roots and visit the great town of Port Macquarie with the old fella. He claimed to be the prodigal son, the unofficial mayor and have a key to the city. Turns out they’d changed the locks . . .
Anyhow, you might recall that the old shagger played a bit of rugby in Port back in the glorious 1980s, and seeing as though he was reuniting with a few of his past team-mates – the ones who still take his calls – I thought I’d tag along on an adventure for once in an effort to find out if he was any good. Evidence was scarce.
We were heading to St Joseph’s Primary School the next day to catch up with a couple of the old boys – David Hughes (principal) and Mark Bullock (teacher) – but first, it was time to settle in and have a night out at the local. Getting the truth juice going was imperative to my investigation.
So there we were, having a helluva night with a few of the old blokes, who refused to corroborate the old man’s glory days yarns. Then it happened. I bent the ear of the former team doctor and local vet, Frank Arnell. Almost like it was rehearsed for a pitch meeting, he tells me how the old bloke scored four tries in a first-grade game playing second row. The old man blushed and said, ‘No more’, before quietly assuring me it was five. Like any good detective, I had my doubts, and they were confirmed when I saw money changing hands late in the night . . .
Anyhow, next day we visited St Joseph’s in Laurieton – a little worse for wear – to meet 11-year-old wheelchair rugby champ, Harry Clist.
Dave and Mark had set up a meet with Harry and all the kids at a school assembly. The Badge was on high alert. Last time I was at a primary school assembly it was 1998 and teachers were forcing us to ‘do the Nutbush’ in unison.
Anyhow, crisis averted. No such occurrence. I had a bloody great time with Harry and the kids. He’s a bloody winner, that kid.
As you’ll see from the pics, life has dished up some pretty tough servings to Hazza, but he has the heart of a bear and the optimism of a wannabe actress straight off the bus in Hollywood. Difference is, Harry’s gonna make it. Hell, he already has.
Most people missing a couple of running sticks and a wing would struggle to cope both physically and emotionally, yet Harry thrives. He’s found his niche and plays to his strengths.
He’s set his sights on the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo and wants to bring back gold in wheelchair rugby. With his attitude, and his mum, Sue, putting in big time, I reckon he’ll have a real crack. She runs him all over the joint to help him fulfil his dreams. Good on ya, Sue!
This is me and Harry on the lookout for low-flying ducks.
If you ever feel a bit average and life’s getting you down, you need to think about people like Harry who don’t just cope but achieve! They don’t see obstacles, they see opportunity.
Harry will succeed in life because he gets it. He’s not weighed down by all the rubbish of life; he just focuses on what’s ahead – it’s a mindset.
Ramming speed, Harry, you’re a good man!