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

Football hardman Mark Geyer has revealed he cried after receiving the news that his son Mavrik will play his first 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 jersey 17 in the clash at Allianz Stadium.

The youngster has been knocking on the door of making his first-class debut since joining the club last year, and after an excellent pre-season and an injury to Scott Sorenson, coach Ivan Cleary decided to blood him.

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

‘He said, “Dad.” I said, “Yeah, buddy?” He said, “Dad, I’ll play on Thursday.”

The 23-year-old second rower will wear jersey 17 in the clash against the Gallos

‘I said, ‘What the fuck?’ Her mother was also in the living room speaking over the speakers. My mother was with us from the Central Coast when she called. When she heard it, she started crying.

‘At first I didn’t (cry), but when I started telling other family members, I realized. I was moved to hear their reactions and how proud they were of him.

‘I was very emotional because I know how hard he has worked to achieve this. Not many people, other than his teammates and his family, have seen what he’s done to get to this place.”

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

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

“It’s very difficult to have the surname he has, especially in Penrith,” Mark said.

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

‘I know how difficult it is to see former teammates and their young players move forward. He is always someone’s son, it is never his own name.

Mark debuted for the Panthers in 1986, playing 135 games for the club and starring in the team’s 1991 grand final victory (pictured).

‘I have always been conscious of never talking about myself. It’s about him. We rarely talk about football when he is at home. We just pay his food bill and he leaves.

‘He is a very positive boy. He always has a smile on his face. He loves to train. I’ve never seen a guy who loves to work hard as much as he does.

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

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

Around 100 of Mark’s friends and family will gather for drinks in Penrith before the game.