From Ozbash. from League Unlimited Rugby League Forum

for me it would be a non player, laurie nichols for balmain. that man was rugby league.
freeman for balmain

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From Balmain Boy . from League Unlimited Rugby League Forum

Keith Barnes. 199 appearances for Balmain (4th behind Jack, Benny and Sirro), captain of the Kangaroos and appearing in 3 GFs for the Tigers. Was one of the men that refused to sell Balmain's soul to Super league. To cap it off, he is just a brilliant man. Although i've only met him a few times, you can see what a geuninely lovely bloke he is..

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From Darth Bobo. from Leauge Unlimited Rugby League Forum

For mind it was Blocker, Junior, Sirro, Benny and Jimmy Jack because all had a chance to leave for more dollars but chose the club and thier mates instead.

Barnes gets an honourable mention for keeping them together and for giving so much to the Tigers himself but he was before my time as far as his playing days.

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From Mighty Bears. from League Unlimited Rugby League Forum

kevin hardwicke, with neil, pearce and kerry hemsley he did all the tackling/actual work

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From JJ. from League Unlimited Rugby League Forum

Balmain - Wayne Pearce

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From Mighty Bears. from League Unlimited Rugby League Forum

historically
keith barnes played all his footy in sydney for the tigers, late 50's? to 68
retired the year before they won in 1969
and started a host of various admin roles in 1970, that last for decades?
more than 30 years a tiger.

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From Quigs. from EOTB

My two bobs worth, I have to agree with Ozbash first, when it comes to Balmain there is only one, Laurie Nichols.
I take my hat off to Keith Barnes, Wayne Pearce and the band of other loyal servants. The Hardwicks, Neil, etc.

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4th April 2005.

The Bradford Club and English Rugby League was saddened to hear of the passing of Trevor Foster MBE. on the 2nd April 2005 after a short illness.

Trevor scored a perfect 5 out of 5 nominations from the five nominations below for Bradford's greatest ever clubman.

As a mark of respect at the death of the great Trevor Foster, Steve Newcombe of the Virtual Rugby League Hall of Fame has opened an online Book of Condolence at the Virtual Rugby League Hall of Fame site. Steve extends an invitation to you and is hoping you can find time to leave a message there..

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From Bullseye. from Virtual Terrace Rugby League Forum

Easy. Has to be Trevor Foster MBE.

Joined Bradford in 1938 played until he was 39 getting many caps for GB and Wales but without ever being cautioned or sent off. Then coached and stood on the Board. Brought the club back from extinction in 1964, a tremendous ambassdaor for Bradford and RL for well over 60 years.

Quite simply the best signing Bradford ever made.

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From Saint Billinge. from TotalRL Rugby League Forum

Trevor Foster at Bradford has to be a contender at age 90 who is still active within the club. Trevor has given his all over the years as a player for Bradford and GB, as well as many activities within the game in other capacities. Anyone who has met Trevor cannot help but be captivated by his enthusiasm for the whole of the sport of RL. His memory of events over the years is beyond belief.

Trevor is indeed a true RL man and gentlemen.

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From BD92. from TotalRL Rugby League Forum

Trevor Foster indeed for the whole of the British game.

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From Paley. from TotalRL Rugby League Forum

I'd have to go with Trevor Foster - a true great and a loyal servant to Bradford and rugby league.

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From Der Kaiser. from TotalRL Rugby League Forum

Mr Foster is an outstanding servant not just for Bradford Bulls but the city and the game of RL despite being advanced in years.

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Shaun Sugden, Bradford, England

Club I support: BRADFORD BULLS

An absolute Bradford Northern and Bulls Hero who I can't believe hasn't been brought to your attention before now - The great Trevor Foster MBE.

Without Trevor there wouldn't be the Bradford club today - that is plain fact.

TO READ SHAUN'S DETAILED SUBMISSION - CLICK HERE - IT IS A VERY GOOD ARTICLE.

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From Name. from Rugby League Forum
Start Text.

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From Charlie Saab. from League Unlimited Rugby League Forum

kevin walters. had the opportunity to go to other clubs for more $$$ but stayed loyal to the Broncos. .

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From JJ. from League Unlimited Rugby League Forum

Brisbane - Shane Webcke

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From Skeepe. from League Unlimited Rugby League Forum

For the Raiders you really can't go past Jason Croker.

Holds the record for most games and tries, 1991 Rookie of the Year, 3 premiership medals from 1990 (played President's Cup, was a reserve for both Reserve Grade and First Grade) plus a member of the 1994 side, and over the years has won Players' Player, Coaches Award, Best Player, Most Consistent and Sponsors Award.

Represented Country, NSW and Australia.

Drives a lime green ute. We have had some great players in the past, but nobody surpasses Toots as a clubman.

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From JJ. from League Unlimited Rugby League Forum

Canberra - Jason Croker

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From Quigs. from EOTB

I think Big Mal and Laurie Daily for sure. Agree with Skeepe too..

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From Greeneyed. from League Unlimited Rugby League Forum

I think it is incontrovertible that the best Raiders clubmen were not Croker......

They were Chris O'Sullivan.... and Dean Lance

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From Wong- Penrith. All Raiders fans know that Dean Lance was Canberra. Why do you think I followed the Raiders after the disgraceful axing of the Jets?
Honourable mentions to Chris O'Sullivan, Painless Paul Osborne and Gary Coyne.

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From Rise Against. from Leauge Unlimited Rugby League Forum

Steve Mortimer, George Peponis, Steve Price

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From Bulldog power. from League Unlimited Rugby League Forum

Theres been a stack for the bulldogs

but I reckon steve reardon, blue and white from the get go till the very end

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From Quigs EOTB

I'd throw in Geoff Robinson too.

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From Pando. from League Unlimited Rugby League Forum

Terry Lamb. -

349 First grade games, 261 of those for the Bulldogs(6 games behind the great Steve Mortimer), 164 tries.
Played SOO and Tests, best player at backing up there ever was.
Brilliant 5/8, more than capable #7, often brutal in defence.

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From Shifty. from League Unlimited Rugby League Forum

Steve Reardon is a great clubman for the Bulldogs. He is as passionate about the club as he is about his football.

Despite Reardon's laid-back attitude off the field he was real competitor. Not a player that got a lot of credit, but the quiet achiever role suited him to the ground. Reardon did the hard yards so effortlessly and so consistently that it often went unnoticed.

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From Tigerman is Back. from TotalRL Rugby League Forum

Dean Sampson for Cas.

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From Mick Dobson. from Leeds

I'd nominate John Joyner at Cas, all the way from youth team to coach, 20 odd years.

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From Quigs EOTB

Got to be E.T. Andrew Ettingshausen of recent times. Turning back the clock I would nominate Fred Dennahy, and the great Dane, Dane Sorensen was a long and loyal servant..

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From Ozbash. from League Unlimited Rugby League Forum

dane sorenson for the sharks

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From Melon. from League Unlimited Rugby League Forum

Horrie Hastings....a champion and a gentleman. The best halfback never to play for Australia after QRL politics dictated to the ARL that a Queenslander had to be inculded in the Kangaroo Tour. It should have been Mortimer, Sterling and Hastings on merit...instead Hastings missed out for Muppet Murray to shut the whinging QLDers up.

Horrie...a greaqt clubman.

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From JJ. from League Unlimited Rugby League Forum

Roosters - Luke Ricketson

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From Quigs EOTB,

Horrie Hastings for mine, he was a "real" club man..

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From Tommy Smith from League Unlimited Rugby League Forum,

Ray Stehr, Kevin Hastings, Luke Ricketson

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From Southern Rooster. from League Unlimited Rugby League Forum

Since I started supporting the Roosters in 1984 as a player there has been none more loayal to the Red, White and Blue cause then Luke Ricketson a guy who has followed the club since a kid and whose father also had a good career at the club with a GF in 1960. Luke started in 1991 at the Roosters in the centres against Mal Meninga of all people and scored a try in a win. He has given a lot to the club and hopefully gets to play 20 games in 2005 to reach 330 first grade games for the club.

But for mine Arthur Beetson would be arguably our greatest clubman. Sure he had time at Balmain and Parra. But for the best part of the last 35 years he has been involved in our club at some level. In the 70's as a great player and captain and then during the 80's (The Transit lounge lean years) he was a coach and whilst the team never made finals they were competitive.
Recently and more importantly during the reformation of our club Arthur was given the responsibility of being recruitment officer and he (with Noel Cleal perhaps) are the best in the business. He is always around the club is approachable and will have a chat over a beer about the game and the club. He loves both very dearly and for mine he is the greatest clubman and arguably greatest player we have ever had. .

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From Tim Boehm, Ashfield NSW submitted to the Era 24/6/05

My greatest clubman is: For a long time, my vote went to Horrie Hastings because of his ability to keep things moving and create something if it wasn't happening.

However, I have watched LUKE RICKETSON'S career from almost day 1 and would have to say, that he is a TRUE CLUBMAN. A rarity these days to find a one-club player.

It doesn't stop there - his determination to stick through the bad times early on right through to the successful (twilight) years shows just how much this guy has evolved.

A lanky young player starting out in the centres has bloomed into an aging fine second rower, who punishes any player willing to get in the way. As well, will run the lengths needed to keep the opposition away from the tryline.

Watching him gradually gain representative stripes has been a true reward for not only him but for his supporters who have enjoyed Luke's career.

I would have to agree with television commentator Ray Warren, that Luke Ricketson is the sort of player you'd go to war with'.

Although not an understatement, he also has been a fine example to the young up and comers to the greatest game of all

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From Marklaspamlas. from TotalRL Rugby League Forum

Featherstone has been blessed with many great clubmen over the years. Ive been watching them since about 1980 and Id go for Peter Smith. An international who had plenty of opportunities to move to a glamour club, stayed at Featherstone over 15 years and came back from crippling injuries. A great sportsman and a true gent.

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From l'angelo mysterioso. from TotalRL Rugby League Forum

John Jefferson for mine.
Or Doug and Barbara Wilford .

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From Der Kaiser. from TotalRL Rugby League Forum

At Fax Stan and Hilda Hardy have been involved for many many years and are still helping cleaning kits etc with other loyal servants in Phil Coventry and Ned Kelly.

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From Name. from Rugby League Forum
Start Text.

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From Ian P. . from Virtual Terrace Rugby League Forum

For Hull Tony Dukes ...........

Played his entire career at Hull and always in the shadow of other "star" hookers , he never wanted away and he fianlly got he reward by playing in the 82 challenge cup replay.

Its not just about how many trophies they have lifted, its about commintment to one club over years.

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From Rich Harrison, Balmain NSW, email submission to Era of the Biff
Club followed: Hull FC

My greatest clubman is: Kenny Foulkes

Not the greatest player ever to pull on the irregular black and white
hoops, in fact his career spanned some of the leanest times ever
experienced at the Boulevard, TO READ MORE JUST CLICK HERE

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From Flatcap. from Virtual Terrace Rugby League Forum

Paul Fletcher in his 19th season at Hull KR!! . --- READ A LOT MORE CLICK HERE

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From Ian P. . from Virtual Terrace Rugby League Forum

Its not just about how many trophies they have lifted, its about commintment to one club over years. Fletch at Rovers is a good example already mentioned.

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From g_balls. from Virtual Terrace Rugby League Forum

Mike Smith played for Hull KR from 1974 to 1991, and Paul Fletcher is still playing for the Robins, he started out in 1986 or 87 i think.

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From TheEastofHullisRed. from TotalRL Rugby League Forum

Paul Fletcher at Hull K.R Currently in his 19th season with the Club. And still going strong. Also had the chance to Join the S.L ranks in 1999 With offers from Bradford,Hull,Warrington but decided to stay faithfull to the club he suppored Man and boy.

What he Said to Hull F.C when they put an offer to him i'm afraid is not suitable for posting on a public forum I'm afraid

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From Pamplona. from TotalRL Rugby League Forum

Other names can be mentioned as long as people understand that everyone is a distant second place behind Trevor Foster.

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From Leeds Wire. from TotalRL Rugby League Forum

Paul Cullen became the first person to have completed a Warrington triple whammy of having been born in the town, having played for Wire and then having taken on the mantle of being the club's head coach.

READ A LOT MORE CLICK HERE

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From catenaccio. from virtual Terrace Rugby League Forum

At Hull KR, it can only be Roger "the Dodger" Millward. His record and his talent speak for themselves..

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From Dragon psa. from League Unlimited Rugby League Forum

For the Steelers, I would probably say Rod Wishart or Mary McGregor.

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From GoTheBears. from League Unlimited Rugby League Forum

Steelers would almost definately be Rod Wishart, Mary Mcgregor or Michael Bolt, Although David Walsh certainly gave his all..

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From Oslo Rhino. from Virtual Terrace Rugby League Forum

Leeds is a difficult one.

The likes of Mick Shoebottom, whose career was wickedly cut short would be at the top of most lists, as would Roy Powell (who was taken from us at an early age) and John Holmes (who played well beyond his retirement age to drop into the A-Team and try and blood a new set of stars in the 80's)*

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From Andy Gilder. from Virtual Terrace Rugby League Forum

If you wanted to take it off the field, then the likes of Joe Warham who served the club as coach, general manager and director for upwards of 40 years must be in with a shout.

What about Billy Watts - timekeeper since the days before watches were invented?

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From Melch, Leeds

My greatest clubman is: David Heron loose forward - a consistently
class act in a seldom successful Leeds side. Played for Leeds either side
of the Aussie invasion of 1984/5. Filled in at stand off to good effect
when pressed and enjoyed a swansong at our beloved neighbours.

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From Mutt1. from Virtual Terrace Rugby League Forum

for Leigh it has to be Tommy Sale obe

He started at Leigh when he worked the scoreboard as a 10 year old then went on to play for the club the whole of his career at the club. He helped build Hilton Park when we moved from our old Mather Lane ground in the 50's and is still involved with the club he's now well into his 80's and still works as time keeper and is never out of the offices he's also the hon life presedent of the club hes also freeman of the town

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From The Chronicler of Chiswic. from Virtual Terrace Rugby League Forum

For London in our various forms it has to be Roy Lester - first player signed and by keeping at least a skeleton squad in training in the early part of the '84 close season gave Roy Close the breathing space he needed to get the club up and running again. Without him there'd probably be no RL in London now..

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From Brizza. from League Unlimited Rugby League Forum

Can't account for the last 50 years, but in the last 30 I've been watching 2 players stand out.

Cliff Lyons and Steve Menzies.

I'd pick Menzies because in 96-97 he was reportedly offered 600k per season by Parramatta and rejected it for 350k at Manly. Then in 01 was offered a massive contract by the Roosters and resigned with the Then Northern Eagles.

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From Chileman. from League Unlimited Rugby League Forum

In my lifetime I can't go past Steve Menzies will play out his days with the club he loves more than the big $$$$$!.

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From JJ. from League Unlimited Rugby League Forum

Manly - Steve Menzies

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From LESStar58. from League Unlimited Rugby League Forum

For Storm you can't go past Matt Geyer...he stuck around when he wasn't getting a run in the eraly days but he has been extremely loyal to Storm. .

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From Nuke. from League Unlimited Rugby League Forum

For the mighty Knights, I can't go past 'The Chief' Paul Harragon. The Knights have and will continue to have many players that play their entire career for Newcastle, but for mine, Chief is head and shoulders above all of 'em.

His pure passion for the Knights and the game in general is unquestionable. He led by example, is a genuinely nice guy to talk to, and has the complete respect of everyone. I reckon if he ran for Lord Mayor of Newcastle, he'd win hands down.

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From Quigs EOTB.

My old Grandfather pumped it into my head when I was a reall small boy of how great a clubman Frank Bumper Farrell was. He was Newtown.

Another that sticks in my mind was Brian Chicka Moore. a one club legend.

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From Iafeta. from League Unlimited Rugby League Forum

From our club, Stacey Jones.

Been there since day one - had numerous offers from wealthy clubs in Australia and the UK, accepted none.

Not only a wonderful player, but THE most humble guy off the field. A real role model. I may have missed something, but I can't remember the Little General being suspended in his time, he's fought back from horrific injuries before, and has seen his club go through some traumatic times, but through it all stuck through it.

Thank God for Stacey.

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From Ozbash. from League Unlimited Rugby League Forum

stace for the mighties

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From nqboy. from League Unlimited Rugby League Forum

In our short history, I'd go for Peter Jones or Paul Bowman. Both started in the Cowboys debut year of 1995, Jones topped out at 131 games and is now head of junior development. Bear's just a legend, sticking with the club through the bad times, rejecting offers to play for more money at better clubs, good to see he's getting the rewards for it now.

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From GoTheBears. from League Unlimited Rugby League Forum

Greg Florimo - 285 games for the club and does about every possible job at the club at the moment. Dead set legend.

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From Ozbash. from League Unlimited Rugby League Forum

mark graham for norths

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From JJ. from League Unlimited Rugby League Forum

Norths - Greg Florimo

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From The Whippet. from League Unlimited Rugby League Forum

For Cowboys you have to go for Paul Bowman.

Been at the club since the start and still going strong, even after been sacked as captain he still held his head high and got on to playing good footy and remaining loyal to our club.

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From Qirvie. from League Unlimited Rugby League Forum

North Sydney Bears have had heaps of great clubmen over the years.

In recent time there have been:

Greg Florimo , 13 seasons , 285 games
Gary Larson , 13 seasons , 234 games
Billy Moore , 11 seasons , 211 games
David Fairleigh , 11 seasons , 193 games
Mark Soden , 11 seasons , 170 games
John McArthur , 10 seasons , 133 games
Adrian Toole , 10 seasons , 129 games

And some not so recent players include:

Norm Strong , 16 seasons , 210 games
Ken Irvine , 13 seasons , 176 games
Ross Warner , 12 seasons , 186 games
Don McKinnon , 11 seasons , 185 games
Os Deane , 11 seasons , 126 games
Rex Harrison , 11 seasons , 126 games
Mick Maher , 11 seasons , 125 games
Ted Taplin , 11 seasons , 124 games
Bob Sullivan , 11 seasons , 122 games
Grantley Bennett , 11 seasons , 121 games

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From Name. from Rugby League Forum
Start Text.

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From Twizzle. from League Unlimited Rugby League Forum

I can't go past Mick Cronin.

He turned up year after year, from down near Woolongong, and did it all on a hand shake.

Never signed a contract.

That to me is club man.

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From The Colonel. from League Unlimited Rugby League Forum

Steve Sharp is one of my favourite club men. A local junior from Canley Vale, 134 games for the club and scored the first try against the Dragons the day they opened the new Parramatta Stadium. Couldn't have happened to a nicer bloke.

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From PARRA FAN. from League Unlimited Rugby League Forum

Brett Kenny for Parramatta, most capped player in Parramatta history.

started in the early 80s when Parramatta became really successful, won 4 premierships, scored 2 tries in 3 grand finals in a row. Even kept playing when we had those bad years 1987-1993.

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From <Up the Eels> . from League Unlimited Rugby League Forum

Brett Kenny..

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From EvertonFC. from League Unlimited Rugby League Forum

Royce Simmons , and more recently Craig Gower ( unless he leaves, of course ).

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From JJ. from League Unlimited Rugby League Forum

Penrith - John Cartwright and Royce Simmons

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From Quigs EOTB

Royce was Penrith through and through.

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From Big Chris. from Virtual Terrace Rugby League Forum

Les Bettinson at Salford will take some beating. Played anywhere in the backs and even acted as emergency goalkicker.
Signed by Gus Risman from Cumbrian amateur league he was player, captain, coach and director over the years and is still there at all the games with his wife Fran.
Neither of them seem to have aged much since my 21st birthday party held at the Willows and I'll be 59 in May.

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From mmp. from Virtual Terrace Rugby League Forum

best clubman....has to be off the field at salford for me: john wilkinson..

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From Quigs. from EOTB

John Sattler is one that comes to mind, George Piggins with red and green blood, Clive Churchill, Bernie Purcell. Souths are another club that is packed with great club men. Hope you can help me with some more..

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From Thommo. from League Unlimited Rugby League Forum

Way before my time, but I doubt you could go past Churchill for Souths.

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From Hodgee. submission to Era of the Biff.

Bernie Purcell, Paul Sait and Michael
Andrews....gave it their all for the Rabbitohs .

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From Dave. submission to Era of the Biff.

George Piggins, Ian Roberts, Mario Fenech....great Rabbitohs .
READ MORE DETAILED ENTRY CLICK HERE

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From Dragon psa. from League Unlimited Rugby League Forum

Can't account for the last 50 years, but in the 20 years I've been a Saints supporter Lance Thompson would get my vote - the guy bleeds Red & White.

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From T-Rex. from League Unlimited Rugby League Forum

Billy Smith., 14 years, 234 games

Finished his career captaining the thirds to a Premiership. And teaching the Babes how to play footy before Harry Bath got them.

So loyal to captain that when the scum tore up Sticks coaching contract, Billy went too.

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From Taxi Driver. from League Unlimited Rugby League Forum

in my lifetime Mark Coyne

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From Quigs EOTB

Another club packed with copius numbers of great club men. But what about the Legend Frank Facer. Of course there is Smithy, Sticks Provan, Changa, Gasnier, Ian Walsh, Ken Kearney. Poppa Clay and Chook Raper both signed from Newtown.