FORMER NRL star Paul Stephenson will return to where his senior rugby league career started when he makes a guest appearance for Old Bar Pirates against Wauchope in the Group Three match at Old Bar Reserve on Saturday July 30.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
This will be part of a Close the Gap round the Pirates will conduct. This is a first for the club, aimed at raising funds to close the gap on indigenous health.
Stephenson was a member of Old Bar’s premiership winning under 18 team in 1999 before he switched to play for Taree City’s champion first grade sides for the following two years. Stephenson’s footballing journey then took him to Brisbane, Cronulla and Manly. A centre/winger and later second row, Stephenson played first grade with the Sharks and Sea Eagles.
He’s in Tweed Heads these days where he coaches the Tweed under 20s side in the Queensland Cup. Ali Brown, a front rower who had a stint with Canterbury, will be joining Stephenson in the clash against the Blues.
Ex-NRL stars Preston Campbell and Nathan Merritt along with champion surfer Joel Parkinson will other guests on July 30. They’ll attend the match and also a charity auction that night at Club Old Bar. Old Bar coach Col Lucas said the Pirates first grade side will wear jumpers designed by some of the club’s Indigenous players in the match. The jumpers will be auctioned that night along with other sporting memorabilia.
Lucas said Stephenson will play in the back row or the centres against Wauchope.
“I spoke to Stevo the other day and he’s as keen as,’’ Lucas said.
“He’s been training with the 20s so fitness won’t be a concern.’’
He’ll train with the team next Friday night.
Stephenson had been linked with the Pirates to play more matches earlier in the season, however, the travel and his coaching commitments put an end to negotiations.
Lucas said Brown is a tough character who has just ventured out on a professional boxing career.
“He’s in his 30s now but he’s super-fit and he should go well here,’’ Lucas added.
Lucas said it is the club’s intention to make the Close the Gap round an annual event.