Nine seasons later that fullback-centre named Hornby is now playing in the No 7 jersey and had the (c) next to his name in the Big League program. And, when he runs onto the grass at Kogarah on Sunday against the Eels, he'll become the first person to have played 200 games for St George Illawarra.

Hornby's a player that probably has never gotten the accolades he deserves. That's probably because he's reliable rather than flashy, quiet rather than vocal and seems quite happy not to draw attention to himself.

Also, he's played alongside stars like Nathan Blacklock, Mark Gasnier, Trent Barrett, Paul McGregor, Luke Bailey, Andrew Hart and John Carlaw (okay, so I'm kidding about the last two); players who would overshadow most team-mates.

So he's not the one to garner much in the way of media coverage or end of season awards (outside the club itself, that is).

And he didn't always find a safe haven among Dragons fans, some of whom would routinely argue over whether he should be in the top side.

However, Wayne Bennett had him sussed - that's why he named Hornby captain and even compared him to Darren Lockyer.

And finally those critical fans (of whom I admit to being one of from time to time) realised how stupid they were and shut the hell up.