FORMER South Sydney and Australian rugby league lock Ron Coote was a major hit in Manilla on the weekend.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
The former Kangaroo lock, who played almost 250 first grade games for his South Sydney and Eastern Suburbs (now Sydney City Roosters), was one of the star attractions at the Manilla Men Of League charity bowls day at Manilla Bowling Club on Sunday.
He and another first grade lock of great renown, John Quayle, were the main attractions at the bowls day as well as special dinner at the Royal Hotel on Saturday night.
Another former first grade star, Parramatta winger Neville Glover, joined them as well to recall some vivid playing days and funny occurrences during their wonderful careers.
Such was the pulling power, that more than 80 bowlers turned up on Sunday to roll a few down against and with the trio for the Men Of League, for which Coote has been the chairman since its inception 15 years ago.
While at the helm, Coote has overseen the Men Of League raise more than $4million to disperse to needy former footballers and great supporters.
Men Of League’s Manilla sub branch president, Trevor Hatch was delighted Coote could make it to Manilla for the first time while Quayle is a Manilla native and regular.
“It was a great weekend,” Hatch said.
“We had about 80 players. That was brilliant – we had every rink full.
“And we also had a lot of people turn up just for the lunch and to listen to Ron, John and Neville Glover.
“That was very entertaining,” he said.
The auctions also helped raise between $6000 to $7000, Hatch estimated, making it an even better weekend after Saturday night’s dinner at the Royal Hotel.
