- Jamie Simpson
Infobox rugby league biography
playername = Jamie Simpson
fullname = Jamie Lee Simpson
nickname = Simmo, J.
caption =
country =
position = Centre / Wing
currentclub =South Sydney Rabbitohs
dateofbirth = birth date and age|1986|9|6|df=yes
placeofbirth =Rockhampton, Queensland
countryofbirth =Australia
height = convert|181|cm|ftin|abbr=on
weight = convert|91|kg|stlb|abbr=on
club1 =South Sydney Rabbitohs
year1start = 2008
year1end =
appearances1 = 1
tries1 =
goals1 =
fieldgoals1 =
points1 = 4
updated =
source =
new = yesJamie Simpson born
6 September ,1986 inAustralia is arugby league player for theSouth Sydney Rabbitohs in theNational Rugby League . He currently plays as a centre or on the wing, but was successful as a lock and Five-Eighth in hisschoolboy years atSt. Brendan%27s College .Early Life and Cancer Survival
Simpson was convinced by his mother to join the Fitzroy Junior Rugby League club while a young student at the Rockhampton primary school 'The Hall'. His obvious natural
skill was complimented by an occasionallyhostile temperament . He decided to attendSt. Brendan%27s College inYeppoon for itsrugby league program. It was there that Simpson developed greater self-discipline, with coach Terry Hansen observing "I knew he'd turned the corner" after an on-field incident in 2001 where Simpson refused to respond to an opposing player's punches after the ball was played. In late 2001 he was selected in the school's 1st XIII at age 15. However, inAugust 2002 he was diagnosed withCancer . Simpson valiantly played what could potentially have been his last game, an emotional pre-season match againstKirwan State High School , prior to his team being informed of the diagnosis.
While battling life-threateningnon-Hodgkin lymphoma and enduringchemotherapy throughout 2002-2003 [ [www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/sport/nrl/story/0,26799,23241677-5006066,00.html] ] Simpson remained involved with rugby league by volunteering as assistant coach for the school's 2nd XIII in early 2003. While hospitalised in isolation in late 2003,Brisbane Broncos coachWayne Bennett gave him an autographed copy of his book "Dont Die with the Music in You" with a personal message: "Tough time comes and goes, but tough guys last forever" [www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/sport/nrl/story/0,26799,23241677-5006066,00.html ] and was also encouraged to persue a professional career by family friend Scott Minto. After finally beating cancer, Simpson returned to St. Brendan's to complete his senior education in 2004, with a newfound determination to make the most of his abilities. As part of a victorious Brendan's side he was awarded player of theConfraternity Carnival , and later represented Queensland Schoolboys. Simpson was rumored to have been persued by several clubs, ultimately settling on theBrisbane Broncos .Early Career
Simpson started his senior career for Broncos feeder clubs Aspley and the
Toowoomba Clydesdales in 2005-2006. While a he was a frequent try-scorer in the QLD Cup for Aspley, and gained representative hounours for the Queensland City origin side in 2007, he was overlooked for selection in first-grade for the Broncos in favour of older players.First-Grade Career
Simpson was then lured to the
South Sydney Rabbitohs for the 2008 NRL season. Injury delayed his first grade debut in until round 13, where he scored a try against theNew Zealand Warriors . Once given the opportunity in the NRL, Simpson's debut season was a major success [ [http://www.myfooty.com.au/newsdetail.asp?News_ID=437 RPLA News - Simpson Inspires Rabbitohs Resurgence ] ] . Commentators believe that Simpson's performance was a major component of a mid season resurgence for the Rabbitohs [ [forums.leagueunlimited.com/showthread.php?t=203699&page=2 - 101k] ] , even relegating former internationalNigel Vagana from inclusion in the side.References
External links
* [http://www.rabbitohs.com.au/The-Club/Players/JamieSimpson.html South Sydney Rabbitohs profile]
* [http://www.themorningbulletin.com.au/storydisplay.cfm?storyid=3774709 Sammy, Simpson make NRL debuts]
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