Jackie Fairbairn and Charlotte Arida have been workmates at sports management agency SFX Sports for the last two years working in reception, events management, client management, marketing and PR. It puts them in day to day contact with SFX clients like Gorden Tallis, Darren Lockyer, Billy Slater, Matt Cooper and super-coach Wayne Bennett.

Tell us a bit about your footy fandom/how long you’ve loved rugby league:Jackie Fairbairn:“I’ve been a footy nut since I was about 8, when I got my first Roosters jersey (which scarily still fits me). I used to go along to the games having no idea what was going on, but cheering on the boys in the Red,

White and Blue until I lost my voice. I was always lining up on fan days with my jersey in hand trying to decipher whose signature was who and picking out the cutest boys in the team (the answer was always Craig Wing). The language may have gotten worse, and the jersey a little tighter, but I still cheer till I can’t cheer anymore.”

Charlotte Arida:“It’s simple: I love my footy, nothing can beat the game of Rugby League! I’m a born and bred Parramatta Eels supporter and nothing will ever change that. Going to the games, supporting my team during the good and bad times and wearing the blue and gold colours are all what defines me as a fan!”

What’s your most special footy memory/moment?Jackie Fairbairn:“Being a Roosters fan it’s always hard to block out the memories of Toddy Byrne being tackled over the sideline vs Penrith, or the Bulldogs with a come from behind win, but I think back to that Sunday in 2002 in front of 80,000 fans with Freddy and his bandaged head holding the trophy high and proud. After the game we all rushed back to Easts Leagues to catch a glimpse of our grand final heroes, only to be told the club was full and we would have to wait on the street, the boys didn’t disappoint making sure everyone was included in the celebrations.”

Charlotte Arida:“Going to the Parramatta games when I was younger and meeting the players after the game to get pictures and autographs, I used to get so excited! One experience I’ll never forget was going to my first Grand Final in 2001 when Parramatta played Newcastle; even though my team lost, I’ll never forget how amazing the atmosphere was at ANZ Stadium.”

You both know a lot of footy players through your work, do you see a different side to them to the often negative way the media portrays them?Jackie Fairbairn:“Most of the guys we deal with through our office are some of the nicest guys you will meet. They are normal men doing a job that they love, and being scrutinized for it in the harshest of ways. From personal experience dealing with players from all clubs and all ages, they are the some of the most loyal, protective, funny and random people you could meet. Like everyone, they have their mood swings and bad days, but it’s what makes them human, and makes them relatable.”

Charlotte Arida:Most definitely. The boys we deal with on a daily basis are some of the nicest, most down to earth, decent people I have ever worked with. What I think some people don’t understand is that they are normal people – family men, fathers, brothers, mentors and friends. They probably have one of the hardest jobs - playing the game of league - often away from home and their families, yet they still manage to stay grounded and make time for their fans while often doing the little things that go un- noticed. There are so many great and admirable things that don’t get reported that many of these guys do which is often above and beyond what is expected of them. I believe that we need to look beyond the negativity “which sells” and reflect on just how lucky we are to have athletes who can produce such great sporting entertainment week in week out for the most part of the year!”

Jackie Fairbairn……Charlotte Arida SFX Sports

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Jackie Fairbairn | Charlotte Arida