Port City Breakers junior Jesse Fisher rubs shoulders with NRL refs, NSW State of Origin team
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Jesse Fisher is on a remarkable journey. Last week he ttok inspiration from - and gave it to - the NSW Blues.
The 13-year-old had his left leg amputated seven years ago after a tumour rendered it almost useless.
What most would see as a negative was turned into a positive as he continues on a path that hopefully will take him to the top of the National Rugby League.
Instead of turning his back on the sport he loved, he found another route - and made the decision to be a referee. He hasn't looked back.
Jesse's replaced the dream of playing in a State of Origin match with refereeing one.
"I was hoping that I was going to get up to refereeing seniors and then see what happened after that," Fisher said.
"I just wanted to stay involved in the game a bit more."
One for the refs: Jesse Fisher with National Rugby League referees Gavin Badger and Adam Gee.
Mum Belinda said initially it was a challenging time for the family, because children "just don't have their legs amputated".
"There was nothing of (his ankle); he couldn't bear weight on it," she said.
"It was difficult when someone mentions the word amputate because you don't amputate children's legs, but it's been the best thing for him.
"They said they could cut the tumour out of his ankle, but there was going to be nothing left of his foot so they said 'let's just cut it further up'.
"Just because you've got one leg doesn't mean you can't do anything."
Last week, Fisher spent time in camp with the NSW State of Origin team ahead of the series opener at Suncorp Stadium.
Jesse Fisher with Latrell Mitchell. Photo: supplied
He spent time alongside Mid North Coast duo Boyd Cordner and Latrell Mitchell along with teammates Josh Morris, Paul Vaughan, Jake Trbojevic and coach Brad Fittler.
Then he attended the Parramatta Eels and South Sydney Rabbitohs National Rugby League fixture at Bankwest Stadium.
"Gavin Badger and Adam Gee took me around the NSW facility and after that we did a tour and went down to the ground and met a few players," he said.
"I trained with the referees on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday and went to the game and ran water for the referees.
"They were really nice."
It's one thing about rugby league - if you're not a player there are other pathways to go down, just ask Jesse Fisher.
Thumbs up: NSW Blues captain Boyd Cordner with Jesse Fisher.