After an interim break from the NRL season was enforced across the board as a result of the coronavirus, Gulgong native Josh Jackson is back at it and couldn't be more thankful.
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In an interview with bulldogs.com.au, the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs captain acknowledged the fact that many across the nation are not able to earn an income like they otherwise would, suggesting it "puts things into perspective".
"We're extremely lucky to be back doing what we do and we're extremely grateful for it as well," Jackson said.
"We know there's a lot of people out there in the community that are in a situation where they're not able to go to work and do what they normally do everyday.
"For us to be able to come back early and hopefully play in a couple of weeks time, it puts things into perspective.
"I'm really grateful for this opportunity."
While he claims he was never the one to watch playing footy for the Gulgong Terriers and Mudgee Dragons growing up, the now Bulldogs backrower is playing his 11th season for Belmore, something quite commendable.
"Playing for Gulgong and Mudgee every weekend from the age of five, my parents would be driving me out to places like Nyngan, Warren and places that were three hours away," Jackson said in a story that was published on bulldogs.com.au.
"They were giving up their whole weekends to drive me around the countryside and that was just junior footy.
I was never the best player growing up but all of my opportunities in footy have come from my work ethic and the attitude my family instilled in me.
- Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs captain, Josh Jackson
"I'm very grateful for my family for all the sacrifices they made for me growing up."
Jackson is hoping that with his blue and white contingent soon getting back to the paddock that it will bring a much needed breakthrough during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"We'll be one of the first sports back playing and we're obviously one of the first sports back in training. It's a great opportunity for us as a game to come together and provide a bit of enjoyment and entertainment for everyone out there," he said.
"It's a great opportunity to get out there and put in some good performances and put a smile on the member's, sponsor's and all of the supporter's faces during this really tough time."
Jay-Anna Sleeman
Reporter for the Western Advocate. First began as a sports journalist with ACM in 2018 before moving on to cover news and court.
Reporter for the Western Advocate. First began as a sports journalist with ACM in 2018 before moving on to cover news and court.
