The women behind NSW Origin star Luke Lewis

LUKE Lewis calls them his three angels. The family members who have helped shape the NSW star into one of rugby league's most respected role models.

LUKE Lewis calls them his three angels. The family members who have helped shape the NSW Origin star into one of rugby league's most respected role models.

When Ricky Stuart and Tim Sheens sit down to name their NSW and Australian sides, Lewis is inevitably one of the first players chosen.

But growing up in the western Sydney suburb of Doonside, it was a far from a saloon passage to the top.

At 18 months of age, Lewis's father walked out.

The NSW star has never met him and instead turns to mum Sharon, wife Sonia and sister Krysti as his closest confidantes.

"I think I met him when I was younger but I don't really remember it," Lewis said.

"I could walk past him and I wouldn't even know who it is.

"I'm not too sure what he does or where he is, he's never been in contact. It wasn't in a bad way, but he and mum just went their separate ways.

"Mum's been my rock. She tells me everything about my footy, she's the only person who's honest with me; she'll tell you straight up how it is.

"From the outside looking in, she must have done it tough bringing us up, but she didn't really care or show us how tough it was because she just wanted the best for her kids.

"That's why I've got so much respect for her now and why I'm so protective of her.

"Her and my sister, they've supported me unbelievably. And Sonia, she came into my life when I was only 21 and I feel lucky to have met her."

Growing up, Lewis never wanted for anything. Even though Sharon was a single-mum working two jobs, none of the little stuff was too hard.

Another closely guarded family secret was why Lewis was so protective.

In front of a room full of politicians at Parliament House in October 2010, Lewis floored some of the state's most powerful officials.

As an ambassador for the White Ribbon Foundation condemning violence against women, he spoke from the heart about how his mum had been a victim at the hands of an ex-boyfriend.

"I was a single mum for a long time, so when the kids were out playing I just used to stand on the front porch and whistle for the kids to come home," Sharon explained.

"I used to have to rob Peter to pay Paul. That's just the way it used to be to make sure the kids had whatever they needed.

"But I wouldn't change it. We grew up really good and the kids didn't end up on the wrong side of the street.

"I met my husband (Gary Harrison) when Luke was 12 and he's just been the stability in all our lives.

"Who knows where we'd be if it wasn't for him."

Lewis is so close to Harrison, he calls him his 'Dad'.

"Gary's been my Dad. I met him when I was only 12 and I was probably a little p...k at the time," Lewis said.

"But he dealt with it pretty well and he's been my Dad. He taught me a respect for money, he taught me the most important things in life, always pay your bills and whatever you do with what you've got left you put into your family."

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