As the nation counts down to the State of Origin showdown in Brisbane tonight, there is already one footy fan more excited than most.
At 108-years-old, Thelma Spencer is mad about rugby league – especially the NSW captain Paul Gallen.
Paul also leads her beloved Cronulla Sharks and Thelma hasn’t missed a game since the club’s 1967 inception.
So when Paul invited her to join his side in the sheds after the boys recent 30-28 win over the Newcastle Knights, an exuberant Thelma didn’t need to be asked twice.
Casting her modesty aside, the honorary member clapped and sung along with the team as they belted out the rousing victory song, Up, Up Cronulla – all in various stages of undress!
“It was the greatest day of my life,” beamed the sprightly mum-of-two, grandmother of four, and great-gran to another six.
“They gave me a scarf, blanket and a beanie in pink for the Women in League [fan club].
“But the best bit was when they let me in to the dressing room and they cheered, it was really beautiful, that’s never happened to me before.”
Paul was thrilled that his side was able to give his favourite fan something to celebrate after she’d left the comfort of her couch for the first time in 20 years to attend a game.
“She was absolutely rapt and it was good to see her smiling and happy,” says Paul.
“You don’t realise how big rugby league is until you see moments like that.
“I think it was a real eye-opener for the boys to see how much joy they bring to people when they win games.”
“It was unbelievable that at 108 she was so alert.
“She’s very knowledgeable about the game too – and she certainly wasn’t shy, she was having a good look around!”
Thelma was left to raise two young children – they’re now 78 and 79! – when her husband Jim enlisted to fight in World War 11. Jim passed 12-years after he returned home.
She’s never been tempted to find love again – although she wouldn’t say no to a celebratory Origin coffee and Pavlova date with Paul!
Instead, Thelma’s poured her heart and soul into supporting the Sharks from her Newcastle unit.
So what’s the secret to Thelma’s long and healthy life glued to the league?
Good genes and a healthy lifestyle is all it takes, she reckons.
“The main thing is drink plenty of water,” says Thelma, who plans to “dance around and clap her hands” if Paul and NSW prevail tonight.
“I don’t drink any alcohol. And never smoked cigarettes, never tried them!”
