Sheree: We're all behind our Harry

* Exclusive by Tom Smithies
* From: News Limited newspapers
* June 12, 2010 12:00AM

THE state of her husband's groin has captivated much of Australia as the World Cup inches closer - but Harry Kewell's wife admits the people he really wants to hear from can't offer their dad any support.

With Kewell battling to be fit to play a part in the Socceroos' World Cup matches, Mrs Kewell - better known as English soap star Sheree Murphy - says he is there "to do a job".

Murphy herself will only be in South Africa for a week or so given her filming commitments with UK soap Hollyoaks - but the couple's children will stay longer with her parents.

And yet, bar a day or two of downtime, the players will be quarantined from their nearest and dearest as coach Pim Verbeek keeps their focus tightly on the grand stage of a World Cup.

And that, Murphy says, is how it should be.

"Harry is there to do a job and he needs to focus on that priority, he's not there to socialise so it isn't tough at all," she told The Daily Telegraph of the isolation from her man.

"The important thing is that the children get to see him play, we can support Harry and the team and enjoy a holiday at the same time.

"For Harry it's work and even though he loves it, it's still work and hard work at that.

"We are all there to support our husbands or partners. The socialising is not a priority for us, it's about the team.

"I'm going with our children and it's exciting for them to see their dad play on the world stage, our two oldest are at an age where they can really appreciate and enjoy it.

"It's great for them to experience not only the football but also everything a beautiful country like South Africa has to offer."

Being split up from Kewell isn't now a novel experience for his family, as he has lived alone in Istanbul since joining Turkish side Galatasaray in 2008. He and Murphy were unwilling to uproot children from schools and community, she says.

"He does miss the children but we're lucky that we're only a short flight away from each other so we never miss the important times together," she says.

"Family will always be a priority but Harry is passionate about football and he is very privileged to be able to play at the level he has for so long.

"We both totally support each other in what we do and were fortunate to be able to do things that we love so we are always thankful for that."

The irony of the Australian cohorts viewing their role as bit part players at best isn't lost on Murphy, easily the highest profile among the Australian camp and who counts several of the English WAGs among her close friends.

"Whatever your nationality we are all there to support the players and the team," she says.

"But I think there probably are differences between different cultures but it isn't really about us.

"The Australian wives and girlfriends are beautifully laid back, which I love. Its all about cut off denim shorts and flip flops.

"The English partners tend to dress up a bit more but that's often due to the British media interest in the fashion and glamour that surrounds some of the girls at home."

And if Kewell does recover from his groin troubles to play, how will she feel? "I get very nervous but also very excited. I just want Harry to enjoy playing."

http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/sport/world-cup-2010/sheree-were-all-behind-our-harry/story-fn5ephkw-1225878640026