When Vodafone Warriors member Domanique Lamberg-Jones was told in August that she had only weeks to live, making one last trip from Hawkes Bay to see her team in Auckland was at the top of her to-do list.
By the end of that month her wish was granted, as she made the trek with sister Blain and a large group of whanau and friends for a special experience at the Vodafone Warriors’ last home game of the season against South Sydney on August 30.
Sadly last week ‘Dommy’ was farewelled at her tangi at Matahiwi Marae in Hastings after losing her battle with brain cancer on November 30. She was aged 34.
After having a brain tumour removed in 2015, ‘Dommy’ was diagnosed with terminal stage four anaplastic astrocytoma in mid-August.
Due to her health she hadn’t been able to make it to Auckland for any other games earlier in the season but was hellbent on being there for the South Sydney game.
Facilitating the trip was family relative and former Vodafone Warrior Sione Faumuinā, who let the club know about the plans.
To help to make the night memorable, the club invited Domanique to do the coin toss with South Sydney captain Sam Burgess and Vodafone Warriors skipper Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (and to have her photo taken with them).
She was as disappointed as any supporter with the loss that night but was also buoyed by the opportunity to be in the gym afterwards meeting most the Vodafone Warriors and having photos taken with them. She was also given a signed jersey, which she was wearing as she lay in her casket.
‘Dommy’ had previously travelled regularly to Mount Smart Stadium for home games and also made trips for the Auckland NRL Nines to support the Vodafone Warriors.
The Vodafone Warriors pass on their sympathies to Domanique’s family
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