He may be a St George Dragons legend… but Robert Finch still has a soft spot for his beloved Maitland Pickers.

The 66-year-old, who captured the 1977 and 1979 premierships with the Sydney outfit, recently returned home for the season launch of the Tooheys Newcastle Rugby League (Real NRL) club.

But, that’s nothing new in the Lower Hunter.

Following his success at the Dragons, Finch even ventured back to Maitland and secured the 1983 title.

So, fittingly, after being interviewed by his brother, another Pickers stalwart Mick, he recalled the good times in the region.

“I was at school [here] when my dad and a few other people put together the Tenambit Tigers,” he said.

“It’s sad it’s now fallen by the wayside.

“However, we had many great years with the Tigers.

“We struggled early on as we played in weight divisions, not age, back then.

“But, I remained with them until the under-14s.

“From there, I moved to the Western Suburbs Rosellas and had two seasons, which was good.

“I was coached by the late Peter Dimond – and that was a terrific experience.”

The following year, at the age of 16, Finch was named in the Australian Schoolboys representative side – while at Maitland Boys High – on the 1972-73 tour of England, under the guidance of Roy Masters.

That stellar line-up included Craig Young, Les Boyd, Ian Schubert, Royce Ayliffe, Jack Jeffries, Keith Rugg and Brian Hetherington, all of whom ended up playing first grade in Sydney.

He then linked up with Maitland as a teenager.

“I spoke to dad and others I respected – and decided to try my luck with them,” he said.

“I remember thinking if I make third grade, it will be a bonus.

“I started in the seconds, and played three games, before captain-coach Terry Pannowitz pulled me into the firsts – and we won the premiership.

“That was 50 years ago.

“I met so many wonderful people back then, who I still appreciate today.

“They not only taught me about the sport but life in general.

“I was lucky enough throughout my career to play in a lot of grand finals… and win some.”

However, Finch still rates the 1973 Maitland team as one of the best he’d played in.

“It boasted many great players, blokes like Terry (Pannowitz), Brian Burke, Merv Wright, who was a terrific mentor, and Ray Wawskzowicz,” he said.

“He (Ray) could have been anything if he’d gone to Sydney.

“A history of success and expectation has always been there at Maitland.

“And, it’s great to see that continuing under Matt Lantry.

“What they did in 2022 was outstanding, especially with everyone gunning for them.

“They certainly did Maitland, and the club, proud.

“I’m confident they can keep going as well.”

Soon after, wily St George administrators Frank Facer and John Fleming came knocking on Finch’s door – and the offer was too good to refuse.

He ended up making 118 appearances for the Dragons, from 1974 to 1980, tasting glory twice.

“Frank and John visited me at home; and signed me mid-year as a teen,” Finch told the Newcastle Weekly.

“To be honest, I didn’t know if I’d get another chance.

“I’d always followed St George because they won competitions.

“They were a quality club, so I thought if I want to have a go in Sydney, I’m not going to knock it back.

“In my maiden season, we took out the under-23 title.

“But, it was tough.

“When you walked in the door at the Dragons those days, you felt the expectations of the place immediately.

“We were mixing with icons of the game at St George, Graeme Langlands and John Raper, who both became Immortals, and Harry Bath (coach).

“So, your ability as a player was under pressure from the start.

“There was one guy, Barry Beath… he never spoke to me for six months until he believed I’d earned my stripes.

“That’s how it was there – and how it should be today.”

Meanwhile, the Real NRL moves into round two this weekend with the Pickers hosting the Lakes United Seagulls at Maitland’s No 1 Sportsground.

Tooheys Newcastle Rugby League

Denton Engineering Cup

Round one results:

• Wyong Roos d The Entrance Tigers 26-14
• Cessnock Goannas d South Newcastle Lions 52-12
• Maitland Pickers d Kurri Kurri Bulldogs 44-10
• Central Newcastle Butcher Boys d Macquarie Scorpions 22-20
• Western Suburbs Rosellas d Northern Hawks 8-0
• Bye: Lakes United Seagulls

Round two draw:

Saturday 1 April

• 2pm: South Newcastle Lions v Central Newcastle Butcher Boys (Townson Oval)
• 3pm: The Entrance Tigers v Macquarie Scorpions (EDSACC Oval)
• 3pm: Maitland Pickers v Lakes United Seagulls (Maitland No 1 Sportsground)
• 5.30pm: Kurri Kurri Bulldogs v Wyong Roos (Kurri Kurri Sports Ground)

Sunday 2 April

• 3pm: Northern Hawks v Cessnock Goannas (Tomaree Sports Ground)
• Bye: Western Suburbs Rosellas

For more sports stories:

• NRL great Scott Prince leading Hunter Indigenous employment pathways program
• Local nippers shine at Australian championships
• ‘Stoked’ Vaughan lifts Surfest trophy

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