Friendly ties to the Oakey Bears
Not many people would know the Oakey Bears played a part in Nathan Friend’s successful 15-year NRL career.
The former Gold Coast Titans co-captain grew up playing his junior footy in Toowoomba while his dad coached the U18s Oakey Bears.
“He was out here for a couple of years and we would drive out here. We had a car full every week,” Friend said.
“I used to come out, kick the ball around and practise my grubbers and tip chases while they trained. It’s a familiar place for me.”
When asked if he could attribute his success to the Oakey Bears, Friend laughed.
“It’s definitely part of it,” he said.
Almost 4000 spectators filled the Trevor Mickleborough Oval on Saturday night to watch Friend and many other NRL names play in the Legends of League game.
Friend admitted he felt nervous dusting off the boots for the first time in about 14 months.
“Lucky I had a spare pair left over from the good old days,” he said.
“(But) it’s awesome. The old guys get behind it and it’s great for the community... I think it’s a great concept.
“To see the support it gets and it brings money back into the area.”
Playing alongside Friend in the Australian All Stars team was fellow Toowoomba junior Chris Walker.