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JAKE FRIEND hasn't given up on himself. And neither have some of the biggest names in the game.
Laurie Daley, David Gillespie and Joe Thomas took time out of their busy schedules to put Friend through a skills session at Clovelly on Friday afternoon.
The show of support was a massive boost for Friend, who has been in league purgatory after being sacked by the Roosters for a string of alcohol-fuelled incidents.
Daley, Gillespie and Thomas - who have racked up 640 first-grade appearances, 41 Origins and 43 Tests between them - passed on their knowledge during a session at the windswept Burrows Park.
''It's more about giving him some support, letting him know that we want to see him do well,'' Daley said.
''We want him to know that there are people out there wanting to see him back. It's been a tough time for him and he's learned the hard way about discipline.
''If he can work hard, as he's doing at the moment, there's no reason he can't be back at some stage. That's the goal, not just for us but Jake himself. He's a good kid and everyone that's had anything to do with him will tell you the same thing.
''He can work on some issues and get himself right.''
Thomas in particular has taken Friend under his wing, giving him a job as a sandwich hand at Cafe Foveaux at Surry Hills. The former Canterbury hooker also trains Friend before and after work to keep him fit should an opportunity arise to return to the NRL.
On Friday, renowned defensive specialist Gillespie honed Friend's tackling technique. Daley and Thomas worked on his skills and agility. But the trio's main message message was that he wouldn't take his path to redemption alone.
''We've all done similar things to him over the years, but you can't get away with it with the media scrutiny now,'' Gillespie said.
''When something you love gets taken away from you, it's pretty hard. He's got to dig in and fight his way back, which is what he's doing.''
Thomas added: ''It surprised me all the things they've been saying about him. When you meet him he's so quiet. The big thing with Jake is he's never blamed anyone but himself. He knows the predicament he's gotten himself into but the beauty of the situation is that he's copped it on the chin and wants to redeem himself.''
Friend said he appreciated the show of support. ''It's really good of them to come out, they didn't have to,'' he said. ''I'm going to keep myself fit and if the opportunity comes again, I'll be ready.''
The 20-year-old, who has had counselling sessions to overcome his problems with alcohol, said he had a new appreciation of how good he had it as a professional footballer.
''I love footy and I knew I was on a good wicket,'' he said. ''[Working at a cafe] opens your eyes, doing this you see how good you have it … some blokes do nine [hours] on a shovel all day.''
Friend said he had learned from his mistakes. ''I haven't sworn off [alcohol] but I'm working with professionals.
''I might not ever drink again but I'm not going to say that. … I'm pretty happy with where I am at the moment.''
Delecto Oriens est odio Meridianus
To love Easts is to hate Souffs
Originally posted by Bill Shankley, Liverpool FC
At a football club, there’s a holy trinity – the players, the manager and the supporters. Directors don’t come into it. They are only there to sign the cheques.
Originally posted by Andy Raymond Commentating Souffs V Manly 18/04/09
The fireworks at the Easter show are making more noise than the crowd tonight
If he stays out of trouble he should be back by round 10.
Thanks Booster. Are you in the know at the Roosters?
From experience these articles are created by the media relations spin doctors at the Roosters. They invite a journo to visit the session then write the script. Usually this leads to an imminent announcement.
I hope Jake is back shortly as a reformed player and person. As an educator told me, "boys learn by falling out of trees". Jake has certainly fallen out of the tree.
I remember stories last year about Freddie's work ethic. And this "untruth" was uncovered when Freddy opened up a couple of weeks ago when saying club management was not happy and compared his hours to other coaches.
Spin doctoring.....
Written and published on behalf of the Liberal Party, Queensland
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