THE history of Group 7 Rugby League's most successful club is now available in written form, after the Gerringong Rugby League Club launched a centennial book on Saturday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Eagerly awaited, The History of Rugby League in Gerringong 1914-2014 was launched in front of a large crowd at the Lions' clubhouse, featuring past and present Gerringong players and volunteers, and rugby league luminaries such as Ron Coote and Steve Sharp.
The book's author and former rugby league commentator, Barry Ross said writing the book had been a great experience.
"I grew up and played football in Wollongong and I always knew Gerringong was a special place, and a special club and I now know that even more," Ross said.
"There's obviously a lot of people who know about Gerringong, but it was great to go through and find out the whole history of the club."
Gerringong president Daryl Hobbs said the launch of the book was a day for the entire club to celebrate.
"It's a historic day for the club and it's great to see so many people here today to see the book launched," Hobbs said.
"The thing about the book is that it's not just about the first grade side, but the whole club.
"The book's for everyone who has been involved in the club, from the first grade captains, to the scoreboard attendant, to the ladies in the canteen and everybody else who has been a part of the club over the past 100 years."
While many of the club's achievements are well-known throughout league circles, Hobbs said the book would also allow people to find out some of the lesser-known stories and legends.
"A lot of the club's recorded history is already known, but there's a lot of good stories and funny yarns in there that people probably don't know as well.
"It's been a lot of hard work over the past 12 months or so to get the book done, but it's really rewarding to be here where people can get the book in their hands and read it all."
Rugby league Immortal and chairman of the Men of League foundation Ron Coote said the book showed what country rugby league is about.
"The book is what footy should be about, a community where people come together to make a club that is for the whole town and gives them something to be proud of," he said.