Shane Webcke: NRL legend visits Warwick ahead of Warwick Rodeo

Homegrown rugby league icon Shane Webcke is in town for the upcoming Warwick Rodeo and he wants you to know why you should be heading along, too. Full story here:

Madison Mifsud-Ure

2 min read

October 5, 2021 - 1:24PM

Shane Webcke, Andrew Gee bullriding Leyburn

Warwick

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Homegrown Rugby League legend Shane Webcke dropped into town on Tuesday, as he prepares to get his boots dirty at the Rose City’s biggest sporting event, the Warwick Rodeo.

Webcke made his way to the Warwick Showgrounds where he shared with the Daily News his passion and love for both sport and the Southern Downs, and he revealed his eagerness for the 2021 rodeo.

NRL legend Shane Webcke at the Warwick Showgrounds. Photo: Madison Mifsud-Ure / Warwick Daily News

The former Leyburn lad said it was important for the community to come together, get down there and support the event after last year’s cancellation due to Covid.

“This is more about community, this is very important to this district, for what it brings for businesses it’s really, really important,” he said.

“It’s about being with your mates, the love of the atmosphere. Even if you’re not engaged in the horse sports you’ll enjoy the event.

“It’s been going on for over a hundred years and without people supporting it, it won’t be able to continue to go ahead.”

Despite being one of the biggest sporting names to have grown up in the region, Webcke’s first love has always been farming.

He grew up on a sheep and cattle station near Leyburn and when he wasn’t farming, he was playing or watching sport.

“Sports when you grew up in a small town, it was just part of the fabric, it makes us all feel alive,” he said.

NRL Grand Final Melbourne Storm v Brisbane Broncos at Telstra Stadium Shane Webcke and Darren Lockyer hold the Telstra Trophy aloft after defeating the Melbourne Storm. PHOTO: Mark Evans / News Limited

Webcke played junior footy for the Wattles Allora/Clifton and went to play for the Brisbane Broncos in over 250 matches and four grand finals.

Since retiring from professional league 16 years ago, Webcke now dedicates much of his time to working as a farmer at his property in Leyburn.

Webcke said he always knew coming back home to live in the country was the right move for him when he retired.

“I’m passionate about farming to be honest, that’s my first love, I have an enduring love of the land,” he said.

Webcke spends almost everyday on his farm and drew upon the similarities from playing professional rugby to handling livestock at the rodeo.

“The skill of campdrafters and the horses really fascinates me. I grew up on a sheep and cattle farm and to influence the livestock the way they do is incredible,” he said.

“It’s hard enough when you have fences to get them to move where and how you want them to, so I understand how difficult it is, and it takes an enormous amount of practice and skill to master it.”