NRL 2024: Watch Panthers legend Mark Geyer’s emotional response ahead of son Mavrik’s debut

An emotional Mark Geyer broke down after hearing his son Mavrik speak about his late uncle Ben ahead of his NRL debut with the Panthers. WATCH THE VIDEO

Mavrik Geyer will make his debut for Penrith this weekend. Credit: NRL Images.

An emotional Mark Geyer broke down after hearing his son Mavrik speak about his late uncle Ben ahead of his NRL debut.

Mavrik will turn out for the Panthers on Thursday night to play his first match in the top grade.

Geyer spoke how proud he is during a six minute clip on his breakfast show - Triple M’s Mick & MG in the Morning - with co-host Mick Molloy.

Geyer broke down when he heard Mavrik speak about the pride he has playing in the Panthers jersey as he followed in the footsteps of his dad, uncle Greg and late uncle Ben who died tragically in a car accident in 1992 at just 20.

“I saw something online that the Panthers put up, and it was pretty raw,” Geyer said. “He spoke about me playing for Penrith and his uncles Greg and Ben. We don’t talk a lot about Ben because it was a really sad part in our life. As soon as he started talking about Ben I choked up.”

Almost 100 family and friends have already lined up for tickets. Geyer has arranged buses to take them to and from the match at Allianz Stadium on Thursday night.

Geyer explains how Mavrik broke the news to him.

“It was last Sunday,” Geyer said. “They were at a recovery session. He had played NSW Cup on the Saturday and he was replaced early because he usually plays 80 minutes.

“On Sunday I was in the lounge room and Mav rings. He said I’ve just been told I’m playing Thursday night.

“We froze. (My wife) Megs was next to me and was in shock. My mum was crying.

“He has earnt the right. We are proud. He is a beautiful kid.

“As soon as the team was announced, we started getting calls. We have about 90 people getting on buses. We had shirts made up.”

Geyer also presented his son with his jersey at Penrith’s captain’s run on Wednesday.

Originally published as NRL 2024: Watch Panthers legend Mark Geyer’s emotional response ahead of son Mavrik’s debut