Out of hibernation
Burleigh’s Intrust Super Cup class of 1999 will reunite at Pizzey Park today when the Bears host Northern Pride at 4pm. The Bulletin finds out where that premiership team is now.
BACK ROW (from left)
Tony Priddle: Still on the Gold Coast and owner of The Mind Mechanix. Worked with many NRL players and recognised highly in this field.
Bill Dunn: Living at Hope Island. Worked in the gaming machine industry for 12 years and is now Queensland sales manager for Panus SemiTrailers. Can still be found at art and craft markets.
Shane O’Flanagan: “Flash” is back on the Gold Coast after a decade in Cairns. Coached Northern Pride’s 16s and was ISC assistant coach. Married with two daughters.
Brad Middelbosch: Big “Donk” joined the Armed Forces and proudly served overseas. Recently married and loving life as a newlywed.
Ali Brown: Working for a concrete pumping business and living at Palm Beach. Coaches Burleigh’s under-18s and the Titans Elite Development Squad. Has two adult kids and the grey hairs are really coming through.
Darren Anderson: “Rocky” lives at Palm Beach and owns a carpentry business. Always first to sign up for catch-ups. Looks as if he could still be playing.
Faron Anderson: “Faz” was always quiet and that hasn’t changed. Leaves all the talking to his brother Brock.
Reggie Cressbrook: “The Whiz” has been all over. Moved to Central Queensland and only comes out for legends games and reunions – very popular in the squad.
Jamie Mahon: “Cricket” is the Bears’ under-20s coach who are sitting first. Has been compared to Craig Bellamy with his sprays at half-time. He lives at Palm Beach and is a manager of the Gold Coast Convention Centre.
FRONT ROW
Aaron Douglas: “Buster” lives on the Gold Coast and is a keen fisherman. The highlight from 1999 was Buster’s one-on-one battle with Jason Robinson from the touring England team. Those there still give Buster the points.
Craig Freer: Owner and operator of Rugs R Us in Sydney. Not seen for years but controlled all after-hours sessions at our sponsors Melbas.
Grant Adamson: “Isa” was the leader on and off the field, including card nights and lock-ins at the leagues club after games. Lives at Miami
and owns a transport company. Found on a golf course and plays off single figures.
Frank Napoli: Lives at Miami, a stone’s throw from the ground and works for Energex. Played for the London Broncos and represented Italy in league and union. Looking to start a food truck.
Ben Lythe: Headed back to New Zealand after his sole Bears season. Played NRL for the Warriors and is a legend of the competition in NZ.
Hamish Smith: Lives in the Burleigh and has quietly moved into post-playing days.
Justin Bryant: “Pig Dog” has been nomadic for 20 years, including living in the Amazon jungle and rustic hills of Italy. Now in Montana, USA.
LYING DOWN
Dean Allen: Works as a sales rep for Langs Building Supplies, living at Reedy Creek and is married with two boys. Coaching the Titans Elite Development Squad.
OTHER NOTABLE SQUAD MEMBERS NOT IN PHOTO
Blair Tonkin: “Tonks” lives at Miami and is married with one son. Coaching Burleigh’s 14 and teaching TSS. Also won gold for Australia at last year’s Oztag World Cup.
Denver Johnston: Lives in Brisbane and coaches the Easts 18s. Married for 17 years with three kids.
Brock Anderson: Lives on the Gold Coast and is a carpenter. Married with a family.