State of Origin game 2: Blues enforcer Tyson Frizell to watch brother Shannon make his All Blacks debut
IT is a big weekend for the Frizells. On Sunday evening, Tyson will attempt to help NSW claim a decisive State of Origin victory. But before that, he’ll watch his little brother make his All Blacks debut.
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SYDNEY Olympic Park’s Pullman Hotel will turn All Black and Blues on Saturday afternoon when the NSW Origin players gather for an impromptu bonding session to celebrate Tyson Frizell’s little brother’s debut for the All Blacks.
A little more than 24 hours before they try to secure their own series win in Origin II just across the road, the Blues will get together to watch flanker Shannon Frizell represent New Zealand in the third Test against France in Dunedin.
The Blues will complete their captain’s run at nearby ANZ Stadium around 3.45pm before rushing back to a hotel team room to watch Frizell complete the haka.
Frizell’s parents, Sophia and Andrew, were planning to watch Tyson at ANZ Stadium but will now travel to New Zealand’s South Island to see Shannon’s big moment.
“I’m sure all the boys wouldn’t mind sitting down and watching the game with him,” NSW chief adviser Greg Alexander said.
“It would be a good way to bring the boys together, I’m sure it will be a proud moment for Tyson.”
It will be a massive 24 hours for Tyson, 26, and Shannon, 24, who is playing his first season of Super Rugby with the Highlanders.
Shannon grew up with an adopted family in Tonga while Tyson was raised in Sydney. The pair have always been close. Immigration laws prevented the brothers growing up together.
“It’s very exciting and I’m very proud,” Tyson told The Daily Telegraph.
“Our parents were getting ready to come to Origin but they are now flying over to New Zealand from Australia (tonight).
“They will stay over there with him for a few days and they will also go and visit some family over there.
“If I could get over there, I’d be over there supporting him.
“He will make his debut, I spoke to him two days ago, and he let me know. Originally he got called into the squad on standby waiting for his opportunity.
“Finally he got his chance. Unfortunately I won’t be able to be there because they play Saturday night.”
It is remarkable two brothers can carve out such successful careers in both rugby codes.
Both are known for their size, strength and aggression.
“I don’t know if he really looked up to me — he grew up playing rugby. I don’t think growing up as kids you think about whether you’re going to get to where you are today,” Tyson said.
“I was no different. It’s hard for kids coming from a village in Tonga to be playing for the All Blacks.
“That’s something you don’t think could happen or don’t think it’s achievable, coming from such a small island.
“He has done well and I have been lucky enough to make my career path in rugby league. He’s doing well in rugby. This is his first year of Super Rugby.”
Tyson said he would often fly to Tonga to visit Shannon as kids during school holidays.
“As kids, we would go to Tonga once or twice every year in school holidays,” he said. “We were separated as kids pretty much.
“I spent a fair bit of time in Tonga, maybe months at a time. He grew up in the village where I am from, Folaha.”
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