Barb Horan has pledged her unwavering support for her grandson, Nathaniel Robinson, as he embarks on his professional career in the National Rugby League (NRL) with the Manly Sea Eagles. The 18-year-old from Wellington is set to transition from local competitions, such as the Peter McDonald Premiership, to the professional arena, but his devoted cheer squad, led by his Nan and Pop, remains unchanged.
Reflecting on Nathaniel’s journey, Barb shared her pride in his accomplishment. “He’s been playing since he was four, and the minute he got his first little try, he’s just been unstoppable,” she remarked. His passion for rugby has been evident from a young age, with dreams of playing in the NRL consistently motivating him. “Since he was little, he would say, ‘I’m gonna play football in the NRL’; that has always been his dream.”
With several clubs vying for his talent, Nathaniel ultimately chose Manly for their promising development pathways. Barb emphasized that regardless of where he plays, her support will follow. “We will make the trip to the city from Wellington to see him play, and if we’re not there in person, we watch it all on live TV anyway,” she said. The family is particularly looking forward to Nathaniel’s upcoming matches in New Zealand.
As Nathaniel prepares to face some of the league’s top competitors, Barb feels confident in his abilities. “I don’t get nervous about him playing, and it seems to be the bigger they are, the better that he plays,” she stated. His talent extends beyond rugby, as he has excelled in various sports throughout his youth. “He’s represented for all sorts of sports, but footy is just his thing; he’s an absolute freak at football.”
Barb’s emotions run deep as she witnesses her grandson’s dreams coming to fruition. “It’s really hard to explain,” she admitted. “I’m just extremely proud that he’s followed through with his dream. The fact that he’s been able to fulfill this achievement is the biggest thing. I am always proud of him regardless of what he does.”
Nathaniel acknowledges that his transition to one of Sydney’s premier NRL clubs is made easier by the steadfast support from his family. “It is really important to have Nan and Pop with me,” he said. “And they have helped me push through moving away from the west and everything. They have supported me through all of it, and they come to all my games and cheer me on from the sidelines.”
The moment that changed Nathaniel’s life came unexpectedly while he was at home. The excitement of officially signing with Manly was overwhelming. “It was really exciting; I was just at home when they told me,” he recounted. “I chose to sign with them because they were the club that showed the most interest in me.”
Before joining the Eagles, Nathaniel played for the Western Rams and was part of the Clontarf NSW State of Origin teams. He formed a strong partnership with Jayden Innes, who is now his roommate and teammate at Manly. “Jayden was my five-eighth most of the time when we played rounds together in the west, so it is really good to have him here with me,” Nathaniel shared. “Outside of that, we are just mates.”
As Nathaniel prepares to step onto the professional stage, both he and Barb recognize the importance of family support in overcoming the challenges ahead. With a shared commitment to his dream, this new chapter is not just a personal victory for Nathaniel but a testament to the enduring bond between him and his family.
