When it comes to celebrations, it’s safe to say the family and friends of Jared Haywood certainly know how to party with the best of them.
If you happened to be at the southern end of Campbelltown Sports Stadium on Friday night, it would have been almost impossible to ignore the huge gathering that stood proudly in excitement for the young hooker in the number 22 jersey.
When it comes to making an impact in your NRL debut, Haywood more than delivered against the menacing Warriors pack in Round 19 of the Telstra Premiership.
In 59 minutes, the 19-year-old showed plenty of creativity and flair in attack, getting the Wests Tigers forwards on the front foot with some slick passing.
Defensively wise, he made 33 tackles – a good effort considering experienced, hardened forwards love targeting smaller frames in the middle.
Despite being on the wrong end of the scoreline, Haywood could hold his head up high in a real ‘pinch me’ moment.
After shaking hands and getting some ‘well done’ slaps on the back, Haywood made a beeline for family and friends.
Dressed in their custom-made Jared Haywood black t-shirts, the 'Haywood Army' owned that end of the ground, with the young man posing for selfies in between signing shirts or anything else that resembled Wests Tigers gear.
With photographers capturing the special moments, Haywood was suddenly thrown into an interview with ABC radio reporter, John Gibbs.
To the young man’s credit, he handled the impromptu interview well, speaking clearly amongst the ever-increasing loud chants of ‘Haywood, Haywood, Haywood’.
"It's the best feeling. All my family here, they're the reason I got here today,’’ a smiling Haywood said.
“They're the best. Having this much support, I can't thank them enough. I'm so grateful."
So, who is this 19-year-old Haywood?
Born in Penrith, Haywood attended renowned rugby league school, Patrician Brothers Blacktown, where his rugby league skills saw him make the 2024 Australian Schoolboys U18 team.
After rising through the Balmain Tigers pathways system, Haywood spent pre-season training with the Wests Tigers NRL squad, where he got the chance to learn from premiership winning hooker, Api Koroisau.
Three games into The Knock On Effect NSW Cup season, Haywood made his senior debut for Western Suburbs Magpies against South Sydney.
Now just seven games later after some impressive form, Wests Tigers Coach Benji Marshall handed Haywood his NRL debut.
Following the Warriors game, Marshall praised Haywood inside the team's dressing room, with his team-mates applauding his efforts.
It seems certain Haywood will get more opportunities in the NRL with the Wests Tigers moving forward.
With that, will come more pressure and focus. The 'Haywood Army' may just grow even bigger too.
