NewsBite

Legends of League put on a huge for Darling Downs footy fans

Darling Downs league fans were treated to a fun footy spectacle at the weekend as an Aussie legends team packed full of ex-NRL stars came to town. Check out our huge photo gallery here.

The Danes Allstars run out at the NRL Legends of League event at Club Pittsworth.
The Danes Allstars run out at the NRL Legends of League event at Club Pittsworth.

Darling Downs footy fans were treated to a rugby league day of legendary proportions at the weekend.

With more than 3000 games of NRL, First Grade, Origin and international experience under their belts, the Australian Legends Team travelled to Pittsworth determined to prove there was still plenty of life - and more than a few tries - left in their legs.

The game however was played in great spirits with the Aussie Legends taking on a Pittsworth Danes Allstars team featuring some of the club’s best past players.

Former Toowoomba Junior Rugby League stars Steve Price and Ash Taylor headlined the Aussie Legends team which included the likes of Sam Thaiday, Justin Hodges, Cliff Lyons and Ben Hannant.

Amy Sauverain, whose partner Scott played for the Danes team, was among the 3000 strong crowd that turned out for the game.

“It was great game. It looked like the players were having a lot of fun with it and the crowd really enjoyed it as well,” she said.

“I know Scott was a little bit nervous before the game but at the same time he was looking forward to it.

The Australian Legends and Pittsworth All Stars prepare for their match at Club Pittsworth,. Pictures: Kevin Farmer
The Australian Legends and Pittsworth All Stars prepare for their match at Club Pittsworth,. Pictures: Kevin Farmer

“He hasn’t played that much lately and he had a little bit of injury heading into the game.

“He went on for the last 20 minutes.

“I thought he had a good game and he really enjoyed himself and after the game he said was a bit surprised by how good he felt fitness wise.

“He said he wanted to see what it would be like trying to tackle Steve Price and Sam Thaiday and I’m pretty sure he got to experience that.”

Many of the Australia team players spent the days leading up to Saturday’s game visiting schools, attending local fundraising events and support Pittsworth businesses.

Sauverain said the event was a great morale booster for the region.

“All of the players were really friendly and it was amazing to see how they interacted with the community,” she said.

“They visited a lot of schools in the lead up to the games which would’ve really inspired our region’s kids – knowing if they work hard they might be able to live out their dreams like these players did.

“It was great opportunity for the Danes players too … being able to play against guys that played at the elite level.”

The Australian Legends of League take on the Pittsworth All Stars at Club Pittsworth.
The Australian Legends of League take on the Pittsworth All Stars at Club Pittsworth.
The Danes Allstars run out at the NRL Legends of League event at Club Pittsworth.
The Danes Allstars run out at the NRL Legends of League event at Club Pittsworth.
Reggie Cressbrook runs out.
Reggie Cressbrook runs out.
Sam Thaiday greets the Danes Allstars players.
Sam Thaiday greets the Danes Allstars players.
Steve Price with the Australia Legends.
Steve Price with the Australia Legends.
Supporting Danes player Travis Short are his family (from left) Skylar, Elle and Presley Short.
Supporting Danes player Travis Short are his family (from left) Skylar, Elle and Presley Short.
Amy Sauverain (right) with Dominic and Alydiah Sauverain.
Amy Sauverain (right) with Dominic and Alydiah Sauverain.
Steven Merritt (left) and Ian Reynolds.
Steven Merritt (left) and Ian Reynolds.
Danes Allstars player Chris Parker with Danes junior Charlie Burchmann.
Danes Allstars player Chris Parker with Danes junior Charlie Burchmann.
Terry Matterson gives his autograph to Sonny (left) and Harry Ruhle.
Terry Matterson gives his autograph to Sonny (left) and Harry Ruhle.
Terry Matterson gives his autograph to Sonny (left) and Harry Ruhle.
Terry Matterson gives his autograph to Sonny (left) and Harry Ruhle.
Kerri Fedrick shows off her signed football with nephews Brock Taylor (left) and Jake Taylor.
Kerri Fedrick shows off her signed football with nephews Brock Taylor (left) and Jake Taylor.
At the Legends of League event are (from left) Molly Weedon, Emily Burgess and Kristy Johnson.
At the Legends of League event are (from left) Molly Weedon, Emily Burgess and Kristy Johnson.
Grace Twidale (left) and Amelia Sutton.
Grace Twidale (left) and Amelia Sutton.
Krystal and Jacob Kleidon
Krystal and Jacob Kleidon
Terry Matterson signs the shirt of Maxwell Stower.
Terry Matterson signs the shirt of Maxwell Stower.
Sam Thaiday with Danes junior Wylie Bunyab.
Sam Thaiday with Danes junior Wylie Bunyab.
Sam Thaiday runs out with Danes junior Wylie Bunyab.
Sam Thaiday runs out with Danes junior Wylie Bunyab.
Sam Thaiday runs out with Danes junior Wylie Bunyab.
Sam Thaiday runs out with Danes junior Wylie Bunyab.
Danes Allstars player Chris Parker with Danes junior Charlie Burchmann.
Danes Allstars player Chris Parker with Danes junior Charlie Burchmann.
Anthony Watts with kids Layla and Archie Watts.
Anthony Watts with kids Layla and Archie Watts.

Original URL: https://www.thechronicle.com.au/sport/legends-of-league-put-on-a-huge-for-darling-downs-footy-fans/news-story/177c7b2b0d26d290b782c2bdefd904cf