David Trewhella played alongside some of the most durable blokes to run onto a rugby league field during a stellar career.

Names like Brian Battese, Trevor Gillmeister, Hugh McGahan, Terry Matterson, Brad Tessman, John Tobin, Pat Jarvis, Craig Salvatori, Paul Vautin, Les Davidson, Danny Lee, Robbie Kearns, Dan Stains and Gavin Miller.

But, he still believes there is one man who leaves them all for dead.

And, that’s his former Maitland Pickers’ team-mate Phil Amidy.

The pair, as well as captain-coach Robert Finch, Wayne Buckley, Milton Burrows, Michael Byrne, Kyle Connor, John Crooks, Michael Finch, Chris Guider, Greg Guider, Darren Meredith, Chris O’Neill and Peter Walsh, won the Newcastle Rugby League premiership in 1983.

Maitland accounted for the Cessnock Goannas 20-12 in a bruising decider at the International Sports Stadium.

“Phil’s probably the hardest guy I’ve ever seen on the football field,” Trewhella said.

“He was super tough and I’m counting Sydney boys, and everything else with that, as well.

“It’s funny, we talked on the bus [today] about who played and what year was your last game?

“He was like ‘2004’ … he was bloody 51.

“So, anyway, he beat everyone on the retirement scale.

“However, I don’t think anyone was surprised.”

Maitland-born Trewhella, a talented utility, carved out a nice profession in the “big smoke”, too.

After playing juniors and grade in the local area, he began his stint in the seniors in Queensland.

While at Redcliffe, he was named its Player of the Year in 1984.

Two seasons later, Trewhella moved to Sydney where he linked up with the Eastern Suburbs Roosters.

Despite being a halfback, his coach – and Immortal – Arthur Beetson turned him into a forward, at lock and later as a hooker.

He then donned the “red, white and blue” on 81 occasions, from 1986 to 1991, reaching the preliminary final in 1987.

In the representative arena, the Country star gained a spot on the NSW bench for game one of the 1988 State of Origin at the Sydney Football Stadium and at hooker in the third match of the 1989 series at Lang Park where he scored a try.

Afterwards, Trewhella was selected in the 20-man squad for the mid-season 1989 Kangaroo tour of New Zealand.

He played in three of the six fixtures, however no Tests with coach Bob Fulton preferring Queenslander Kerrod Walters in the hooking role.

In 1992, he switched to the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks, reuniting with Beetson.

But, after only nine appearances, he announced his retirement.

In 2015, Trewhella was named one of the Pickers’ top 20 players of all time and, in 2017, inducted into the Maitland Hall of Fame.

So, he was delighted to “catch up” with his former compatriots at the weekend to celebrate their 40-year reunion.

“It’s great,” he told the Newcastle Weekly.

“I really have to thank the [Maitland] officials for organising it, we haven’t seen a lot of each other for a long time.

“In fact, for some since 1983.

“We had a good side that year.

“We’d been building up for a while but having Robert Finch return as captain-coach, that was terrific.

“Thankfully, we boasted some great players as well.

“When you look at that team, guys like Johnny Crooks, Chris and Greg Guider, Mickey Byrne and, of course, Phil (Amidy).

“It brings back fantastic memories.”

Trewhella admitted he was impressed with not only the new crop of Pickers, but the facilities at No 1 Sportsground.

“Gee, they’re an amazing squad, look at their results over the past few seasons under Matt Lantry,” the 61-year-old said.

“It’s a superb club, from the committee to the coaches, players and supporters.

“I love the current facilities, too.

“I grew up here and always visited the Sportsground.

“I’m not just talking about playing for the Pickers either, we came here as kids to watch the team, Terry Pannowitz, Brian Burke and all our heroes.

“We idolised those guys growing up, so it’s great to be back.

“The changes they’ve made to the ground are also fantastic… no more cricket pitch,” he added with a laugh.

“So, it’s a little bit different to what I’m used to.

“However, the Pickers’ spirit is still the same.”

Maitland will face Lakes United in round 14, on Saturday 1 July, while Macquarie hosts Western Suburbs, Cessnock tackles Northern Hawks and Kurri Kurri meets Wyong.

On Sunday 2 July, Central Newcastle plays South Newcastle and The Entrance has the bye.

Tooheys Newcastle Rugby League

Denton Engineering Cup

Round 13 results:

• South Newcastle Lions d Kurri Kurri Bulldogs 64-6
• Maitland Pickers d Cessnock Goannas 24-16
• Wyong Roos d Macquarie Scorpions 33-14
• Western Suburbs Rosellas d Lakes United Seagulls 42-4
• Central Newcastle Butcher Boys d The Entrance Tigers 24-18
• Bye: Northern Hawks

Round 14 draw:

Saturday 1 July

• 2pm: Macquarie Scorpions v Western Suburbs Rosellas (Lyall Peacock Field)
• 3pm: Cessnock Goannas v Northern Hawks (Cessnock Sports Ground)
• 3pm: Lakes United Seagulls v Maitland Pickers (Cahill Oval)
• 3pm: Kurri Kurri Bulldogs v Wyong Roos (Kurri Kurri Sports Ground)

Sunday 2 July

• 3pm: Central Newcastle Butcher Boys v South Newcastle Lions (St John Oval)
• Bye: The Entrance Tigers

For more sports stories:

• REAL NRL: Huth relishing his role at the Goannas
• Northstars send a message to AIHL rivals
• Charlestown junior netballers all in for state glory

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