We are the Rugby League Apologists and for that we make no apology.

Tough-tackling, perpetual motion, an 80-minute workhorse – Parky was none of these. In fact, even the game’s most hopeless forwards accused the little hooker who surfaced in the country pub league of possessing little, if no, desire to mix it in the middle. Parky spent his later career developing the precursor to the Benji Marshall “shake and bake” before he vanished from the game completely. Parky now lives with his wife Winnie in a quaint country cottage with enough time on his hands for baking and rugby league scrapbooking. 

‘T-Bone’ Tony’s career extended to just the one year at high school, but despite hanging up his boots as a 12 year-old the lanky kid still managed a career highlight that most could only dream of. After receiving the pill in his own half of the playground, he jinked, went in and away, chipped left-footed over none other than a young Andrew Ettingshausen’s sister, regathered on the full, and scored ‘the try of the term’ untouched, beside the bins. He loved that school so much he’s still there.

Sean’s first taste of the footy was as a young tike sat on his dad’s shoulders at Belmore Oval. Years later Les Johns, who had been playing that day, came to his house selling insurance and the young fella was given a pair of the legendary fullback’s socks. Although he’d always wanted to pull on the jersey and run out onto the hallowed turf, Sean instead became a male underwear model until a fateful ice-skating incident hideously re-rendered his nether region. Today he still loves those socks, conspicuously tucked down the front of his pants.

Without his parents' permission or knowledge, Monty made his footy debut in 4th grade after he was allowed to 'go and watch' his mate play. He developed a great sidestep and pace by avoiding his feather-duster-wielding parents that same evening. Undeterred by the many welts on his arse, he persevered with his clandestine career and despite the fact that their club, Avalon, played in South Sydney jerseys and had a Bulldog as a mascot, Monty has always followed Manly. Born in the hospital of the same name, he’s a musical man of Wiradjuri descent and can play both air guitar and his own arse. Which, despite the assertions of his neighbours, has never been amplified.

But seriously. There are plenty of sports news sources out there and we all know where to find the facts, so that’s not what we’re here for. We have been friends for decades and have all followed the game with a passion since the early 70’s. Our podcast is an extension of how we are when we’re together at the pub.

Parky has spent more than 35 years in the media as a journalist, sports editor and editor, including several seasons as a rugby league writer with the Daily Mirror. He has followed his beloved Dragons through thick and thin. Tony is a high-school teacher, and a student of the game with an instant array of memories paired with a wealth of facts, figures and contacts. Especially relating to his Sharks. Sean ran up and down the sideline shooting for Rugby League Week during the 1980’s and early 90’s. He even got to do a couple of laps-of-honour with his Bulldogs at the SCG, and it’s his pic of Turvey that we use as our logo. And despite his love of Manly, we're happy to have advertising and marketing guru, Monty, add his unique wit and insights to the team. 

Truth is, we love all sport. We are sports nuts. Though it’s not wrong to say that Rugby League is our biggest love, and for that, we make no apology.