Sam Verrills will pay tribute to brother Jack at the Roosters vs Raiders Grand Final

Young Roosters NRL star Sam Verrills will pay a touching tribute at this weekend’s Grand Final to the older brother who inspired his love of NRL, but who tragically died aged 20.

Sam Verrills of the Roosters poses during a Sydney Roosters NRL Media Opportunity at the Sydney Cricket Ground on September 30, 2019 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)

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Roosters star Sam Verrills will have a large northern beaches fan base travelling to the Grand Final this weekend to support him.

But his older brother, who inspired his love of rugby will not be there.

In February 2015, when Sam was playing a junior football game in Manly, his brother Jack took his own life.

Jack Verrills (top left) with his dad Mark, mum Kimberly and brothers Billy, Sam and Oliver.

Their dad Mark, whose own father started the Palm Beach Ferry Service, said all of his four sons were talented football players including Jack who was fearless on the field.

“Sam started playing when he was four,” he said.

“He grew up going round the football grounds watching his brothers Jack and Billy.

“Sam owes a lot to Jack.

“He was a hooker too and he showed him the tricks of the trade.

“He wishes his brother was here to see him now, like we all do.”

Sam Verrills of the Roosters passes the ball during the NRL Preliminary Final against Melbourne Storm. Picture: Jason McCawley

Sam, now 20 and the same age Jack was when he took his life, will wear tape around his wrist with his brother’s initials when he plays Canberra Raiders on Sunday.

It’s a ritual he maintains for every match.

Mr Verrills, 51, said if Jack were alive he would have been the first one to buy a ticket to watch Sam in the Grand Final.

“Nothing would have stopped him going,” Mr Verrills said.

Sam Verrills' face on the harbour bridge ahead of the Roosters vs Raiders Grand Final on Sunday. Picture: Supplied.

He said the number of young people taking their lives on the beaches was tragic.

“I would not wish the heartbreak of losing a child or anyone to suicide,” he said.

“The ramifications for everyone are just horrible.”

Jack Verrills (wearing hat) with mum Kimberly and brothers Billy, Sam and Oliver. Jack committed suicide.

Despite the tragedy the family have endured they are all immensely excited and proud of Sam, who still lives at home in Avalon.

Sam’s mum Kimberley, a B-Line bus driver has been wearing her Roosters scarf on the bus all week, travelling back and forth over the harbour bridge, which has been lit up with the faces of the Grand Final players including Sam’s.

But while a lot of families are discussing the upcoming match at the dinner table, football chatter is banned in the Verrills household.

“We’ve tried to keep calm and relaxed so Sam can be a normal 20-year-old,” Mr Verrills said.

“We don’t want to fill his head with unnecessary noises.

“He doesn’t need dear old dad telling him what to do.”

Another Grand Final day. Luke Trbojevic and Sam Verrills, wearing number 18, playing for Mona Vale celebrate the under 8's win at Brookvale Oval.

Sam who began his rugby league career playing for Avalon and Mona Vale, where he played alongside Luke Trbojevic, whose brothers Tom and Jake play for the Manly Sea Eagles, won’t find out until an hour before the match whether he will be in the starting line-up.

But Mr Verrills said nothing fazes Sam. He is calm, determined and focused.

“These footballers give up a lot,” he said. “When their mates are out celebrating 18th and 21sts he will be sitting at home because he does not want to be out late.

“He is totally focused on the next game.”

The Roosters will play the Raiders on Sunday at 7.30pm.