Alexandrea Mathew and mum Joycelyn Tiba soak up the atmosphere of Melbourne’s AAMI Park after the year 8 Western Cape College student met her favourite player, Storm winger Xavier Coates on 27 September. Photo: Supplied.
There is dedication to your sports team, and then there is the sort of dedication that involves five flights and a 7,500-kilometre round trip to watch them book a spot in the 2024 grand final.
But that is exactly what Weipa resident Alexandrea Mathew and her mother, Joycelyn Tiba, did to watch the Melbourne Storm thump the Sydney Roosters in Melbourne on 27 September to secure their ticket to a NRL premiership showdown against the Penrith Panthers.
The pair flew from Weipa to Melbourne – via Adelaide – on the southbound trip, with the year 8 Western Cape College student returning home with some extra baggage after securing the signed game boots of her favourite player, star Storm winger Xavier Coates.
Alexandrea created a sign to wave in the crowd outlining the pair’s trek to watch the clash and ask for the number five’s jersey after the team demolished the Roosters 48-18.
She said she still could not believe she got to meet some of the players, including Coates, and score some preliminary final memorabilia.
“I was so thrilled to come down and watch the game, but to actually meet some of the Storm’s players, and for Xavier to notice my poster and walk over, was sick,” she said.
“I am still in shock and can’t believe that he actually gave me his signed boots – it hasn’t sunk in yet.
“They can’t give away the jersey, so he gave me his boots and said thank you for coming down to watch the game.”
The Storm will tackle the Panthers in the season decider in Sydney on 6 October.
Weipa’s Alexandrea Mathew watched star Storm winger sign his game boots for her after the team thumped the Sydney Roosters to earn a grand final spot on Friday night. Photo: Supplied.
