By Casey O'Connor
Last Saturday night Stanthorpe Rugby League celebrated its centenary naming the Team of the Century at a function at the Stanthorpe Civic Centre.
Close to 400 people including players past and present, family and supporters were joined by representatives from the TRL; Central Division and QRL at the function. Todd Greenberg CEO of the NRL while not able to be present donated the door prize, an autographed 2011 Indigenous All Stars jersey. The much sort after item was won by a very excited Rosey Harslett.
The evening followed junior and senior games at Sullivan Oval. The senior side gave Valleys C Grade side a hiding but in fairness, the visiting team were short of player numbers (a disappointing sign) when they arrived and well done that the game went ahead.
Stanthorpe players did the celebration jersey proud and following the game the jerseys were whisked away to be dry cleaned in time to be auctioned during the evenings proceedings.
Plenty of people were prepared to open their wallets and support the auction which raised in the vicinity of $12,000- for the club.
Congratulations must go to the small but dedicated committee who have worked over many months to come up with the final field of 17 players named in the Team of the Century.
What an unenviable task.
Too often we overlook the plethora of talented footballers who have worn the Stanthorpe Rugby League and Gremlins’ jerseys over the decades.
Saturday night was an opportunity to recognise some of these players. It was also a chance to catch up with old acquaintances, relive personal glory days and celebrate the “Best of the Best.”
It is all part and parcel of what makes Rugby League the greatest game of all.
