Dubbo's Pat Yeo will be "helping the referee" of the National Rugby Leage (NRL) grand final from an armchair on Sunday night as his wife Kier barracks for the Penrith Panthers and their eldest grandchild Isaah at Sydney's ANZ Stadium.
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The devoted couple are going their separate ways for a day for the love of "an always easy kid" who in 2020 has made NRL fans sit up and take notice.
Named Dally M Lock of the Year this week, 25-year-old Isaah's gritty performances have thrilled his large and supportive family.
His grandparents, self-confessed "football tragics", are proud of his behaviour on and off the field.
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They say he is "unassuming" and a "gentleman" who enjoys living at Penrith because it's "like a country town".
"He's got his feet on the ground and that's a good thing," Mr Yeo said.
"He hasn't forgotten his mates because he's gone off to Sydney and is playing in the NRL."
Born and raised in Dubbo, Isaah regularly returns to the city to catch up with his grandparents and mates, but in 2020 has been forced into a "bubble" because of COVID-19.
"He loves coming home," Mrs Yeo said. "He's got a lovely group of friends back here."
She credits Isaah's parents Amy and Justin, who also played in the NRL, for his many positive traits.
"His parents have done a great job with him," she said.
The majority of Pat and Kier Yeo's eight children and 18 grandchildren will converge on ANZ Stadium, along with cousins also hoping to see the Penrith Panthers beat the Storm.
They will sit in groups of four in one bay but "catch up" before and after the grand final.
For health reasons, Mr Yeo will remain behind and babysit a couple of grandchildren while he watches the game with brother Garry.
"He helps the referee," Mrs Yeo said before the couple burst into laughter.
"Pat should have a special earphone to him."