It was a small piece of advice from a NSW legend which helped Jack Gosiewski through a successful but injury-plagued NRL season in 2019.
The Manly Warringah Sea Eagles forward proudly looked back on a campaign that was built on consistent form after being rewarded with selection in Brydens Lawyers NSW Blues coach Brad Fittler’s 2020 Emerging Blues squad.
Having played a pivotal role in helping the Sea Eagles return to finals football this year, Gosiewski reflected on a chat from True Blue and legendary fullback Graeme Eadie that gave him the mental fortitude to persevere through the pain barrier.
“I remember when I was training in Under-18s (and) we had Graeme Eadie as our coach, and he said that ‘you’re probably never going to play a game without carrying an injury’,” Gosiewski said.
“I suppose you’re always carrying niggles but you have to find a way to overcome them and make sure you can get on the field and do the best you can each week.”
While flourishing under the guidance of Manly coach Des Hasler and thus earning a two-year contract extension, Gosiewski’s inclusion in the two-day Origin camp makes him more determined to have a bigger and better 2020 campaign.
Joking that he thought the chance to don the sky-blue jersey was behind him, he said that being amongst the camp gives him hope he can play in the representative arena in the near-future.
“It’s good to be in the mix,” Gosiewski said.
“I’m getting a bit old – I’m 25, I thought I was closer to retirement than Emerging Blues.
“It just shows that I’m close and in the mix.
“Its good – it gives me hope and gives me something to play for next year.
“It doesn’t put pressure on you, it’s exciting for next year (if I'm) playing good footy (and) knowing that they’re watching.”
Gosiewski recently underwent back surgery after putting it off to keep the Sea Eagles finals hopes alive with the club suffering a crippling injury toll at the back end of the season.
It was an admirable show of selflessness that has Gosiewski well respected at the club and will deservedly be in the running for a spot in the starting 13 next season.