Queensland Maroons players have been inspired by the motivational message delivered by New York firefighter James Dowdell as the team prepares for the opening State of Origin match in Sydney.
Dowdell, a New York Fire Department (FDNY) lieutenant, was invited by Maroons head coach Billy Slater to address the players in camp about his experiences.
James turned 17 the day before his father, Lieutenant Kevin Dowdell of Rescue 4, passed away in the South Tower of the World Trade Centre on September 11, 2001.
Kevin Dowdell was one of 343 firefighters to lose their lives while helping others on that tragic day.
As history shows, the unity and resilience of the FDNY came to the fore during and after the shocking 9/11 event.
In a unified band, James and older brother Patrick joined the search and recovery mission in the rubble with other determined firefighters.
Dowdell said his message was about “resilience, leadership and taking action.”
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