A shared journey…

The last 16 years has been a team effort for the Timmins family of Kiama. For Parents Peter and Leslie (pictured) watching their son Shaun make it to the top of the toughest Rugby League competition in the world, has been a journey that all the family have endured. The wins, the losses, the setbacks, the heartache, the tears were all worth it for father Peter, who very rarely brought up football with Shaun.

I rarely bring it up as that is what everyone wants to talk to him about, he will often call and come down to have a beer with his Dad and well watch the local footy together, said Peter.

While we all remember that field goal to win the State of Origin in game one of 2004 to win 9-8 in extra time and that he was a gifted player who repeatedly overcome career threatening injuries time and time again what we dont know this ability to overcome adversity stems from.

Dragons coach Nathan Brown puts it down to a tough old man but Peter is not so sure.

Early in his career Rugby League commentator Ray Warren would say son of a shearer when referring to Shaun and how tough he was, he said.

He actually gets all his aggression from his mother as I wasnt a shearer for all that long, he says as Leslie agrees, I hear that often, she says with a laugh.

Football was his life and I hope it isnt the end its been our life too for the past 25 years with our other sons Justin and Brendan all playing footy since they were about five. and our daughter Carly played netball.

Seeing Shaun come back after 18 months out injured in Wagga against Melbourne was special as we all knew how much he wanted to get back on the field.

The team lined up and hi fived him all the family were there and I looked around and Peter Doust had tears in his eyes as we all did.

He has had to be tough but he is a sook as well, hes been through a lot and never stopped at all during his rehab as he was just so determined to get back on the paddock.

I remember the specialist standing at the end of the bed telling Shaun that he would never play again and he worked to get back and played state of origin.

His parents paint a picture of a humble person as do those closest to him, with all Dragons players holding him in high esteem and Brown also saying that the game has lost one of the last true characters.

Shauns partner of three years, Larissa, has supported him and I am sure there has been some tough times one on one.

He will do it tough for a while it is a big draw back. Unless he is involved in the game he loves so much I think he will do it tough. He will need support along the way and I know his mates will be there.

In his last game Trent (Barrett) took his jumper off and signed it saying thanks for the memories and Shaun did the same thing, adds Leslie. So on the that note thanks for the memories Shaun and all the best for the future from all the staff at the Kiama Independent.

HAPPY HUNTING GROUND...

Oak Flats and South Coast left arm spinner Phil DellOrefice has taken 18 wickets in his last two visits to Cav Park.

Phil snared 6/46 against Kiama last weekend, removing the middle and lower order of the Cavs line up, with Kiama captain Matt Meurant saying there is a difference to last year.

He obviously enjoys bowling against us. Last year it was the conditions as 90 per cent of the wickets went to their spinners, he said.

Even though Phil may be submitting an application to play the finals down this way - the Cavs scored a major upset in defeating the Rats and will be ready to back it up against Shellharbour again this week.

Watch this space...