By Stuart McLennan
A few years back Jerome Mose was lining up for the Western Suburbs Magpies Ron Massey Cup side with former and current NRL players Shannon Gallant and Matt Eisenhuth. Over at Parramatta younger brother Jonathan was a member of an Eels NYC team that boasted future NRL players Tyrell Fuimaono (St George Illawarra Dragons) and Alex Twal (Wests Tigers).
The likeable brothers are now living and working in Canberra and the UC Stars club is benefiting from their presence both on and off the field.
It was an opportunity to work as a carpenter that brought older brother Jerome to the nation’s capital in 2019. His younger sibling Jonathan joined him in the same industry earlier this year.
After two years out of rugby league Jerome decided to give a return to the game a crack in his adopted city last year.
“I wanted to see if I still had it in me. I gave a couple of clubs a call and they told me the same thing that their teams were full. My last call was to UC and Laura Brindley (Club President ) was more than happy to bring me on board,” Jerome explained.
“To be honest, I still get nervous no matter what grade/competition I play in. George Tooke and reserve grade is a little bit of fresh air but don’t get me wrong, it’s still a tough competition. Just training is a whole lot more relaxing.”
Jonathan took a long break from rugby league after experiencing a number of head knocks. A visit to the specialist confirmed that it would be best to give the game away for a while.
He recently joined his brother at the University of Canberra club competing in the CRRL reserve grade competition this season.
“It’s kind of a breath of fresh air, considering how demanding and how much dedication you’d have to put into other grades I’ve played. So it’s good to have more fun here at UC.”
Fun is definitely front and centre for the Mose boys. Players, coaches and staff remark on the uplifting attitude the boys possess, smiling and laughing through games and training sessions.
“I was a very serious person when I was younger but I’ve learnt that things are better when you smile,” Jonathan explained.
“I kinda just want to boost morale amongst the boys and show them that nothing fazes me or intimidates me.
“I feel I’m smiling 24/7 anyway so on and off the field I keep the same energy and plus smiling is infectious and I guess that’s not such a bad thing to spread.”
Jerome believes the club and players are what makes for the enjoyable experience.
“The players and coaches here are just a great bunch of boys and they make the game fun. (It’s a) bonus when your brother plays beside you. But on the footy field it’s pretty much head down, serious and focusing on that win.”
Playing together in the same team this season is a first for the brothers and it is clear they are enjoying the experience.
“I played with my other brother Jordan (number 8 in the family) for one year with the legendary Western Suburbs Magpies,” Jerome said.
“I’ve always wanted to play alongside Jono (number 9 in the family). Growing up we always did personal training together, running in the morning, gym and even working as well but never played in the same team (so thank you UC Stars).
“Playing beside him, I know he’s got my back. And I know he gives 100 percent when he plays.”
For Jonathan, taking the field with his older brother is a dream come true.
“My brother means the world to me. Ever since we were younger I wanted to be like him. I grew up watching his games and actually training with his side and being their ball boy for a number of years.
“When it was my time to play footy he would always be there training me and making me a better footy player and getting me into shape. He’s the reason why I made all my representative teams. He would dedicate so much time into making me a better human and then a better player.
“When we take the field we know we carry our family name so we are literally ready to die when we play. We have a sister that’s an angel (Jonathan writes the name of his sister who passed away on his wrist when he plays) and that motivates us to give everything we got at every chance we have on the field. I know at times we might clown around at training but we switch on when it’s time to do a job. It’s a gift to play with my brother and I’m glad our angel gets to watch us play.”
For Jerome there is meaning to being a part of the UC Stars rugby league club in 2020.
“Everything you do has a purpose and never forget why you’re doing it in the first place. My dad told me that and I live by it.”
The UC Stars had their first win of the season in Round 2 last Saturday defeating Queanbeyan Blues 26-12. The Mose brothers both crossed for tries.
