1 day ago
17
Wally Lewis has reunited with his son as he works to heal the deep rift in his family.
The rugby league legend is understood to have met up with his eldest child, Mitch, at a KIIS 97.3 function earlier this month.
Wally, who is a presenter at the network, was reportedly seen warmly interacting with Mitch at the Brisbane fan event.
The following day, the 66-year-old and his 40-year-old son were pictured posing together in front of a private jet in a photo shared on Instagram.
'Well that was a fun 24 hours! Thanks for a great road trip, gang!' Wally wrote in his caption, tagging his son among those who were on board the plane.
The meeting marks a step towards healing for the family, who have been embroiled in a six-year rift.
Wally Lewis has reunited with his son as he works to heal the deep rift in his family. Pictured with his new wife, Lynda Adams
'It's a start, after years of unimaginable heartache,' a source told New Idea.
'It's definitely a move in the right direction that they at least put aside past grievances after years of reported hostility – and while it might be small steps, it's given Wally fresh hope.'
Wally's adult children, including Mitch, Lincoln, 38, and Jamie-Lee, 36, have rejected him since he moved on from first wife Jacqui with his new love, Lynda Adams.
None of his children attended Lewis' second wedding, which was held in Brisbane in April last year.
Lewis has previously opened up about the split with his children in rare comments about the ongoing effects of his second marriage.
He became emotional as he apologised for the split, which came after he'd been married to Jacqui for 36 years.
The rugby league legend met up his eldest child, Mitch (right), earlier this month, as they posed together in front of a private jet
Wally's adult children, including Mitch, 40, Lincoln, 38, and Jamie-Lee, 36, have rejected him since he moved on from first wife Jacqui with his new love, Lynda. The children are pictured with Jacqui
Lewis was on the verge of tears as he spoke out about the 'sad' situation, which one source close to the family recently said has 'zero chance' of reconciliation.
'I had a bit of a tough time in my life and sad departure from my family,' the former Broncos and State of Origin star told News Corp.
'I don't feel good about that and I don't get the chance to spend much time with my kids.
'They are three wonderful kids and I'm very sorry it affected them.
'But I'm very proud of them and the support they give their mother.'
Lewis revealed his split with Jacqui in a statement released through his employer Channel Nine in February 2021.
Lewis recently became emotional as he made rare comments about his split with his adult children (pictured left to right, Lewis's son Lincoln, daughter Jamie-Lee, Lewis, his ex-wife Jacqui and son Mitch)
'Wally and Jacqui Lewis separated last year after 36 years of marriage,' the statement said.
'It has been a difficult time for everyone in the family and they are still working through the details of the separation.
'This is a deeply personal matter that we do not want to discuss publicly, but I want to acknowledge the pain and upset my family has gone through since Jacqui and I separated last year.
'I hope over time we can rebuild our ties and move on with life.
'I will confirm I am now in another relationship.'
Lewis married Jacqui in November 1984, and he has previously opened up about how she was a rock for him when he was diagnosed with epilepsy after having a seizure on live TV while reading the sport on Nine's news bulletin.
English (US) ·