CHRIS Vidler couldn’t have returned to rugby league in better style, after delivering a menacing performance on debut for the Roosters in Saturday’s blockbuster home demolition of Gunnedah.
Named on Kootingal-Moonbi’s bench in No.18, he was happily retired a few weeks ago.
Contented, too, after a career where he won four Group 4 first grade premierships with West Lions and won a Group 21 premiership with the Aberdeen Tigers last season.
[It’s] good to have a run with the boys.
The 32-year-old didn’t bank on former teammates like Sam Taylor, who bombarded Vidler with calls urging him to play with him and a host of other ex-Lions at the new-look Roosters.
Vidler contacted new Roosters coach Geoff Sharpe, telling him he would play, though work would come first.
“I’ve just started a new job,” said the powerful forward, after scoring one of seven Roosters tries in Saturday’s 38-16 victory. “I’m now a tyre fitter working in Gunnedah. I’ll play when I can.”
That’s fine, the Roosters reckon, especially after the impact he had coming off the bench against the Bulldogs, with him busting plenty of tackles.
Vidler produced one of the match’s highlights when, in cover, he collared an on-the-fly Dylan Lake just before the tryline and flung him into touch.
“[It’s] good to have a run with the boys,” Vidler said.
