Dyldam Parramatta Eels centre Brad Takairangi was involved in a very proud moment for his family when he ran out and represented the Blue and Gold in Round 1 on Friday night.
“(It was) very proud for my family,” Takairangi said.
The centre’s father, Louis Takairangi, played three games for the Eels in 1987 and Brad said that it is great to be following him in his footsteps.
“My dad was very very happy that I made the move to Parramatta in the first place,” Takairangi said.
“For me to run out after him and follow in his footsteps was a very proud moment for my family.”
Takairangi said that the huge crowd at Pirtek Stadium on Friday night added to a memorable evening.
“It was massive,” Takairangi said of the Blue and Gold crowd.
“It was a great turnout from the Blue and Goal army and the boys really appreciated it.”
In their 42-12 win, Takairangi praised the efforts of his halves and the hard work and dedication they have put into the pre season.
“The off season was pretty big for us, and it sort of showed on Friday night,” Takairangi said.
“Especially for boys, like Chrissy Sandow and Corey Norman, who had a massive pre season. The way they came out and led the boys around the field on Friday night was a credit to them.”
With his own pre season interrupted by an injury sustained at the 2015 NRL Auckland Nines, Takairangi was glad to be fit for Eels opening clash of the 2015 season.
“It was unfortunate that I got injured at the Nines,” Takairangi
“But full credit to Vic [Eels physiotherapist Victoria Locke], she did a great job on me with the rehab and physio and got me back sooner rather than later.”
