‘Unbelievable’: Robert Irwin sends netball fans into hysterics
Robert Irwin has shown why he is arguably the most popular man in the country right now, leaving fans speechless on the weekend.
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Robert Irwin might just be the most popular man in Australia right now judging by the reception he received at a Super Netball game on the weekend.
The Sunshine Coast Lighting took on the Queensland Firebirds on Sunday in the Queensland derby and all eyes were on Irwin as he made a cameo at UniSC Arena.
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The Lightning had mounted a social media campaign to get Irwin involved in a game given he works nearby at Australia Zoo on the Sunshine Coast.
He answered the call and presented the game ball to the umpire ahead of the Round 3 clash to thunderous cheers from the crowd.
Dressed in his khaki outfit, Irwin was all smiles as walked onto court with the ball as the fans in attendance nearly blew the roof off the arena with their applause.
Cath Cox exclaimed on Fox Netball: “Crikey! This is a moment! Robert Irwin is in the building and the crowd have gone bananas.
“The Sunshine Coast Lightning have been campaigning rock solid to get Robert here, they’ve been doing it via social media.
“They told him he’s got a permanent seat here at UniSC Arena anytime he wanted it, and it looks as if he has just popped down the road from Australia Zoo for this very special moment. Unbelievable!”
The Lightning star and Australian Diamonds captain Liz Watson shared a photo of the team with Irwin in the dressing rooms pre-game.
Watson wrote: “CRIKEY WHAT A SURPRISE! In the words of @robertirwinphotography pre game rev up… SEND IT.”
NSW Swifts shooter Helen Housby wrote: “JEALOUS.”
Injured Lightning player Ava Black commented: “This is so cool.”
One fan wrote: “Now THAT’S called a home ground advantage!!!!”
Another joked: “Should have let him take the first pass.”
Commentator Will McCloy said: “What social media should be used for @sunshinecoastlightning.”
Irwin wrote on Instagram: “Thank you so much for having me, had a blast! Great work @sunshinecoastlightning.”
He added on X: “Back home to support our local legends, the @sc_lightning netball team. Thanks for having me at a truly electric game, solid win.
“I love my hometown more than anything, so thanks for doing the Sunshine Coast proud, Lightning.”
The 21-year-old has followed in his father Steve’s footsteps as a zookeeper, conservationist, wildlife photographer and television presenter.
Irwin broke the internet earlier this month with a racy underwear shoot for Australian brand Bonds.
The photo shoot saw him wrapped in snakes and sporting a spider on his chest, wearing nothing but his Bonds undies.
The Lightning defeated the Firebirds 64-50 to complete a perfect day and consolidate their spot in the Super Netball top four.
Originally published as ‘Unbelievable’: Robert Irwin sends netball fans into hysterics
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