They say that 'tough times don't last, tough men do'. Well former Port Stephens rugby league player Shane 'Chilli' Compton and his five children have had to deal with some pretty tough times in recent years.
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For the Shoal Bay widower, the past decade in fact has been a journey of loss, heartbreak and immense sadness. Tragically, Chilli lost his first wife, Amber, from a heart condition in 2010 and in March this year lost a second partner, Chantelle, to cervical cancer.
"I do get sad and lonely at times but the kids keep me going, at least we have one another," said the proud dad.
"We have had some great support from family and friends which is great comfort to us and very much appreciated. I am trying to keep positive and healthy for the children's sake."
Arriving in the Bay as a 12-year-old, Chilli joined the Nelson Bay Marlins junior league club after spending his earlier days in western Sydney.
Longtime friend and Port Stephens Men of League secretary Peter Arnold said that after a successful stint playing juniors with the Marlins, Chilli made the step up to grade with the then Nelson Bay Blues.
"His talent was rewarded with selection in the Newcastle representative under 20 team. He continued playing with Nelson Bay for six years before becoming a regular in the Fingal Bay Bomboras line-up. The blockbusting centre scored over 100 tries."
Chilli and his first love, Amber, had two boys, Blake and Reece, before sadly Amber passed away in 2010. Years later Chilli met Chantelle and they became engaged after six years together.
The pair had two children, Sonny and Marleigh, to go with big brother Jayden, a clever fullback playing with the under 16 Bay side.
But once again fate intervened and at just 34, Chantelle lost her battle with cervical cancer leaving Chilli to raise five children as a single dad.
Mr Arnold said the Compton family was being assisted by the Men of League through its well-being department.
"The foundation was able to secure a significant grant to assist the family, and Shane has received great support from a community fundraiser, which was greatly appreciated.
"Support had also come from Peter and Sonya Sherriff, and Frank and Linda in recent months. Chilli works hard on his health and squeezes in two gym sessions a week. However, surfing is on the back burner but he has managed to compete in the King of the Box tournament which he won in 2016."
The Fingal Bomboras - with the assistance of Soldiers Point Lions and Marc Stoddart - will hold a fundraiser at the club's old boys day on Saturday, July 20, at Fingal Oval.