If Merriwa’s walls could speak?
BY ALEX TIGANI
If the walls of the Merriwa Magpies’ rugby league club could speak, what would they say after 100 years?
It is a question which has been asked in the lead up to the club’s centenary match against Denman to be held on Saturday, June 10.
Admittedly, the club had only moved to its current facility in 1973 after half a century playing at the Merriwa Showground.
Veteran Nathan Barry has had fond memories since his playing for his undermanned under-18 side in 2005.
The 36-year-old now prepares for game 150.
“The club that always pushes itself until the end,” he replied.
Matt Morgan first played on the club’s hallowed turf as a six-year-old in 1980 and continued until 2015.
He has since gone on to be a master coach.
“Everyone that has come here has always been welcoming,” Morgan added. “Everyone plays for the jumper, their mates and their family.”
Strapper, past player and legend Bobby Rolfe is usually the man to lead the club song in the winning circle. We also asked him.
“What a good club it is to play for,” he reflected. “We have had our ups and downs but we always come back together.”
The question will continue to make its way to the likes of club legends such as Denny Gleeson, Ben Morgan, Simon and Lachlan Walmsley.
“We even have one member from the 1961 grand final side coming on the day and he’s now 88,” club president Phil Neale concluded.