LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
After years of hard work and determination, rising young hooker Gordon Chan Kum Tong is finally getting the opportunity to prove his worth on the big stage of the NRL.
Manly Coach Anthony Seibold has called him into the team to play against the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs at Accor Stadium.
This is a significant moment for the exceptional 21-year-old, who has always had the desire to prove the doubters wrong.
What makes this debut even more special is the fact that Chan Kum Tong started his league career with the Bankstown Bulls in the Canterbury competition, the very team he will be facing.
Throughout his time there, he constantly heard how he was too small to succeed in rugby league.
But Chan Kum Tong's switch to Manly at the age of 15 has proven to be a turning point in his career.
Coming through the Sea Eagles Pathways Program, Chan Kum Tong has displayed a level of maturity, professionalism, competitiveness, and natural leadership that goes well beyond his years.
He has already captained Manly's SG Ball and Jersey Flegg teams, and this year, he stepped up to be captain of the Blacktown Workers Sea Eagles in his first season in the NSW Cup.
Despite his relatively smaller stature of 173cm and 92kg, Chan Kum Tong has learned to use his size to his advantage.
His speed, agility, and ability to outmaneuver opponents have made him a force to be reckoned with on the field.
Now, he has the chance to showcase his skills and creativity at the NRL level, and all eyes will be on him as he takes on the Bulldogs.
For Chan Kum Tong, this debut is the culmination of years of hard work, determination, and the desire to prove his critics wrong.
He has overcome the challenges and obstacles that came his way, and now, he has the opportunity to make a name for himself in the rugby league world.
It's a moment that he has been waiting for, and on Sunday, he will finally get his chance to shine on the NRL big stage.