Jamie Simpson born 6 September 1986 in Australia is a rugby league player for the South Sydney Rabbitohs in the National Rugby League. He currently plays as a centre or on the wing, but was successful as a lock and Five-Eighth in his schoolboy years at St. Brendan's College.
Early Life and Cancer Survival
Simpson was convinced by his mother to join the Fitzroy Junior Rugby League club while a young student at the Rockhampton primary school 'The Hall'. His obvious natural skill was complimented by an occasionally hostile temperament. He decided to attend St. Brendan's College in Yeppoon for its rugby league program. It was there that Simpson developed greater self-discipline, with coach Terry Hansen observing "I knew he'd turned the corner" after an on-field incident in 2001 where Simpson refused to respond to an opposing player's punches after the ball was played. In late 2001 he was selected in the school's 1st XIII at age 15. However, in August 2002 he was diagnosed with Cancer. Simpson valiantly played what could potentially have been his last game, an emotional pre-season match against Kirwan State High School, prior to his team being informed of the diagnosis.
While battling life-threatening non-Hodgkin lymphoma and enduring chemotherapy throughout 2002-2003[1] Simpson remained involved with rugby league by volunteering as assistant coach for the school's 2nd XIII in early 2003. While hospitalised in isolation in late 2003, Brisbane Broncos coach Wayne Bennett gave him an autographed copy of his book "Dont Die with the Music in You" with a personal message: "Tough time comes and goes, but tough guys last forever"[2] and was also encouraged to persue a professional career by family friend Scott Minto. After finally beating cancer, Simpson returned to St. Brendan's to complete his senior education in 2004, with a newfound determination to make the most of his abilities. As part of a victorious Brendan's side he was awarded player of the Confraternity Carnival, and later represented Queensland Schoolboys. Simpson was rumored to have been persued by several clubs, ultimately settling on the Brisbane Broncos.
Early Career
Simpson started his senior career for Broncos feeder clubs Aspley and the Toowoomba Clydesdales in 2005-2006. While a he was a frequent try-scorer in the QLD Cup for Aspley, and gained representative hounours for the Queensland City origin side in 2007, he was overlooked for selection in first-grade for the Broncos in favour of older players.
First-Grade Career
Simpson was then lured to the South Sydney Rabbitohs for the 2008 NRL season. Injury delayed his first grade debut in until round 13, where he scored a try against the New Zealand Warriors. Once given the opportunity in the NRL, Simpson's debut season was a major success[3]. Commentators believe that Simpson's performance was a major component of a mid season resurgence for the Rabbitohs[4], even relegating former international Nigel Vagana from inclusion in the side.
References
External links
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