Jonathan Day has a score to settle at this weekend’s City versus Country game.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Last year his side went down 26-6 to City in the Physical Disability League’s annual fixture.
Jonathan, ‘Jono’ to many, has again been selected to play Wing/ Centre for the Country representative side – his third year competing in the match that kicks off in Tamworth on Sunday.
Last year’s Man of the Match and try scorer, Jono is quietly confident heading into the game.
“There is a score to settle,” he said. “I wouldn’t miss it.”
Jonathan, who has cerebral palsy, joined the NSW Physical Disability Rugby League three years ago and plays regular games in Sydney.
The league aims to give adults and children with physical disabilities the opportunity to play and learn more about the popular game.
It is part of a landmark study in conjunction with the University of Sydney assessing the physical and psychological benefits for people with physical disabilities participating in team sports.
“I enjoy being with friends and family, and I’ve met a few rivals [playing in the league],” Jonathan laughed.
Among those rivals is George Tonna from Sydney, former chairman and associate founder of the league.
Jonathan and his father Troy, with George and his son, Anthony, have formed a close bond since meeting through the league.
Troy said Jonathan revels in the rivalry.
“It’s two things he enjoys most about the City versus Country weekend, the first is the rivalry between teams, the second is the weekend itself, meeting other players and watching other games,” Troy said.
It was Jonathan’s aunt who first heard about the league that has changed his life.
“I’ve loved football for a long time and I always wanted to play,” Jono said.
“It runs in the family, my aunties, uncles and cousins all play.”
Jonathan will play in the league’s next representative match, All Stars versus Indigenous Combined Nations in Sydney on July 10.