Just over two years ago a group of likeminded people met in the Steelers Club to talk about the fast approaching centenary of rugby league in the Illawarra to be celebrated in 2011.
Walking up the stairs on that afternoon, the initial and apprehensive question was, ‘‘What have we let ourselves in for here?’’
Then there was the reassurance that, ‘‘This is a privilege and honour to be sharing this historic and memorable ride.’’
The occasion was to be the the first meeting of the Illawarra Centenary of Rugby League committee headed up by the incomparable and redoubtable Bob Millward, ‘‘Bobby Steeler’’ himself.
The committee comprised people of various ages and backgrounds - the youngest being the only woman in the group, Illawarra District Rugby League football administrator, Julie Nicoll.
Every person on the committee had one thing in common - a love and devotion to rugby league.
Basically the plan was to celebrate the 100 years of rugby league in the Illawarra and look toward the next successful century.
Sounds pretty straight forward, right?
Well, it was hard work. Nothing worthwhile happens without hard work, commitment and dedication.
And it was a labour of love for everyone concerned.
Just like the great football teams, everyone had a role to play.
Millward was the captain-coach and he led from the front. His planning was as thorough and astute in the tradition of a truly great field marshall and general.
John Dorahy was an appropriate appointment as centenary ambassador, a role he carried out superbly as would be expected by one of the most talented players to come through the Illawarra junior ranks.
Without going into all the details of how things came about, it was a quite a ride.
A lot of planning went into place and before you knew it 2011 was here - the centenary of rugby league in the Illawarra was upon us, kicking off with the season launch by NRL chief executive David Gallop at the Steelers Club.
From then on, there were several other centenary events that took place.
Committee member Gerry Doyle’s book, ‘‘Nursery of Champions’’, edited by Nick Hartgerink, was launched at the A pre-season knockout marking the centenary was played at WIN Stadium and won by Collegians.
Every junior player in the district received a centenary medallion and a number of plaques were presented to places that played a significant role in the development of rugby league.
A wonderful exhibition of memorabilia went on display at the Wollongong City Gallery. Again, Gallop showed his support of the centenary celebrations by officially opening the exhibition.
The 100th birthday celebrations climaxed with the Centenary of Illawarra Rugby League Gala Dinner at WIN Entertainment Centre where the Illawarra Team of the Century was announced.
The team of the century was: fullback - Graeme Langlands; wingers - Ian Moir, Rod Wishart; centres - Harry Wells, Paul McGregor; five-eighth - Bob Fulton; halfback - Trent Barrett; lock - Noel Mulligan; second-rowers - Ron Costello, Craig Fitzgibbon; props - Steve Roach, Craig Young; hooker - Kevin Schubert; reserves - John Dorahy, Shaun Timmins, Bruce Olive, Ben Creagh. Coach - Harry Nolan.
And the Illawarra referees chose Alf Grew as the referee of the century.
During the centenary year a decision was made for Illawarra to re-enter the NSWRL premiership by fielding a team in the 2012 NSW Cup, to be coached by Paul McGregor.
McGregor coached Wests to the Illawarra Carlton League centenary premiership for a hat-trick of titles to the Red Devils under his guidance.
The unveiling by Premier Barry O’Farrell of the magnificent Centenary Sculpture created by Lis Johnson outside WIN Stadium this month was the final public ceremony of a memorable year.
A Centurions Club has been formed to help ensure that the Illawarra region continues to produce champion players.
And a University of Wollongong annual scholarship to a junior league player has been established to be called most appropriately the Colin Purcell Centenary Scholarship in honour of the code’s hardest workers and most respected contributors who passed away this year.
Bring on the next centenary of rugby league in the Illawarra.
*Mike Gandon was a member of the Centenary of League committee.
Email a friend