AT LEAST four former rugby union internationals are returning to Gunnedah for a special Legends charity football clash later this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Dual international Ray Price, a Wallaby and rugby league Kangaroo, heads the list of former international talent.
Wallabies Steve Merrick, Dave Carter and Mick Martin are also confirmed starters in the Legends game against the Gunnedah Red Devils at Gunnedah’s Rugby Park on the evening of Friday, February 15.
The annual event is a charity fundraiser for the Child Flight Helicopter Service as well as a valuable pre-season trial for the Red Devils, coached by ex-Wallaby Tim Gavin.
Former Red Devils coach, John Lennan, said the Legends game had been running for a few years and been a major success for the charity and the local club.
“All the proceeds from the night go to Child Flight,” he said.
“Entry to the ground is by donation. We’ve got a Golden Oldies game as a curtain raiser as well as a sportsmen’s dinner on the Saturday night. Local golf club professional, Rod Poole, has organised some items of memorabilia to be auctioned off as well. It should be two big nights.”
While Merrick, Carter and Martin are likely to play for the Legends against the Red Devils, Price will have to watch from the sideline after recent surgery removed some cancers from his back.
“He’s still in stitches,” Lennan said.
And that is something the spectators could be in after the Golden Oldies clash, a light-hearted but serious bragging rights match-up between the old Red Devil Rahs and the retired rugby league Bulldogs.
“At this stage it’s a game of half rugby and half league,” said Lennan, who played for and coached both clubs.
“Blokes like Cameron Wilson, Mick Palmer, Peter Riordan, Donnie Howarth and Joe Perkins are playing for the Red Devil Golden Oldies while blokes like Lester (Les Baker), Muscles (Phillip Donnelly), Steve Merlehan, Mark Murphy and Chris Reading are lining up for the Bulldogs. Al Russell (former Wright College star ) might even have a game.
The Saturday night sportsmen’s dinner will be held at the Gunnedah Rugby Club. For more in formation contact John Lennan on 67421380.