Legendary footy hard man Mark Geyer admits breaking down in tears after getting a life-changing phone call from his son

Footy hard man Mark Geyer has revealed that he cried after getting the news that his son Mavrik will play his debut NRL game for the Panthers against the Roosters on Thursday night.

The 23-year-old second-rower, who is also the nephew of Penrith legend Greg Alexander, will wear jumper 17 in the clash at Allianz Stadium.

The youngster has been knocking on the door of a first-grade debut since he joined the club last year – and after an outstanding preseason and an injury to Scott Sorenson, coach Ivan Cleary has decided to blood him. 

‘On Sunday he called while he was in rehab after playing Saturday in NSW Cup,’ Mark told the Sydney Morning Herald.

‘He said, “Dad”. I said, “Yes mate?” He said, “Dad I’m playing on Thursday”.

The 23-year-old second-rower will wear jumper 17 in the clash with the Roosters

‘I said, ‘What the f**k’. His mum was also in the lounge room on loudspeaker. My mum happened to be down with us from the Central Coast when he called. When she heard, she just started crying.

‘At first I didn’t [cry], but when I started to tell other members of the family, it hit me. I got emotional hearing their reactions and how proud they were of him. 

‘I got very emotional because I know how hard he’s worked for it. Not many people, other than his teammates and family have seen what he’s done to get to this spot.’

Mark debuted for the Panthers in 1986, playing 135 matches and starring in the club’s 1991 premiership triumph.

The Penrith icon said his hard-working son has never relied on the family name to succeed in the sport. 

‘It’s very hard having the last name he’s got, especially in Penrith,’ Mark said. 

‘One thing he’s always wanted to be is his own man, not my son.

‘I know how hard it is, seeing ex-teammates and their young blokes coming through. They are always the son of someone, it’s never their own name.

Mark debuted for the Panthers in 1986, playing 135 matches for the club – and starring in the team’s 1991 grand final win (pictured)

‘I’ve always been conscious to never make it about me. It’s about him. We rarely talk footy when he’s at home. We just pay his food bill and off he goes.

‘He’s a very positive kid. He always has a smile on his face. He loves training. I’ve never seen a bloke who loves to work hard as much as he does. 

‘He’s a consummate professional when it comes to that. I’m proud of him.’

Geyer also shed a tear over the debut on his Triple M radio show with comedian Mick Molloy on Wednesday morning. 

Close to 100 of Mark’s friends and family will get together for drinks in Penrith before the match.