Young gun fires among legends
DARWIN’S Legends of League match proved to be a successful community engagement campaign, with former guns of the game putting their skills on display in front of a big crowd at Marrara last night.
The scoreline settled at 42-37 in favour of the NRL All Stars, but the tries scored were perhaps the least important part of this exhibition match.
The highlight of the evening came in the form of sevenyear-old Brothers rugby league player Izach Grimstone, who featured as a guest player for the Darwin All Stars side after his involvement in Wednesday’s Legends of League junior rugby clinic.
Young Grimstone came on to the field in the second half, weaving his way through NRL legends the likes of Scotty Prince and Matt Bowen to put down a try for the Darwin side, much to the delight of the spectators.
Grimstone said it was a special moment.
“I got to play rugby and score a try against all the big people,” he said.
Darwin All Stars coach and all-round Top End sporting hero Eddie Motlop was happy to see so many families out enjoying the event.
“It was played in real good spirit, there was a bit of fun in it,” he said.
“The public got the entertainment they wanted.
“For these legends to travel around the country and promote the game in that kind of spirit is incredible. “Look at the kids here.” Motlop thought Steve Larder’s involvement was valuable on the Darwin team, as well as a fancy intercept and try from Daniel Keelan.
General manger of NRL NT Nigel Roy said it was great to get back out on the field, “to run around with all those champions of the game and bring back all those memories and great feelings that we have playing rugby league”.
Roy said the night was a clear display of the talents that the former professionals have at their disposal.
“There was a lot of skill from both teams shown out there, great to see a couple of locals get across,” he said.
“Steve Larder went the length of the field to score.
“And Matty Bowen hit the crossbar right from the kick off.
“It just goes to show you what sort of talented athletes they all are. “They’re just unbelievable.” Following the match, fans posed for photos and signatures with their heroes.
An auction for punters to purchase Legends jerseys was a success, with Bowen’s top selling for $400 to the highest bidder.