Bush footy club Griffith Waratahs returns to celebrate its 60th year

After having to take a year’s recess the Griffith Waratahs, where former NRL star Andrew Fifita began his career, have returned and the club has never been more important to the community.

Andrew Fifita (left) started his career at the Griffith Waratah Tigers.

Just days after scoring the equalising try that secured the Cronulla Sharks their first and only NRL premiership, Andrew Fifita grabbed the trophy on both hands and took it out bush.

He was one of the stars of the 2016 grand final, but he wasn’t about to forget where he came from or how he made it onto football’s biggest stage.

“I took it back home to Griffith to show the kids the real trophy, not a replica, because out in the country kids don’t often get those opportunities to see the real deal,” the former international said.

“I wanted to give back to the place where it all started, that gave me the opportunities to make it onto the biggest stage.

“For those kids to get a glimpse it might inspire some of them to get there too.”

Fifita, now a school counsellor, travels regularly to the southwestern NSW Riverina region, talking to kids, inspiring them, teaching them how to take care of their mental health and removing the stigma about speaking up if you’re struggling.

Andrew Fifita playing for the Griffith Waratah Tigers foot ball team.

With high suicide rates and rising youth crime, Fifita said it was more important than ever that kids in the bush had footy clubs, to give them a sense of purpose and belonging.

Fifita played four seasons with the Griffith Waratahs – sometimes playing three games in one day, stepping up from the teen divisions and starring in first grade.

“It certainly prepared me for my future,” he said, adding that country footy was much tougher than city footy.

“Not necessarily as skilful but definitely a lot tougher than in Sydney, it definitely prepared me.”

The former Griffith High School student also had a giggle at matching up against some of his teachers on the weekends: “I was versing some of my teachers so that was a fun experience.”

Waratahs including Andrew Fifita (middle of pic with missing tooth) celebrating a trophy.

Another footy great with fond memories of the “Tahs” is Manly legend Ray Brown. He played his under 16s, under 18s and three seasons of first grade in Griffith when the club won the Group 20 premierships three years in a row.

To hear the club didn’t field a side last year was disappointing, but Brown is thrilled the club is back in action this season and looking forward to heading back to Griffith for the reunion.

“In the country, footy is really good to keep kids on the straight and narrow. A football club is a family,” Brown said.

“When you’re 15 or 16 you do something wrong, all the older guys in the club will stop you and say ‘Hang on, that’s not on’.

“If you’re doing something stupid they will pull you into gear and that’s what kids need. That structure, an environment where you follow the rules, respect your elders and work really hard to make something of yourself.

“It was a real family affair, plenty of blokes on the committee, mums and their kids in the canteen, it was a real family affair.”

Former West Sydney Magpies player Geoff Foster took the importance of community sport a step further – suggesting all sports should be free for kids.

“We had training every other day, we were part of a team, it was community pride,” said the former police officer who played for the Tahs in the 70s.

Robert Nascimben (left) is president of the Griffith Waratah Tigers.

“It’s a shame to see what’s happening these days, kids not having any consequences.”

Robert Nascimben has been president of the Tahs for the last five years and vice president for five years before that. He played from 1988 in both first and reserve grades, winning five premierships in reserves.

“The reason we went into recess last year was the lack of players commitment to play and train as we had over 30 attend pre-season training then the week before the competition was to start it dwindled off to around 10 players in all grades,” Nascimben said.

“It is quite a big task in the country, where we have three league sides, union, soccer and AFL to compete with for player numbers. Then you add to that the demand for high match payments.

“After having a meeting with a few of our Tahs Old Boys and committee it was decided that we will go into recess for a year and build on the foundations that we have.”

And it worked, with the club now back on the pitch and the plans for the 60 year reunion in full swing.

“The reunion means a lot to me and everyone that’s been involved with the club over the last 60 years, as the Tahs name is famous in country football all over NSW,” he said.

“The truth is the Tahs have had such great players that helped put us on the map. Ray Brown, Andrew Fifita, Lenny Bertoldo, Brian Rosetto, Bobby Priest and the list goes on and on.

“The reunion gives all ex players and committee an opportunity to gather together and share memories … a place like Griffith needs the Tahs.”

NSW Community Rugby League Manager Peter Clarke said footy was on the rise in the country – last year there were more than 11,200 players across NSWRL with just over 8600 males and 2600 females. This week they surpassed the 2023 female total registrations and males are up five per cent to date for 2024.

“Footy has a unique ability to bring people together,” Clarke said.

“If you go to a game in the country you don’t see a better example of that community spirit.

“We are starting to see people coming on board from all backgrounds, whether they have a history in footy or are coming for the first time. Both league and tag, men and women, boys and girls, it’s a great family affair and great for our regional communities.”

The Waratahs will celebrate their 60-year-reunion on May 18 at the Exies Bagtown – La Scala.

Visit https://www.griffithwaratahtigers.com.au/