I first met Tommy as a nine year old.
My father, Gary, was first grade coach at the Cessnock Goannas and in 1981 they formed a sister club relationship with the Newtown Jets.
Dad and his team would travel down to Henson Park on several occasions to train with the Jets and Newtown came to Cessnock for a pre-season trial against the Goannas in that successful '81 season.
It was only a trial game against a bush team but he played with the intensity as if it was a grand final.
But the highlight was the following day when both sides gathered together at Tyrell's vineyard to enjoy a beer and a barbecue together - that's when I first saw Tommy the character.