Nigel Ah Wong will run on to Canberra Stadium with his mum's name stitched into the chest of his ACT Brumbies jersey, but there's another woman in his life who he's on a mission to help.
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As the Brumbies prepare to pay tribute to the women behind the players this week, Ah Wong has opened up about a story close to his heart and his decision to become a motor neurone disease ambassador.
Ah Wong' aunt Sese, 63, was diagnosed with the terminal neurological disease three years ago. The oldest sibling of 17 now needs 24-hour care, uses an iPad to communicate and is fed through a tube.
That's why Ah Wong has jumped on board to raise awareness for the debilitating illness for Motor Neurone Disease Week and as his parents prepare to watch him start in a Super Rugby game for the first time.
"I feel strongly about it ... and jumping on board is my way of letting people know about her story and help other people with similar stories," Ah Wong said.
"People at her work started noticing some slur in her speech ... gradually she lost the ability to speak. She can no longer eat, she's fed through a tube.
"When you're diagnosed with MND you're usually given a two or 2½-year life expectancy. [Sese] is beyond that now, she's still being strong. At first it was sad, but it was a blessing in a way because it has brought our family closer together."
The entire Brumbies squad will have their mum's names ebroidered on their chests for the clash against the Pretoria Bulls on Friday night.
They will wear a special strip with pink highlighted down the side and around the neck to acknowledge Mother's Day on Sunday, and special women in their lives.
Those women are mum Carmelita and aunt Sese as Ah Wong prepares to start his second game in a row.
More than 2000 Australians are living with motor neurone disease, which progressively sees them lose use of their limbs and ability to speak, swallow and breathe.
Sese is the older sister of Ah Wong's dad, Faamata, and the 25-year-old says her situation has given him a greater appreciation for his rugby career and his family.
"It makes you appreciate the time you have with everyone in your family. I was affected negatively at the beginning, but it definitely brought us closer," Ah Wong said.
"My parents are coming down from Brisbane this week to watch the game and it's even more special that I'll be able to wear my mother's name on my jersey.
"I'll be playing for all the other mother figures in my life as well, such as my auntie and other aunties and grandmothers.
"Mothers play a huge role with rugby players from a young age - taking us to games and training and washing our gear as well. It's a special time of year to reflect and pay tribute."
Ah Wong was called into the Brumbies' starting XV last week to replace injured winger Joseph Tomane.
It was just the second start of his career and now his parents will have a chance to watch him from the stands for the first time when they arrive in the capital.
Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham has given Ah Wong another chance to prove himself to fill the void left by Wallabies speedster Tomane.
"He was pretty good, he was very aggressive at the breakdown and that was outstanding," Larkham said. "I think he's probably a bit disappointed with the mistakes he made, but that was by far and away his best game of the year."
Ah Wong is negotiating with the Brumbies to extend his contract and it's believed he is close to finalising a deal.
"I'm very grateful for this opportunity this weekend and I'm looking forward to getting out there in front of my parents," Ah Wong said. "I'm looking forward to trying to improve on last week and getting another crack against the Bulls."
SUPER RUGBY ROUND 11
Friday: ACT Brumbies v Pretoria Bulls at Canberra Stadium, 7.45pm. TV time: Live on Fox Sports 2. Tickets available from Ticketek.
* Motor Neurone Disease Week is from May 1-7. To donate, visit: https://www.mndaust.asn.au/How-your-donation-helps/Make-a-Donation.aspx
Brumbies team: 15. Aidan Toua, 14. James Dargaville, 13. Tevita Kuridrani, 12. Robbie Coleman, 11. Nigel Ah Wong, 10. Christian Lealiifano, 9. Tomas Cubelli, 8. Jarrad Butler, 7. David Pocock, 6. Scott Fardy, 5. Sam Carter, 4. Rory Arnold, 3. Ben Alexander, 2. Stephen Moore, 1. Scott Sio. Reserves: 16. Josh Mann-Rea, 17. Allan Alaalatoa, 18. Ruan Smith, 19. Tom Staniforth, 20. Blake Enever, 21. Jordan Smiler, 22. Joe Powell, 23. Lausii Taliauli.
Bulls team: 15. SP Marais, 14. Travis Ismaiel, 13. Jesse Kriel, 12. Jan Serfontein, 11. Bjorn Basson, 10. Francois Brummer, 9. Piet van Zyl, 8. Hanro Liebenberg, 7. Arno Botha, 6. Lappies Labuschagne, 5. Marvin Orie, 4. RG Snyman, 3. Marcel van der Merwe, 2. Adriaan Strauss, 1. Trevor Nyakane. Reserves: 16. Bandise Maku, 17. Lizo Gqoboka, 18. Werner Kruger, 19. Jannes Kirsten, 20. Roelof Smit, 21. Rudy Paige, 22. Tian Schoeman, 23. Dan Kriel.
