WHEN the modern-day Tamworth Rugby Union Sporting Club stars take to the field on Saturday, they will do so with the eyes of club legends upon them.
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The club is set to host its annual Old Boys Day with this year marking a special anniversary.
Saturday's clash against the Armidale Blues will also act as a 25 year anniversary celebration of the club's 1994 Central North Premiership.
Several of that famous side's stars are expected to attend the day, to reflect on their one-point grand final triumph over Walcha.
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However, Magpies' premiership hero Paul Barker said things could have been quite different.
"I actually gave away a penalty right on the hooter in 1994," Barker told the Leader.
"It meant that Walcha had a shot on goal, which if successful, would have given them the win.
"Luckily for me and the rest of the boys it went our way and the rest is history."
The 1994 premiership marked the midway-point of a golden era for the Magpies, with premierships coming in 1992, 1994 and 1996.
Premiership coach Michael Bird said he had fond memories from the 1994 triumph.
"It was actually Walcha's centenary year and the whole town got behind them," Bird said.
"Every mailbox from Bendemeer all the way up there was decked out in red flags and club gear.
"It was pretty intimidating when we rolled into town, that's for sure."
Bird said the club boasted a "really strong side" during the era.
"We lost a grand final in 1991 before winning in 1992, lost again in 1993, before winning in 1994 and 1996," he said.
"However, we have had a fair bit of a drought since then."
Fellow premiership player Campbell McIntosh said the premiership victory bonded the group together over the years.
"We are expecting a pretty good turnout of premiership players on Saturday," McIntosh said.
"In fact, I think one of the boys is doing his best to come down from Townsville.
"Those who won't be along will be with us in spirit though."
Barker said he hoped the current crop of Magpies players drew inspiration from their victory.
"I think the group they have this year has a very good chance of going all the way," he said.
"There's some really talented players down here at the moment and from what I have seen the feeling is very similar to what it was when we won."
McIntosh said he hoped the 2019 squad experienced the joy of winning a premiership.
"There was just a really good bunch of guys around the club at that time and we all gelled together," he said.
"We had some really talented players and it is interesting to look back on how those years impacted our whole lives.
"For myself and a few of the other guys, our current wives were our girlfriends during those years and days like Saturday bring back those memories.
"It's always nice to win one and its something you never forget."
Saturday's first grade match against the Armidale Blues begins at 3pm with the function starting at 11am.