Cory Jane
 

Jigsaw: Can you tell me what you think fathering is all about?

Cory: To me it’s about giving them [the children] the support in what they want to do. It’s just a joy to come home from work or wake up and have him [Cassius] call out your name.  It’s just something special to able to provide for him and for him to grow up and have a great life.

If you were to give Cassius a couple of gifts, what would you like him to know?

Always try your hardest in everything you do.  I got told I would never be a rugby player when I was at college, from teachers or people like that, and I never gave up. And that’s what I want him to do.  If he has something he wants to go for – it could be anything – we’re 100% behind him.  And never give up no matter what people tell you. 

What would you say to other dads?

People say that once you’ve had kids you’ve lost all your opportunities to do stuff but I don’t see that.  It’s just bringing another one in [into the family] that you can share your experiences with as well…

And just be aware of what you’re doing, that’s the main thing. Your kids are going to follow what you do.  So if you’re doing something you shouldn’t be, obviously they’re going to look up to you because you’re their parents and they’re going to think that’s fine, and they’ll do it too. 

What was your relationship with your father like?

I used to hang out with Dad all the time.  He used to always come to the park down here and kick the ball around because rugby was all I wanted to do.  So I’d come home from school and he’d be out there kicking the ball round with me...  He was always there supporting me, coaching me along.  He was never any good at rugby, he said, but he still helped me to try and succeed.

How did it feel having your dad there supporting you?

Some people out there, their parents are a bit too busy...  You can just go out there and do something with your kid for just a couple of minutes.  They just know that you’re supporting them. 

How do you keep in touch with Cassius and Amie when you’re away playing Rugby?

Sometimes I get up in the morning and I’m gone before he gets up but now when I’m going to training or something like that, Amie will give him the phone and ring me and I can talk to him during the day.  He picks up the phone and just yells out ‘Daddy!’

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