I never met Jacob Mabb, but I wish I had

OPINION: The term term one of a kind is thrown around all too often, and far too loosely. But in Jacob Mabb, it's apt.

Jacob Mabb runs out to play rugby. Picture: Contributed

THE term one-of-a-kind is thrown around all too often,and far too loosely.

But in Jacob Mabb, it's apt.

I never met Jacob, I wish I did. It always seems like it's the good ones who are taken too soon.

Jacob died on holidays in Bali, after a motorbike ride gone wrong. He suffered a bleed on his brain and was rushed to hospital.

It prompted the Coast community to raise more than $100,000 for his medical treatment.

I too was overseas at the time of Jacob's death but arrived home soon after.

I remember feeling overwhelmed at the volume of mourners rushing to pay their respects.

Immediately I knew this was no ordinary 21-year-old.

And after speaking to his loved ones, that couldn't be more the case.

As journalists we do tribute stories often.

They're a time for families and friends to honour their loss and rally together.

It allows them to share their favourite stories, memories and cherished moments.

Jacob, I'm told, was truly a remarkable human.

One of his best mates Aaron Parry gave me a one word response to what he was like. "Genuine", he said.

"He was so genuine. Whether he knew someone for five minutes or five years, he was the same," Aaron told me. "He was passionate about everything and just made those around him better for it."

On Saturday hundreds will gather at the home grounds of Jacob's old club, USC Rugby, to say a last goodbye.

Sport has the power to bring people together like few other things and I can't think of a better tribute.

You just know Jacob will be watching on, riding every ruck, try and tackle.

Originally published as I never met Jacob Mabb, but I wish I had