FORMER Australian representative and rugby league administrator John Quayle returned to Manilla yesterday to play bowls at the club next door to his childhood home.
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The Manilla Bowling Club hosted the second annual Men of League bowls day with Quayle appearing as the guest speaker.
The former Australian Rugby League chief executive and NSWRL general manager has recently been linked with a return to the game, possibly at the Knights after 15 years away from the game.
He addressed the 100- strong crowd at his former town and told them the tale of a Manilla boy who grew up to represent Australia.
“That was my house right there,” Quayle said pointing to a building behind the Manilla Anglican Church.
“My father was the local church minister.”
Rugby league then grabbed hold of the teenaged Quayle and never really let go.
In 1968 he got an opportunity to play for the Roosters and went to Sydney.
Following success there, he went to Parramatta where he got a spot in the Kangaroos’ side to contest the World Cup, and then wound up in administration following his playing days.
“It has been a wonderful part of my life,” Quayle said.
“It is a real privilege to be part of the game.
“It is great to come back to where it all started.”
Quayle was also joined by fellow rugby league identities Don Pascoe, Jim Leis, Neville Glover and Ken Thompson at the Men of League event.
A great day of bowls, beers and a barbecue ensued with plenty of banter and tales of old footy feats.
While he might be being called on to help out the flailing Knights, Quayle said he would leave the Manilla Tigers’ season alone.