Former Norths and Roosters star Wayne Portlock is lucky to be alive after the roof of his house disintegrated in yesterday’s Northern Beaches tornado.
Portlock, who played over 50 games from 1984-1990 before a long career in junior development, had to dive for his life as the roof blew off his Dee Why house.
“We live high on a hill up from the beach and the wind just tore up there,” a shaken Portlock told Wide World of Sports.
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“The wind just literally ripped the roof off as I was standing there and I dived onto the kitchen floor and started praying – I thought ‘this could be the end’.
“The whole house shook but then the storm passed as quickly as it came – it was unbelieveable.
“Ironically, part of my roof ended up in the yard of (Manly trainer) Don Singe who lives up the road.”
Portlock will move in with his daughter while the roof is repaired.
“We are getting a tarp put on it now and luckily I am insured,” he said.
Portlock still works in the game as a player manager.
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