Men Of League host league legends at golf tournament
THE Men of League (MOL) Western Region Committee hosted its eighth Jim Lang Memorial Golf Day at Dubbo Golf Club on October 25. It was a fantastic day with 100 golfers turning out, the social golfers benefiting from the extra bounce in the fairways and the blustery winds held out until we were back in the clubhouse.
Golfers were entertained by very honest, open and entertaining insights into not only the onfield exploits but the personal lives of our special guests that included eight current and former NRL stars, including five who have worn the Green & Gold for Australia.
Men of League is all about supporting the men, women and children of the rugby league family. Our special guests shared how they had been supported by the rugby league family throughout their careers, through good times and bad.
Brett Kimmorley told us about his amazing career that included premierships, Clive Churchill Medals and a rep career boasting 22 Tests and 10 State of Origins,
most of which the immortal Andrew Johns was forced to play Hooker!
Brett also gave insights into the struggles he’s had since losing his wife Sharnie to brain cancer two years ago, but how proud he’s been of his four girls and how they’ve shown great courage. His eldest Maddi is doing her HSC at the moment, and sat her maths exam on Friday morning before flying to Dubbo, not wanting to miss out on the weekend getaway at the zoo with her sisters and dad.
Men of League’s NSW manager Bruce Walker related his life to Kimmorley’s. Walker, too, is a father of girls who lost his wife when the children were young.
North Sydney Bears, NSW &
Dubbo Vets’ Barry Harvey who is integral to the day’s success
Australian legend Greg Florimo said he’s not prepared to give up on a potential return of the Bears into the NRL, even if that meant a relocation to Perth, Gold Coast or Central Coast.
The ‘Old Bull’, former Rabbitoh and Sea Eagle David “The Mule” Hosking, and the ‘Young Bull’, local hero Matt Burton, spoke about how life in the NRL has changed over the past 30 years.
Phil Reynolds, John Tratt & inaugural sponsor Brett Harvey
Tom Gray, representing the Dubbo RSL and Terry Fahey
Mick Dunn, Brett Harvey, Greg Florimo and Heath Walton
Ronny Gibbs has famously arranged all the prizes for the Jim Lang Memorial Day since its inception seven years ago. Men of League western region are extremely appreciative of his support along with fellow local Terry “The Redfern Express” Fahey who never missed a golf or bowls day!
Big thanks to Ross Tighe who pulled the day together despite a few of our committee not being
able to make it.
Men of League would also like to send best wishes to Di Quade, wife of treasurer Michael, who is recovering from an 11-hour operation to remove a mouth cancer. Ninety-nine per cent of mouth cancer patients are either heavy drinkers or smokers, but Di is one of the unfortunate one per cent who do neither. We’re all thinking of you as you make a full recovery.
Ronny Gibbs, Donny Mckinnon & Bruce Walker