Emma Tonegato and Nicole Beck, gold medalists at the Rio Olympics 2016

Robberds admitted he hadn’t missed a game and was “screaming” at the television when it was clear they were winners.

Tonegato’s immediate family from Wollongong plus some extended family and friends were in Rio de Janeiro for the triumph after her dad organised an “Aussie house” for a 25-strong support squad.

“I was watching them all on Snapchat … I know [best friend] Georgie and Emma’s boyfriend Corey were bawling their eyes out after Emma came over and hugged them all,” Robberds said.

“You know you’ve got a good boyfriend when he’s bawling his eyes out after you’ve won a gold medal.”

President of the Helensburgh Tigers, of which Tonegato played in three premierships for the women’s team, Colin Doran said the 21-year-old was the sort who could pick up any sport and be good at it.

“Give her a cricket ball and she’d bloody take six wickets,” Doran said.

“She’s so determined and so focused, she’s from a sporting family and … I think Steve [her dad] was at every game when she was at Helensburgh.

“To be good at any sport you’ve got to have a good support base with family and Emma’s definitely got that.”

Teammate Nicole Beck, 28, from Bulli was also joined by her mum, dad, fiance and three-year-old daughter Sophie.

Her brother Tim stayed home to house-sit for his parents but also didn’t miss a game.

“I’ve always been proud of her, she’s fantastic at everything she tries but … and an Olympic gold medal is mind blowing,” he said.

“Wow, people are awake at home on a Tuesday watching my sister play!”

Beck is stoked to see so much support for his little sister, including a big sign outside the front of their old primary school. 

He and his brother Stephen have been keeping her up to date, sending her pictures and videos of posts they’ve seen.

“She’s loved every second of it,” Tim said.

While Stephen added, “Congrats Nic, all the hard work and sacrifice’s paid off.”

Now it will be Stephen’s job to organise the homecoming party.