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Respect, dignity part of Mario’s code of living
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| By Damir Govorcin
30 January, 2005 |
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| SOLID FOUNDATION: Mario Fenech says his Catholic education ‘helped shape me as a person’ Picture Sunday Telegraph |
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Catholic education – ‘I went to Marist Brothers, Pagewood’ – helped “shape me as a person”, says former NRL star Mario Fenech.
“One of the most important things I learnt is treating people as you would want to be treated,” he says. “And that’s with respect and dignity.”
Mario says his faith “represents how I live my life”.
“I always try to be honest and do to others as I would like done to me,” he says.
“I believe in doing the right thing.”
One of four boys, Mario says his Catholic faith and the importance of family have guided him during his life.
“My parents have had an unbelievable influence on me,” he says.
“I learnt at a young age that family comes first and nothing else comes close.”
Mario and wife Rebecca have two children, Joey 11 and Bonnie 9, who attend St Michael’s School, Daceyville.
“Rebecca and I believe a Catholic education will give our children a solid foundation in life,” he says.
“A Catholic education will teach them the importance of the Ten Commandments.”
Mario played 287 first grade NRL matches during a 15-year career with Souths, Norths and South Queensland.
“I had so many wonderful highlights it’s difficult to pick out the best,” he says.
“Playing my first match at Redfern Oval, my first grade debut against St George at Kogarah Oval, playing for NSW in the State of Origin and being a part of the successful Tina Turner advertising campaigns are some of my proudest moments.
“To play 15 years of first grade rugby league is an achievement in itself.
“I still love the game with a passion and I wish I could play forever.”
Life after rugby league has been good to Mario. He is entering his 12th season as a member of Channel Nine’s popular Footy Show.
Known throughout league circles as the ‘Maltese Falcon’, Mario has become something of a cult figure on the show.
He is often the butt of jokes by his fellow panellists, former NRL stars Paul Vautin, Peter Sterling, Matthew Johns and Paul Harragon.
He also has an award named after him – ‘the falcon’ – which is presented at season’s end to a player who has been humorously hit in the head by the ball.
Mario says he can’t get enough of the shenanigans on the show.
“It’s all in good fun and I think league fans get a laugh each week at my expense,” he says.
“I enjoy the great challenges that are presented to me each week on the show.
“I never know what is going to happen, which makes it so exciting.
“I feel privileged to still be able to express my opinions on the game, a decade on since my retirement.”
Along with his television work, Mario works as a sponsorship and commercial manager for the NRL.
“Working with the NRL is my real job,” he jokes.
“I sign and service sponsors such Telstra, Harvey Norman and AAMI and make sure our clients get what they pay for and more.”
Mario has also accepted the role as ambassador for the Maltese Rugby League Association.
He pulled on the boots again to represent the Malta Knights in the Orara Valley Sevens at Coffs Harbour last weekend.
“It was a great honour to play for Malta”, he says.
“I am proud of my background and what my parents achieved to ensure a great life for me and my brothers.
“My appointment as Malta’s rugby league ambassador is something I take seriously.
“I will do my utmost to promote rugby league in the Maltese and wider community.”
Knights’ spokesman Anthony Micallef says Mario’s appearance at the Sevens tournament was the biggest event yet for the emerging rugby league body.
“It was massive in terms of our credibility and where the Knights are headed,” he said.
“Mario is an icon within the Maltese and rugby league communities alike.”
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