NRL 2024: Missing ex-Sharks player Michael Speechley found in Ramsgate

In a heart-warming development, the Sharks have made contact with Michael Speechley, after the reclusive former star ‘disappeared off the face of the earth’.

In a heart-warming development, the Sharks have made contact with reclusive former star Michael Speechley.

It comes after this masthead revealed that former Cronulla players had issued an emotional plea for Speechley to reconnect with the Sharks family and old boys’ network.

Ex-players claim Speechley essentially vanished despite persistent and repeated attempts to locate for former Sharks, Rabbitohs, Eels and Jets five-eighth.

“He just disappeared off the face of the earth,” said former Sharks centre Darren Higgins.

Multiple tips and leads emerged after our story with many suggesting Speechley, leading an introverted life, often attended Ramsgate RSL. He generally arrives and leaves early, perhaps indicating he was a shift worker.

Former Sharks players issued an emotional plea to be reunited with Speechley, claiming he has “disappeared off the face of the earth”. Picture: Peter Kurnik

Former Sharks player and club old boys’ committee member Alan Wilson drove to Ramsgate RSL on Thursday in a bid to catch-up with Speechley.

As he was walking out of the club, Wilson bumped directly into Speechley, who was walking in.

The pair engaged in a five minute conversation with Wilson asking Speechley to stay in touch and consider returning to the Sharks family and old boy functions.

After also reminiscing about former Sharks players, Wilson gave Speechley - who was healthy and smiling - his business card. Wilson hopes Speechley will call and then enjoy a meal with some ex-teammates.

Speechley has faced some struggles and has previously been spotted living in his car at Ramsgate.

The original story gained enormous traction after Wilson posted it on the Sharks old boys’ WhatsApp page.

“I ran into Michael and had a brief chat,” Wilson said.

“He was fine and was smiling as he always does. We talked about our old teammates and we agreed to catch up soon. Hopefully it’s the start of rekindling some good friendships.”

Speechley will sometimes see former NRL player Corey Pearson at Ramsgate RSL.

Locating Speechley, who has faced his own struggles, was discussed heavily at the Sharks’ annual reunion on August 31. The ex-players have no idea where he lives and could not secure a phone number.

Speechley had previously been spotted living and sleeping in his car at Ramsgate.

Australian boxing legend Jeff Fenech expressed a deep regret at losing contact with Speechley, declaring “He was my best friend.”

Australian boxing legend Jeff Fenech has expressed his regret over losing contact with missing former Sharks star Michael Speechley. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

“I was at his house every day. His dad (Ralph) was our coach,” Fenech said. “I haven’t heard from him in such a long time – I didn’t know what he was doing or what was happening. I haven’t spoken to a lot of people for a long time.

“When I read the story about Michael in The Daily Telegraph, I was shattered and devastated. I want to help him. I will do whatever needs to be done to help him. I will be there for him, don’t worry, anything he needs. One million percent.

“I heard he’d gone through a few hassles at work and I just wish I had reached out to him then but I didn’t. Hopefully it’s not too late. This guy was great at everything. His friends just want him to reconnect and I will do whatever it takes to make that happen.

“People deserve chances. He has found some trouble and I don’t know how that panned out but I wish I was there to help him. Now I regret it but it’s never too late, brother, it’s never too late.

“We went to school together from when we were five years old and then we played footy together from five or six right through to under 18s.

“We won grand finals together from under 12s to under 18s. We won the grand final every year with a few different teams but mainly De La Salle, Marrickville, and then Henson Park Colts. We changed clubs through sponsorship.”

Online punters recall Speechley with great fondness with one posting: “What a player. His defence was absolutely brutal.”

Australian boxing legend Jeff Fenech has expressed a deep regret at losing contact with former Sharks star Michael Speechley, declaring “He was my best friend.”

This masthead revealed that former Cronulla players have issued an emotional plea for Speechley to reconnect with the Sharks family and old boys’ network.

Ex-players who played with Speechley claim he has “disappeared off the face of the earth” despite persistent and repeated attempts to locate for former Sharks, Rabbitohs, Eels and Jets five-eighth.

Locating Speechley, who has faced his own struggles, was discussed heavily at the Sharks’ annual reunion on August 31. The ex-players have no idea where he lives and cannot secure a phone number.

Since the story emerged, there have been several suggestions Speechley attends the Ramsgate RSL. He arrives and leaves by midday, perhaps indicating he does night work.

Former Sharks player and club old boys’ committee member Alan Wilson drove to Ramsgate RSL on Thursday to try and catch-up with Speechley, who didn’t turn up.

“He was my best friend,” Fenech said. “I was at his house every day. His dad (Ralph) was our coach.

“I haven’t heard from him in such a long time – I didn’t know what he was doing or what was happening. I haven’t spoken to a lot of people for a long time.

“When I read the story about Michael in The Daily Telegraph, I was shattered and devastated. I want to help him. I will do whatever needs to be done to help him. I will be there for him, don’t worry, anything he needs. One million per cent.

“I heard he’d gone through a few hassles at work and I just wish I reached out to him then but I didn’t. Hopefully it’s not too late. This guy was great at everything. His friends just want him to reconnect and I will do whatever it takes to make that happen.

“People deserve chances. He has found some trouble and I don’t know how that panned out but I wish I was there to help him. Now I regret it but it’s never too late, brother, it’s never too late.”

Fenech recalled his junior playing days alongside Speechley.

“We went to school together from when we were five years old and then we played footy together from five or six right through to under 18s,” Fenech said.

“We won grand finals together from under 12s to under 18s. We won the grand final every year with a few different teams but mainly De La Salle, Marrickville, and then Henson Park Colts. We changed clubs through sponsorship.

“Our teams were undefeated nearly every year. Bronko Djura (former Souths player) also played with us. Michael and I also played SG Ball and Jersey Flegg together for Newtown Jets.

“He was one of the best footy players I ever played with. When I think about all the teams I played in, I don’t think I could have done it without him. He was the best tackler, great captain and a great friend. He worked as hard as anybody else.”

Speechley had previously been spotted living and sleeping in his car at Ramsgate.

There have been random sightings from Sydney’s south to Coffs Harbour but Speechley hasn’t been formally located or made any contact with his footy mates.

It’s rugby league’s most fascinating mystery.

“I honestly have no idea where he is. Last I heard he was around the Brighton-Sans Souci area but no-one can spot him, no-one knows where he is,” former Sharks halfback and CEO Barry Russell said on Wednesday

“It’s been a while now. If he reads this story, reach out, message me, message ‘Baz’ – 100 per cent.”

And former Sharks centre Darren Higgins declared: “He just disappeared off the face of the earth.”

Online punters recall Speechley with great fondness with one posting: “What a player. His defence was absolutely brutal.”

Originally published as NRL 2024: Missing ex-Sharks player Michael Speechley found in Ramsgate