Bush Beat: Temora’s impressive NRL link, Glenn Stewart in form and Dodson plays on
TEMORA’s proud line of NRL graduates, Glenn Stewart impresses at Wests Devils in Illawarra league and Goulburn’s Michael “The Professor” Dodson continues to defy father time.
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TEMORA may be a town of less than 6000 people, but the Riverina community has produced an impressive 25 professional players.
It’s a remarkable record the Dragons are so proud of they decided to contact Bush Beat to share the club’s story.
Publicity officer Brian Hughes penned a letter, pointing out that the likes of Trent Barrett, Todd Payten and Josh McCrone all hail from Temora.
Hughes’ motivation to contact The Sunday Telegraph came after this column wrote a story on Dubbo’s significant production line of NRL players.
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“How does Dubbo’s record compare to that of Temora, a town of less than 6,000 people and one club,” Hughes said.
“To date, Temora have had 25 local or schoolboys players to go on to play in the old NSWRL or the NRL.
“We also have nine players currently in the NRL, English Super League and NSW and QLD Cups.”
Temora possesses a proud history in the Group Nine and Maher Cup competitions dating back to 1914.
The Dragons have won five premierships in 2006, 2004, 2002, 1998 and 1977, but the club is struggling this season due to lack of numbers.
Hughes said Temora have lost a whopping 32 senior players from their 2017 roster.
He believes the NRL could do more to support battling bush clubs.
“We are struggling to field competitive teams,” he said.
“With NRL clubs continually snapping up young quality players for little or no compensation, rugby league clubs in the bush are struggling.
“I believe NRL administrators need to take a leaf out of the AFL’s book when it comes to looking after clubs in the country.
“The AFL’s compensation system leaves rugby league for dead.”
TEMORA’S LIST:
Jim Schroder (Norths), Trevor Barnes (Easts, Souths), Alan Hetherington (Souths), Charlie Cornwell (Wests), Cal Lynch (Wests), Les Gelfius (Balmain), Alan Lynch (Easts), Jay Bandy (Souths), Dale Pinney (Souths), Scott Barrett (Canterbury), Gavin Price-Jones (Canberra), Steve Reardon (Canterbury), Trent Barrett (St George, Cronulla), Mark Stimson (Balmain), Peter Stimson (Souths), Brendan Reeves (Manly), Brett Firman (St George, Roosters, Cronulla and Cowboys), Todd Payten (Canberra, Roosters, Wests Tigers), Ryan Hinchcliffe (Parramatta, Canberra, Melbourne), Josh McCrone (Canberra, St George Illawarra), Ben Hampton (Melbourne, North Queensland), Joe Stimson (Melbourne), Zac Lomax (St George Illawarra)
Stewart impressing at Wests:
Former Premiership-winning Manly back-rower Glenn Stewart is yet to score a try with Wests in the Illawarra competition, but his proven experience has been valuable for the Red Devils.
Stewart missed Wests’ opening round draw with Thirroul, but he performed strongly in wins over Collegians and Corrimal.
Dodson defies father time:
Arguably one of Goulburn’s greatest footballers, Michael “The Professor” Dodson continues to defy father time as he runs around with the Workers Bulldogs in the Canberra Raiders Cup Competition this season.
Dodson had planned to play reserve grade with a few mates this season, but injuries have forced the 42-year-old to step up.
The two-time Les McIntyre medallist has lost none of his spark and has been one of the club’s best over the opening three weeks.
Dodson also coaches the club’s under 18s team, guiding them to the top of the ladder.