State of Origin 2015: Meeting his NSW Blues heroes tops Ray Blacklock’s bucket list

HE could have attended an Ashes Test. Monaco Grand Prix. Super Bowl. But all Ray Blacklock wanted was to meet his Blues heroes.

HE could have attended an Ashes cricket Test. Monaco Grand Prix. Super Bowl. Wimbledon. Augusta. Olympics. Eiffel Tower. Even Disneyland. Anything he wanted.

No, Ray Blacklock only wanted one wish to top his ultimate bucket list.

Meeting his current heroes, the NSW Blues.

On Wednesday night, an emotional and deeply appreciative Blacklock lived what could be one of final dreams.

Blacklock, 60, is the former Penrith, Newtown and Canberra winger who is battling two major medical issues. He only has 16 months to live.

Ray Blacklock gets to experience Origin as his biggest wish.

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Organisers of a massive fundraiser last week at Penrith — where 700 guests raised a staggering $160,000 — offered Blacklock the chance to travel anywhere in the world to live a lifelong dream.

The options were limitless — and exotic.

Blacklock though made a decision that stunned chief organiser of the fundraiser, former Panthers forward Lou Zivanovic.

“We told Ray he could do whatever he wanted — we asked him to give his top bucket list pick. The option list was wide open,” Zivanovic said. “Anything in the world.

“He chose to watch and meet the NSW Blues. It showed how passionate he is for rugby league. He was just so happy. His decision really stunned us given where he could have gone in the world.”

Zivanovic approached the NSWRL — primarily Blues coach Laurie Daley and media manager Tristan Hay — who allowed Blacklock into the dressing room. He was also there when Daley delivered his half-time speech. It was a moment Blacklock will never forget.

Blacklock during his rugby league playing days.

“It was amazing. I just wanted to be at a rugby league game. It’s the game I love,” Blacklock said.

As The Daily Telegraph reported earlier this month, Blacklock has three bones protruding into his spinal cord and needs an operation.

And then, in a further tragic blow, doctors told Blacklock he has Multi System Atrophy (MSA) type C, a rare neurological disorder that impairs the body’s involuntary functions. It shares the same symptoms with Parkinson’s disease — it eventually leads to death.

Zivanovic is a Blues Brother. A sponsor of the NSW team who is granted two access-all-areas passes into the NSW dressing room during State of Origin games.

Generously, Zivanovic auctioned the second pass at Blacklock’s fundraiser — raising about $8000. Blacklock then asked whether he too could meet NSW players.

“Visiting the dressing rooms on Origin night is a one-off lifetime experience,” Zivanovic said