It is always tough in the world of the NRL, when a player has to leave a team that they enjoy playing for, and have come to know and love, and for Chris Sandow, this was no different.
The Cherbourg local was brought to tears when it came to leaving the South Sydney Rabbitohs, but Sandow is now focusing on his time at the Eels, and is confident that he can help guide the side to a solid 2012 NRL season.
Following some recent poor seasons at the Eels, Sandow believes that the Eels have strengthened their side for 2012, and can improve on their 14th placed finish, from season 2011.
“It was really hard to leave Souths, I cried,” Sandow said.
“Leaving behind boys like Nathan Merritt (and) John Sutton was hard, they will be my friends for life.
“But I am enjoying Parramatta, the boys have made me feel very welcome and there are some real good players there and I believe we can have a successful season.”
Before he takes the field for the Eels however, Sandow will find himself playing in his first rep game – with the young halfback to represent the Indigenous All-Stars in the yearly All-Stars game.
With that first representative game for Sandow, comes his family – with Sandow being floored in regards to having people ask him for tickets to the game, with Cherbourg being one of the towns that has been helped by schemes to generate money for the All-Stars clash.
“Half of the town is coming,” he said.
“My mum and dad are going to be here and they are looking forward to seeing me play with these boys and I don’t want to let my friends and family down.
“It is every young kid’s dreams to play with JT and it is a huge thing for me. Hopefully I can learn things from guys like him as I am still learning the game and take it back to Parramatta.”
Although Sandow left the Gold Coast and the Titans at a young age, due to disciplinary reasons, the young halfback holds no ill-feelings towards the club that released him.
“Everything happened for a reason,” he said.
“I don’t regret what happened, it was probably good for me to grow up, but things have worked out well since.
“I enjoyed living on the Gold Coast and who knows, maybe one day I’ll come back and replace Scotty Prince.”