Maroons hero and central Queensland local Harry Grant will have to wait at least another week before he can hug his mum.
Margie Grant says it has been months since she's been able to embrace her son, but she will get that opportunity when he drives home to Yeppoon next week.
"I haven't been able to [hug him], and it's something we just want to do," Mrs Grant said.
The 22-year-old former St Brendan's College student helped the Maroons seal a six-point victory in game three State of Origin decider in Brisbane last night.
Harry was in a COVID bubble during the NRL season this year and then again for another three-and-a-half weeks for the Origin bubble.
Meanwhile, Mrs Grant and her husband, Paul, spoke to Harry across the field barrier after the game last night.
"We will get a chance to have a good chat to him on the phone today when everything settles down," Mrs Grant said.
The media has heaped praise on the Origin debutant, with some predicting Harry could be the Maroon's hooker for the next 10 years.
But Mrs Grant is taking that in her stride.
"We'll see," she laughed.
No chance of getting a big head
Asked if all the hype and praise could go to Harry's head, Mrs Grant responded that he had three brothers.
"We'll all keep him grounded," she said.
Despite the banter, Mrs Grant is delighted at how well her son performed last night.
"I think we're all very proud — it's a good day to be a Queenslander."
If there was any doubt about who Harry's father, Paul, who hails from NSW, was barracking for, he showed his true allegiance by wearing a Maroon jersey.
"His family did come up from NSW to watch the game, but unfortunately they wore their blue jerseys — so we thought that was great," Mrs Grant said.
Always a good all-rounder
Mrs Grant said Harry had always been an all-round sportsman, giving everything his best.
"He's always enjoyed it too, and that's a big part and parcel of it," she said.
"If you don't enjoy it, it's not good doing it."
It might be too early for St Brendan's College to erect a statue, she laughed, but the community was showing its support.
"The phone has been running hot," she said.
Former teacher, Dr Rolf Schlagloff, who is now a koala expert at CQUniversity, remembers Harry well.
"He's a very decent human being and obviously a brilliant footballer," he said.
