Ex-bikie danger on field
AN ex-bikie enforcer is back on the rampage – on the footy field, that is.
Former Bandidos outlaw motorcycle gang sergeant-atarms Brent Simpson has returned to rugby league to terrorise opponents after a 15year break as he fights serious criminal charges, including being an accessory to murder.
The 110kg wrecking ball has pulled on the jumper for Currumbin Eagles reserve grade side after recently being granted bail on charges related to the road rage shooting of Gold Coast man Omega Ruston on Australia Day, 2009.
Simpson, who has spent significant time in jail and hosts The Clink podcast about crooks who have turned their lives around, played his first game for the Eagles last weekend.
“I’m 46 and probably the oldest player running around in southeast Queensland,” he said.
“The young blokes call me the old bull. It felt good to lace on the boots, make some hitups and tackles after all these years away from the game.
“I used to play A-grade for the Eagles back in the day but I don’t think the body would hold up to that now.”
His comeback was witnessed by his proud family, including sons Kieshan, 12, and Tasharn, 8, who play for the Currumbin Eagles juniors.
Simpson said he was welcomed by players and officials from his own club and opponents the Tugun Seahawks alike in the local derby grudge match: “They told me how proud they were to see the old boy back out there. It was quite moving and inspiring really.”
The Eagles went down 12-10 to the Seahawks in a typically tough encounter but after a bye last weekend, Simpson said it was hoped his side could bounce back today against billionaire Clive Palmer’s Southport Tigers.
He said being on the field was good for his mental and physical health and a welcome distraction from his legal dramas.
Eagles president Pat Asquith said Simpson was “a genuine good bloke” who had done a lot for the club: “He’s obviously had his challenges but he’s a great clubman and we’re happy to have him around the club and back playing.”
As well as the accessory to murder and perjury charges relating to the Omega Ruston case, he is also fighting CBD oil trafficking charges.