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GALLERY: State of Origin greats tee off for WRHS

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Rugby league royalty converged on Cypress Lakes, in the Hunter Valley, on Thursday – all in the name of charity.

With game two of the 2022 State of Origin series fast approaching, NSW and Queensland legends brushed the cobwebs off their golf clubs to not only contest the second annual Cockroaches and Cane Toads Cup but to raise funds for the much-loved Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service (WRHS).

Handed the captaincy for the NSW team was ex-Parramatta Eels great Peter Sterling OAM, who made 13 appearances for the Blues between 1981 and 1988.

“The pressure is on me, especially after Tim Brasher let Queensland win the inaugural shield last year,” he said.

“But, I’m looking forward to it, Cypress Lakes is such a beautiful looking course.

“Although I might feel differently about it after 18 holes.”

Also flying the NSW flag on 23 June were Brasher (Balmain Tigers, South Sydney Rabbitohs, North Queensland Cowboys) who represented his state on 21 occasions (1992-2000); Penrith Panthers icon Royce Simmons (10 matches – 1984-88), fresh from his recent 300km walk to amass $500,000 for Dementia Australia; Illawarra Steelers and St George Illawarra Dragons blockbusting winger Rod Wishart (22 matches – 1990-98); South Sydney Rabbitohs and Sydney Roosters brilliant utility Craig Wing (12 matches – 2003-09); and hometown hero Kurt Gidley (12 matches – 2007-11).

Leading Queensland’s quest for back-to-back titles was Newcastle Knights Hall of Famer Michael Hagan.

The former Canterbury Bulldogs playmaker not only played five games for the Maroons (1988-89), he also coached them six times from 2004-05.

“This [event] is a great concept and I’m thrilled to be involved,” Hagan said.

“WRHS CEO Richard Jones OAM and his crew do a brilliant job.

“I’m sure today will be a huge success for the organisation.”

Throwing their support behind Hagan were recently-retired Knights and Roosters star Aidan Guerra (10 matches – 2014-17) and Newcastle NRL media manager Frank Barrett, who relished his “debut” to don a Queensland jumper.

Jones, himself, was thrilled with the return of the Origin Legends Golf Day and Dinner.

“It was very well-received in 2021, despite COVID-19 still impacting fundraising events,” he told the Newcastle Weekly.

“In 2022, we’ve got 35 teams registered to play, which equates to about 140 players.

“I’m delighted by that response and the fact guys like Sterlo, Hages, Roycey – who I made my first grade debut against – Wishy, Gids, Timmy, Wingy and Aidan are taking part.

“However, I think most people are here for the gala dinner and after party,” he added with a laugh.

“As long as a good time is had by all, that’s the main thing.

“I’d like to thank major sponsor Ampcontrol, the staff at Cypress Lakes and everyone else for getting on board again.”

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