HAVE this year’s Roosters got what it takes to make it with the invincibles from 20, 40 and 50 years ago? Legends from these premiership winning teams sure think so; and are looking forward to giving the current players a few pointers this weekend.
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Local rugby league legends and former players will head the guest list for the Nambucca Heads Roosters reunion, tomorrow and Saturday, where they will relive their championship days with the teams from 1962, 1972 and 1992.
1962 was the first premiership title for Nambucca Heads; against Coffs.
Vice-captain of that side, Gary Johnson, said it was a remarkable and memorable year for the club.
“That was the first year we employed a local coach – Col Andrews,” he told the Guardian. “We’d always spent big dollars on imported coaches from Sydney and suburbs, but our local boy Col lead us to victory.
“Then in 1972 under the leadership of Jim Cody, we took out the premiership again against Coffs, and Caltex Cup – a tournament against teams from Newcastle to north of the border.
“Jim played first grade for Western Suburbs in the
golden era, and he quickly established his authority here and had the boys playing winning football.”
The 1992 side was coached by Rick Stone – the current assistant coach to Wayne Bennett – and player Stu Langley said Rick had progressed from Nambucca to Burleigh, and then to head coach at the Knights before Bennett’s arrival.
“Rick and his way of coaching brought a new brand of professionalism to Nambucca Heads – he made a good side into a great side,” he told the Guardian.
“We had only lost about three games the entire season and when we faced Woopi in the final, we flogged them 40-4.
“The Roosters were named club champs for Group 2 having all teams in the grand final, with reggies the only team recording a loss.”
Former Roosters player Glen Jones said this weekend’s reunion was a full program.
“Tomorrow night will be a meet and greet at the Golden Sands Tavern. It’s basically a welcoming of all past players from the club,” he said.
“On Saturday night from 5 at the Nambucca Leagues Club we will be having drinks and a mixed sit-down dinner; with music afterwards.
“Club identities will be talking to past players of what they remember of the glory days, and even tips and tricks to pass on to present and future players.
“And to finish it off on Sunday, these past players will travel to Coffs to watch the Group 2 game; we are hoping that with added words of encouragement from the old-timers, the boys will reign victorious and keep their unbeaten streak going.”
