Lewy's One Cool Guy

It doesn't matter where you come from or what has happened in your past, dreams can come true. Luke Lewis proves it in his new book - "Cool Hand - Luke Lewis". Do yourself a favour, buy a copy now!

What a legend!

What a hero!

What an inspiration!

There isn’t a bad word that could be said about him.

I’m talking about Luke Lewis.

The kid from Western Sydney.

Born and bred.

For many he is just Luke Lewis. The boy who played 324 NRL matches, 16 Test games, 17 NSW State of Origin clashes and is a two time premiership player. Oh and scoring 122 tries over his professional career but for me, he is my childhood hero.

Growing up in Western Sydney, my team has always been the Mighty Penrith Panthers. My love for Penrith began when I was a toddler. My family lived in the Penrith area and barracked for the Panthers. Attending as many games as we possibly could, my love for Penrith grew, as did my love for Luke Lewis. I don’t remember much of the early days but I do remember a man with bleach blonde hair, killer ball skills, wearing the no. 12 jersey. Penrith’s 2003 Premiership win is where it all started. My parents even bought me a signed 2003 Premiership kid’s size 12 t-shirt that reminds me of that very special day. I can’t specifically recall a moment from the 2003 Grand Final - maybe because I was like 3 or 4 but the premiership t-shirt is a great reminder of what my idols achieved in what was a drought-breaking victory.

Enough about me. Let’s talk more about Luke, “Lewy”. Lewy has always been my idol. When he came out and announced his retirement, I was shattered. The fact that I won’t be able to flick over to “Fox League” and watch Lewy make another tackle, score another try or play another offload, I was devastated, but thankful for the time, effort and dedication Luke has put into the game. He had a remarkable career. He is an absolute legend of the game. A fantastic role-model for future generations and deserves everything his has achieved throughout his 17-year career.

When I found out Lewy had written a mini autobiography, “Cool Hand - Luke Lewis”, I instantly knew I had to run out and buy a copy and I’m glad I did. This book is unbelievable. It really will open up your eyes to see that no matter what situation you’re in, whether it’s growing up in a distressing environment, having an illness or stuck in an unfortunate situation, if you have the right people supporting you and you keep fighting your battle, there is light at the end of the tunnel. Luke’s book also demonstrates that if you have a dream, a passion or a burning desire to achieve something and you put your heart and soul into it, head down, bum up, you can achieve anything. Luke didn’t achieve his footy dream with a free pass. He had to fight and train day in, day out for his turn to shine on the football field.

After purchasing Luke’s book, I got the pleasure to read about his journey from a small boy in Western Sydney to a grown man living with his wife and two children in Cronulla. Reading about Lewy’s childhood, his past and what he went through as a child living in government housing, frequently moving house and even witnessing his mother being physically assaulted by her former partner’s, time and time again and to compare where he is today, is so inspiring. Going through so much hardship including his cancer battle, just goes to show....

– quote Kelly Clarkson –

“What doesn’t kill you makes you strong.”

And Luke is certainly stronger. I think he has always been physically, emotionally and mentality stronger even as the worst of times.

I never got the privilege to meet Luke as a toddler or as an infant but my time came recently at a book signing at Penrith Westfield’s. I was starstruck.

“Holy moly. My childhood hero. My idol. I’m about to shake hands with Luke Lewis. Bloody hell.”

Having the opportunity to meet him in person was overwhelming. He is as nice, caring and generous as they say. Luke is so down-to-earth and genuine. He is so passionate about what he stands by especially family, footy and the fans/community. He certainly doesn’t hold grudges as he signed my book….

“To Lucy, best wishes for the future. GO THE MIGHTY PANTHERS."

How cute. Thank you Lewy! You just fulfilled a little girl’s childhood dream. Oh, he also hugged me…. and wow!

After reading Luke’s book, I see him with new eyes. No longer is he just a man who played 324 NRL matches, 16 Test games, 17 NSW State of Origin clashes and who is a two time premiership player. He is an inspiration. It just proves that you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover. Everyone has a story.

Luke Lewis's new book (above left). My signed copy of Lewy's book (top right)

A little something I posted on my Instagram story and sent to Lewy as an appreciation (bottom left).



Thank you for reading this blog. I know everyone has their own opinions and this blog is based on my own opinion. You may agree with what I wrote but you may not. Please respect what I have written. I am interested to hear from you all and share your opinions by heading to my Instagram - @a.t.f.w_bylucy and leave a comment or join the chat by hitting the 'Let's Chat!' icon in the corner. Also, don’t forget the hit that heart button!

Thank you!

Lucy xx .