2019 NRL Premiership: Sam Verrills try inspired by lost brother Jack

When Sam Verrills went over for the first try of the NRL Grand Final, he knew he had his family behind him. But the brother whose name was written on his wrist held an extra special place.

Roosters' Sam Verrills scores a try during the 2019 NRL Grand FinaPicture. Phil Hillyard

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The father of Roosters superstar and the first try scorer of the NRL Grand Final Sam Verrills says he knew he would do something great during the match when he saw him look up at the sky and point towards his big brother.

Mark Verrills, 51, of Avalon said Sam, 20, had his older brother Jack very much in his head when he went out on the field last night.

Jack committed suicide four years ago aged 20.

Sam Verrills and brother Billy with the NRL premiership trophy.

As usual Sam played with his brother’s initials written on his wrist.

“I was watching him closely and I saw him look at the sky and point up to his big brother,” Mr Verrills said.

“I knew he was up for it and he was in a good mindset.”

Sam scored the first try of the match in a “ballsy” move in the sixth minute according to his dad.

It couldn’t have gone any better for the young player or his dad, who had put a cheeky $5 bet on his son scoring the first try — scooping up a $250 win in the process.

“I cried when he scored,” Mr Verrills said.

Jack Verrills (top left) with his dad Mark, mum Kimberly and brothers Billy, Sam and Oliver. Jack committed suicide at 20 years old.

After the 14-8 win against the Canberra Raiders he and his wife Kimberley, a B-Line bus driver who has been wearing the Roosters scarf to work all week, partied with the players back at the Rooster’s clubhouse.

Mr Verrills, speaking to the Manly Daily this morning, said they left the party a few hours ago around 7am.

He said Sam was still there, in a corner with his arms around his brother Billy, “talking about where they have come from and talking about the brother who wasn’t there”.

Sam Verrills celebrating with friends and family. L to r: Lily Fayle (Billy's girlfriend) Billy, mum Kimberley, Sam in the middle, dad Mark and Sam's girlfriend Jade Bourke.

Sam’s twin Oliver was celebrating his brother’s win with his mates.

Also supporting Sam last night was his childhood sweetheart Jade Bourke, 19.

Mr Verrills said Sam’s girlfriend was the most beautiful person and had been with Sam through the highs and the lows.

Sam Verrills hugs his mum after the Roosters' victory.

“She was there cuddling Sam the morning his brother Jack passed away,” Mr Verrills said.

“She has been by his side ever since.

“She comes from a gorgeous family.”

James Tedesco, Sam Verrills and Mitchell Aubusson celebrate following their win over the Raiders in the 2019 NRL Grand Final. Picture: AAP /Dan Himbrechts.

Mr Verrills said he wasn’t expecting Sam home anytime soon but there would be no special treatment for the Roosters star.

He said the first thing he needed to do when he got back was clean his bedroom.

“He’s just like any other boy, his room is a mess,” he said.

“He needs to come home and clean it up.”