CLUB LEGEND INSPIRES BAY TO TITLE
RUNAWAY Bay coach Nick Gleeson has revealed the motivation that spurred his team on to win the Rugby League Gold Coast premiership.
Gleeson said players were determined to secure a title for club hall of famer Darren Bruggy, who is battling motor neurone disease.
They sealed the silverware in convincing fashion on Sunday, defeating Tweed Heads 36-10.
Bruggy, who was diagnosed with the condition in 2016 and is now in a wheelchair, was central among Runaway Bay’s postmatch photos and celebrations.
“It was for him,” Gleeson said. “He is a legend of the club. I think he played 30 years straight.”
Capping a testing period for Bay, senior vice-president Ray Warwick and ex-player Reece Clark died in May this year and August last year, respectively.
“There’s a lot of people behind the scenes that the club have been wanting to do it for,” Gleeson said.
“I’m pretty proud of the fellas.”