League of gentlemen

A FLOCK of ex-rugby league stars will descend on the Gold Coast today as the Former International Greats initiative is officially launched.

Former Parramatta, NSW and Australia representative Keith Campbell is one of the organisers behind the concept, which he said was launched in response to an annual Sydneybased Kangaroos reunion move to stop inviting Test players of other nationalities.

“Two years ago they ceased that and didn’t invite them and said it was just going to be Australian players,” he said.

“As you can understand, all of the blokes were pretty disappointed … so a few of us got together up here.”

He has been delighted with the interest, with about 200 people including as many as 70 ex-internationals heading to the Kirra Beach Hotel from 11am. Among them will be Noel Kelly, Royce Ayliffe, Ian Schubert and Tommy Bishop.