Rugby stalwart Jan Tricker suffers her first footy injury … at 82-years-old

She’s the 82-year-old who might just be subbie rugby’s number one fan. Last week Manly Savers club matriarch Jan Tricker — who is well-known for washing the players’ clothes and cooking their meals — suffered her first football-related injury.

Jan Tricker following her injury. Picture: (AAP IMAGE / Troy Snook)

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Manly Savers rugby club matriarch Jan Tricker has suffered her first football injury at the grand age of 82.

The legendary character, who has been involved with the subbies outfit for the past 38 years, was knocked out and suffered a broken left wrist two minutes into last Saturday’s game against Western Raptors at Keirle Park when the ball was kicked 10m over the sideline while she was running the canteen.

“It hit mum fair on the head, she hit the ground and blacked out for 20-30 seconds,” said her son Bill “Sticks” who was a touch judge at the game.

Rugby stalwart Jan Tricker is back at home after her frightening injury, Picture: Troy Snook

An ambulance transported her to Royal North Shore Hospital where “Sticks” stayed with her until being discharged at 11pm.

She is now recovering at home and will be in a cast for at least six weeks.

‘‘I have absolutely no idea what happened,” she said.

The team had to postpone a surprise presentation they planned for full-time with a cake and flowers to celebrate her 82nd birthday.

But the Savers went on and “did it for Mrs T”, winning the game 21-14 to claim the minor premiership.

“That is the wonderful thing,” she said.

Jan Tricker with the Manly Savers laundry last season. Picture: Adam Yip

VERSATILE PERFORMER

In her time at the Savers Mrs T has washed and sewn up torn jumpers and shorts, cooked sausages on the barbecue and darned footy socks.

Last year she was awarded the Peter Kelly Medal for service to rugby by the NSW Suburban Rugby Union.

Her injury won’t stop her going to Wakehurst Rugby Park on Saturday afternoon to watch her boy play Lane Cove in the major semi-final.

But someone else will have to take over the laundry duties.

Warringah Rats skipper Hamish Angus, Picture: Karen Watson

IN OTHER NEWS

Warringah Rats five-eighth Hamish Angushas praised the contribution of his halves partner Josh Holmesafter winning his record-equalling third Ken CatchpoleMedal this week.

The Rats skipper said he wouldn’t be the player he is without Holmes, whom he described as arguably the best No. 9 in the competition.

“I’m lucky to have played so many games with him in the sense he could have been playing somewhere else,” Angus said.

Warringah halfback Josh Holmes dives over for a matchwinning try against Manly this season. Picture: Karen Watson

As for claiming his third Catchpole Medal midfield general Angus said: ”I think from a personal perspective to have it so long after the first one in 2012 to know that I’m still respected in the game at the level seven years apart, that’s probably the best thing about it.”

In a big night for the Rats, Mark Gerrard was named coach of the year.

Angus is back in the Rats team for Saturday’s grand final qualifier against Eastwood at North Sydney Oval (1pm kick-off) where he and Holmes will again be key men.

Meanwhile the Manly Marlins are looking for a new coach afterBrian Melrosestepped aside.

FINALS SHOWDOWN

Minor premiers the Cromer Kingfishers and the Avalon Bulldogs will continue their rivalry when they clash in the NSW Rugby League Combined Competition major semi-final on Sunday at St Matthews Farm.

The sides have met twice before this season with Cromer winning 26-18 in round seven and Avalon victorious 14-8 a fortnight ago.

“There is a lot of pressure on us because if you win this game you are straight to the grand final,” said Cromer coach Craig Elmas.

In-form fullback Mitch Thomas and hooker, the evergreen former NRL star Jason Ferris, will be key men for the Kingfishers.