NRL news: Mavrik Geyer to debut on exact same date as Penrith legend, uncle Greg Alexander
March 28 has a good track record for producing Penrith greats, having been the debut day of Greg Alexander. Incredibly, exactly 40 years on, his nephew Mavrik Geyer will debut for the Panthers.
NRL
Don't miss out on the headlines from NRL. Followed categories will be added to My News.
In the remarkable coincidence, Mavrik Geyer will make his first grade debut for Penrith exactly 40 years to the day his famous uncle did the same.
Greg Alexander, arguably Penrith’s greatest player, debuted on March 28, 1984, coming off the bench against Manly at Brookvale Oval.
Geyer will play his first NRL game against the Sydney Roosters on Thursday night – March 28, 2024.
Alexander was there on Wednesday when Geyer’s proud parents, Panthers legend Mark and wife Megan — Alexander’s sister — presented Mavrik with his first NRL jumper.
A brilliant halfback who played for NSW and Australia, Alexander also gave a speech at the jumper presentation on behalf of the Alexander family.
Alexander always thought he debuted a week later when starting at five-eighth against Easts but records clearly state he debuted off the bench, playing centre, against the Sea Eagles.
Told his nephew would debut on the same day he did 40 years later, Alexander said: “Really? That’s bizarre. Learning that news just adds something more to the story about Mavrik playing his first first grade game.
“It is an unbelievable coincidence, incredible.
“I played reserve grade that night against Manly and then came on at centre. ‘Sheensy’ (coach Tim Sheens) threw me on, I was 72kg.
“You know who the Manly centres were? Inside, outside centre, they played on the same side in those days — Noel Cleal and Chris ‘Choppy’ Close.
“Mark and Megan will be there (on Wednesday) to present Mav with his jersey. It’s something I wouldn’t miss and I get to say a few words about how proud we are as a family, on behalf of all our cousins, aunties and uncles.”
Mavrik, 23, is a utility player who can play on an edge or in the middle.
He played a pre-season trial game last year in first grade but hasn’t yet played an NRL match.
Alexander has no doubt Mavrik will thrive in such a big game between two premiership heavyweights.
“Mav is 23 so he’s not a baby,” Alexander said. “He has worked hard to get to where he is. He had a huge off-season and made a lot of sacrifices.
“He deserves this crack. We saw a little bit of him in the pre-season last year and he’s been strong for the Panthers in NSW Cup over the last 18 months.
“‘Mav’ is ready. His time has come. I think he will probably be used on an edge but he can also play in the middle, which is handy.”
Alexander isn’t calling the game for Fox Sports but will attend the Roosters-Panthers match as a proud uncle.
Panthers coach Ivan Cleary was excited about Geyer’s debut.
“Mav will make his debut, so that’s pretty cool,” Cleary told the media this week.
“It’s an exciting time for him and his family. He’s been very patient. He’s really knuckled down over the last couple of years, he’s worked very hard for this, and I think he’s ready.”
More Coverage
Originally published as NRL news: Mavrik Geyer to debut on exact same date as Penrith legend, uncle Greg Alexander
The moment that broke Ramsey in emotional Dragons return
The one constant during Cody Ramsey’s seven-month hospital stay was his then-pregnant partner Tahlia - and she was front and centre for the most heartwarming and inspiring story in the NRL.
Buzz’s highlights, lowlights: NRL replaces referees’ boss on eve of season
There has been a major shake up to the NRL’s football department just two weeks out from the round 1 Las Vegas spectacle. Phil ‘Buzz’ Rothfield reveals his highlights and lowlights.