Dungog’s Nathan Rumbel has become the heart and soul of Newcastle and Hunter Rugby League team the Raymond Terrace Magpies.
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His passion is so great in fact, that he is known as the Magpies number one supporter.
Whether it’s handing out the jerseys or running the tee onto the field for the players to take shots at goal, Nathan is always keen to do his part for his beloved Magpies.
Nathan, 20, has Down syndrome and became involved with the team in 2013 when the then manager introduced him to the players.
“It all started with him sitting at the manager’s table on the sidelines,” Craig Rumbel, Nathan’s father said.
“It makes me pleased, to know that rough, tough footballing blokes can accept a young man with disabilities. It gives me a new perspective on people,” Craig said of the team’s acceptance and inclusion of Nathan on game day and beyond.
The current coach of the Raymond Terrace Magpies Rob Benn said that the players loved to see Nathan’s smile and that he does a lot for the team on game day.
“He hands out the jerseys and runs out the kicking tee, his smile makes the boys smile and it helps them lift for the game,” Benn said.
Craig is not surprised as he says his son has a heart of gold.
“Nathan’s best quality is his ability to accept people, whether you’re black, white, blue or green he will treat everyone the same.” Craig said.
“He is a loveable, kind human being with a heart of gold.”
When asked why he thinks Nathan has become known the number one supporter Benn summed it up in a word: passion.
“It’s his passion for his team, no doubt,” he said.
Nathan’s importance to the team can’t be underestimated.
“The boys look to him and think if he can support us while he’s struggling, then they can do more,” his father Craig said.
That spirit helped the team to their two wins in an otherwise tough year and Nathan took his place in the rooms to belt out the team song with the players.
Craig said Nathan’s inclusion in the team had had great benefits for him too.
“He has become more confident around people and larger crowds, so it’s helped him a lot,” Craig added.
Nathan is different from your average supporter, but his passion and smile are worth their weight in gold to the Raymond Terrace Magpies.
- Jai Taylor is a Year 10 student at Francis Greenway High School. He completed work experience at the Maitland Mercury and aspires to a career in sports journalism.
