Three Wests Tigers legends – John Skandalis, Brett Hodgson and Pat Richards – were the headline act at this year’s fundraising dinner for local grassroots rugby league.
It was hosted by Wests Group Macarthur last Friday night in a packed auditorium at Wests Leagues Leumeah of representatives of local junior clubs across the Macarthur region.
It was estimated there were more than 400 people in attendance.
“We are deeply committed to fostering the growth and development of rugby league at every level,’’ said Alan Buxton, Wests chairperson.
He said there were around 9000 participants involved in the rugby league community of the region.
The night raised $50,000 from auctions and raffles, with Wests Group adding another $30,000.
A week earlier Wests pledged $400,000 towards the running of the game at Group Six and junior levels.
As well as reminiscing about the 2005 grad final triumph, Skando, Hodgo and Paddy also spoke about how junior football shaped them both as players and people.
There were big cheers as each players recounted his days as a junior player, from Eagle Vale and Ingleburn RSL for Hodgson to Minto Cobras for John Skandalis.
All three are still involved in the Wests Tigers in various capacities, with Hodgson recently appointed offensive coach on Benji Marshall’s staff.
Skandalis is looking after corporate hospitality for the club, while Pat Richards is coaching his son in the under 18s Wests Tigers Macarthur rep side.
Richards told how his son left league at under 11 level to play AFL but came back last year to play for Camden Rams and “fell in love with the game again’’.
Hodgson, who told the audience he played for two junior clubs, Eagle Vale St Andrews and Ingleburn RSL, said he has fond memories of growing up and playing league.
“It’s in the juniors that develops you as a person,’’ he said.
Naturally the three discussed the magical moments from the 2005 grand final victory over the Cowboys, with the Benji flick pass and Pat Richard’s try that followed taking up much of the discussion.
A special NRL video clip was shown on the big screens around the room, and the hushed crowd broke into a huge applause when it wrapped up.
The trio also signed a replica grand final jersey, which was auctioned to raise more funds for local footy.
