Q: How did you feel about signing with Balmain 1976?

I was 19 years old, and I was a young bloke from Murwillumbah who thought Canberra was huge! But it was clear to Percy and myself that to get anywhere in league then you had to move to Sydney. It turned out to be a great move.

 

Q: Coming from Murwillumbah, how did you find living in Sydney?

For the first 3 months I really struggled to adapt to life in Sydney, but my Balmain team mates really welcomed me as family. Neil Pringle, Percy Knight, Allan McMahon, David Grant, Lloyd Martin and Olsen Filipaina just to name a few. Olsen (although he is a Kiwi) was similar to me as he was alone in the 'big smoke' without family around him, and took time for him to settle also.

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I made a lot of friends at Balmain, and the fans were great to me which pulled me through. The staff at the club deserve a mention too, as they did everything they could to help me and I will always be grateful for that.

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Q: I also heard that you were a big fan of Arthur Beetson.

Artie and Eric Simms were my idols growing up. When I got to first play against Artie at Cumberland Oval I received a rare gift from him.

 

There was a scrum on the blind side and Artie looked at me, not saying a word, gave me a wink. Talk about a classic example of non-verbal communication! That said to me “you’re all right’ and was the start of our friendship.

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Q: Receiving an MBE in 1980 must have been quite an honour! 

Somebody jokingly said MBE stood for Member of Balmain Empire! Two of my best mates, Allan McMahon and David Grant came with me to the ceremony and meet the Governor of NSW, Sir Roden Cutler. Sadly both of those mates have since passed away.

 

Q: What does Leichhardt Oval mean to you?

It’s the best footy ground in Australia. The fans are educated, the atmosphere is second-to-none and the ground is always well-prepared. Leichhardt Oval is a special place, and to run on to the ground wearing a tigers jersey is a privilege!

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Q: What are you currently working on?

I’m working on an indigenous rugby league pathways project, with 10 of Australia’s most famous sports people as ambassadors. Bob Little is working with me in setting this up. We'll make an announcement around April 2019.

 

Q: How do you feel about the direction at Wests Tigers?

Like a lot of people I was concerned about the joint venture, and even after winning the premiership in 2005 we seemed to be plagued by financial issues and bad decisions. However, the club is now heading in the right direction.

Our balance sheet looks healthy and we are starting to recruit strategically without being burdened by back-ended contracts.

 

Q:  Do you have any advice for young players in Rugby League today?

Firstly, You’ve got to put the work in. If you’re lazy you’ll get nowhere. Secondly, you have to back yourself. If I can offer any advice to young players is that I always walked out onto the field with confidence, and confidence is everything.

 

For the young Wests Tigers players having a coach like Michael Maguire, and with mentors like Benji and Robbie to help them, there is a lot to feel optimistic about. I love the way Luke Brooks's confidence has grown over the last season. Don’t be surprised if we see Luke captaining the side one day soon!