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THE secret is in the Tupperware tucked inside the bag Chris Sandow carries to training each day.
Not so long ago, everybody's favourite halfback would've done almost anything to smuggle a bag of hot chips through the back gate of Pirtek Stadium.
But four weeks prior to Christmas last year, Sandow had to make a decision.
This was a decision that meant a lot more than just football.
JOHNS: EELS AND SANDOW THE REAL DEAL
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It was the type of call young fathers make late at night. when your only conscious thought is the four kids sleeping in the bedroom down the hall.
Do I waste this opportunity because of a few poor life choices, or do I become a man and change the lives of those four kids forever?
Any rugby league fan who has witnessed the most heartwarming sports story of 2014 unfold over the past three weeks knows the answer.
In late November, with reports the $550,000 halfback — who had been forced to overcome gambling issues through counselling — was being shopped to rival clubs, new Eels coach Brad Arthur informed Sandow it would be Luke Kelly who would begin the NRL season in the famous blue and gold No 7 jersey.
Chris Sandow's form improvement is a result of his individual focus and determination. Source: Getty Images
Arthur gave it to Sandow straight. His fitness, his defence and areas of his attack were the three focal points which the coach wasn't satisfied with.
Sandow decided the first thing he would change was his diet. Instead of shuffling off after training to the Eels player's favourite cafe on Church St, he began packing his own lunch — healthy alternatives in Tupperware.
It was a crucial shift away from the old shortcut Sandow.
His training improved as he ripped into extra sessions with the Eels. And he never stopped smiling.
That was what impressed the Eels staff most. The desire was dialled in but the larrikin, the lighthearted and infectious character that every footy club craves remained.
Even in those first three rounds of the season, when Sandow stepped out to play in the NSW Cup for Wentworthville in front of 120 people, the 25-year-old found a reason to laugh.
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NRL indigenous welfare officer Dean Widders is a close confidant of Sandow's.
They chat most weeks, but one conversation last month in particular, Widders will never forget.
"It was a funny conversation I had with him," Widders said. "He was telling me how happy he was and it was then that I thought 'you know, if this guy is happy then when he gets into first grade he's going to produce some good form.'
"I was sort of worried that he would have his head down playing reserve grade, but he didn't at all.
"He was like, 'I'm looking forward to playing every week, I'm killing them here bro, killing them in reserve grade.'
"I knew then it wouldn't be long until he was back.''
Dean Widders says Sandow has matured and is happier in his life. Source: News Corp Australia
Once aloof, distant and seemingly lacking self-pride, Sandow has matured into the role-model he never thought he would be, according to Widders.
Widders, who like Sandow played first grade for South Sydney and Parramatta, pointed to a three-week stint in September last year at a private rehabilitation clinic as life-changing, not only for Sandow, but the entire Aboriginal community.
"You know, I wasn't worried about Chrissy at that time because it's always so positive to see some of our own indigenous boys getting that help. Reaching out,'' Widders said.
"A lot of them come from tough areas and tough upbringings. And they're not too worried if they have to go back to that.
"It's about them realising that they are in a pretty privileged position to do something positive and make a change. It's not until you get older and you realise that I can make a difference to the people where I come from.
"I think Chrissy went through that stuff and he sees that with his own kids, wanting them to be proud of who they are. Sometimes it's a brave thing to do. Especially when your life is in the spotlight. Everyone hears about it and talks about it, but Chrissy has never been a bad kid.
Sandow has been given a second chance by Parramatta and thrived. Source: Getty Images
"He's never been a hurtful person.
"All it was that he had a bit of an issue with gambling and while it's a serious issue, it was about teaching him some life skills around how to deal with that and plan ahead so that he could provide for himself and his family.''
When Arthur made the decision to recall Sandow to the top grade in round four against Penrith, his first NRL match in eight months, the coach did so completely aware that not everything the playmaker did would turn to gold.
He knew there would be moments in a match that Sandow would overplay his hand, or fall off a tackle.
But like life, rugby league is about second chances and rewarding those who answer the challenges in front of them.
Sandow got his NRL ticket back because he did what his coach asked him to last November.
Now, for Sandow, it's about staying there.
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