Beattie tips Nutley to cause niggle

FORMER Cronulla Sharks firebrand Chris Beattie said there was bound to be niggle in tonight's Legends of League matches at North Ipswich Reserve.

Former State of Origin player Chris Beattie signs jerseys in preparation for tonight’s Legends of League game at North Ipswich Reserve. . Picture: Rob Williams

FORMER Cronulla Sharks firebrand Chris Beattie said there was bound to be niggle in tonight’s Legends of League matches at North Ipswich Reserve.

Beattie pointed to his former Cronulla front row partner Danny Nutley as the man likely to be the prime culprit.

Beattie is back living in Ipswich for the first time in 13 years after stints with Cronulla, Sydney Roosters, Catalans Dragons and Lezignan Sangliers in France.

He is best known for his willing performances for Queensland State of Origin teams in 2001 and 2002 and his consistent trips to the judiciary in his eight years in the NRL.

The Norths Ipswich junior said tonight’s two Legends matches would be far removed from those rugged encounters but would still possess the spirit of rugby league.

“There’s going to be all sorts of shenanigans in the game. I guarantee Danny Nutley will be giving it to blokes,” Beattie said.

“It’s going to be fun. I haven’t played in six months so who knows how I’ll go.”

Tonight’s Ipswich Diggers v Gold Coast Titans old boys and Ipswich All Stars v Broncos Old Boys matches could be plagued by rain, but Beattie was still confident it would be an entertaining affair.

“People just need to bring an umbrella and five bucks and they will have a great time for a great cause,” he said.

“Pat O’Doherty has been doing most of the organising. I think it’s a great idea and hopefully thousands of people turn out.”

Beattie is still in excellent shape after living life in the south of France for the past three years playing in the local competition.

“I returned from playing with Catalans in 2007 to play for the Roosters but I got injured early in the season and thought it was time to retire.

“But some guys in France called me up and said they were desperate to have me there so me and my wife moved back.

“Our team won a hat-trick of premierships and I thought well that’s about as good as it will get so now its time to retire.

“I loved it over there. It was about 50km from the Spanish border and a beautiful place.”

Tonight’s event begins at 4pm at North Ipswich Reserve.

“People just need to bring an umbrella and five bucks and they will have a great time for a great cause,” he said.

Originally published as Beattie tips Nutley to cause niggle