- Wests Tigers fan Noah Deguara has become an internet sensation
Given he is only five years old, Noah Deguara isn’t a long-suffering Wests Tigers fan – but his raw emotion during last weekend’s defeat against Cronulla will resonate with many supporters of the joint venture NRL club.
The youngster was spotted bawling by TV cameras after Benji Marshall’s men were no match for the Sharks in Sydney’s south.
To make matters worse, Noah’s older sister Olivia was supporting the home side in the Shire – and she was happy to playfully tease her sibling.
‘I gave it to him a bit,’ she told the Sydney Morning Herald.
‘It was funny, but I was also actually hoping they (Tigers) would win so I could see him excited.’
Vision of tears streaming down Noah’s face was relatable for many patient Tigers supporters, who haven’t seen their team play finals footy since 2011.
Noah Deguara’s raw emotion during last weekend’s defeat against Cronulla will resonate with many supporters of the Wests Tigers
The youngster was shattered (pictured) after Benji Marshall’s men were no match for the Sharks in Sydney’s south, losing 52-10
‘This actually makes me feel sad for the poor little guy. But I love that he has such a passion for his team,’ posted one in response to the Instagram post from The NRL Roast.
‘That image will follow this kid to his 18th birthday,’ said another.
‘Childhood trauma,’ joked a third.
Others felt the TV cameras should have panned away from the youngster.
‘Why would you keep zooming in on a crying kid?’ asked one.
‘Poor kid. Hope that doesn’t come to embarrass him later in life. Kids should be off limits on socials,’ felt another.
Noah’s father Cori feels somewhat responsible. He is also a Wests Tigers tragic, and is known to watch the 2005 NRL Grand Final on repeat at home.
In heartening news, the Daily Mail understands Tigers officials have seen the vision of Noah and plan to offer him the ultimate game-day experience when they next return home to Leichhardt Oval.
Despite the 52-10 hammering by Cronulla, the Tigers currently find themselves in fifth spot on the NRL ladder.
They next tackle the struggling Melbourne Storm at AAMI Park on Sunday.
