DEV Dines has a few stories to tell about rugby league, from winning two first grade premierships in one season in the 1950s, through to watching the Kootingal Roosters pick up the Second Division premiership last season, and now the game is giving back to the family as his wife Bev battles cancer.
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Bev suffered a stroke some years ago and, while doctors told the family that she wasn’t going to make it home, that is exactly where she is six years later and still fighting.
Cancer of the ear and some surgery has Bev travelling from Kootingal to Sydney constantly over the last few months and, when the Men of League Foundation realised, they immediately jumped on board and have made the Dines’ Christmas just that much better.
Tamworth Men of League president Kevin Robinson dropped off a $500 food voucher for the Dines on Wednesday, although there was already plenty of jubilation around the house after they welcomed another great-grandchild, Maddison, to granddaughter Lauren that morning.
“We got a great grand- daughter as well today,” Dev said.
“It’s all pretty good.”
Dev was the Western Suburbs Magpies’ five-eighth during the 1950-51 seasons after moving from North Newcastle to Sydney first grade.
In 1953, the playmaker was the first and could possibly still be the only player to win two first grade premierships in one year.
After winning the Queensland competition with Mareeba and going on to represent Queensland, Dines was sensationally called back into the Magpies to replace a player away on Kangaroos duty as the side approached the finals.
Dines even managed to cross for a try as he led the side to victory and a second premiership.
He is a life and founding member of the Canley Vale Juniors, and it is those years that he remembers most fondly.
“I loved winning premierships and playing at Wests and Queensland but I also had a lot of fun with the juniors and bringing them through,” Dev said.
It must run in the blood, with son Stuart and grandson Mitch heavily involved in the Kooty Roosters.
“It has been our life,” Dev said.
“It has brought us all together and already got us through some hard times.”
“It is great what Men Of League have done for us.”
“We are still hanging in there for a few more seasons.”
