PAUL Stephenson will have his first game in Group Three Rugby League since 2001 when he trots out as a guest player with Old Bar in the clash against Wauchope tomorrow at the Old Bar Reserve.
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Stephenson had his first year of senior football with the Pirates as a member of the club’s under 18 premiership winning team in 1999. He spent two successful years at Taree City, winning first grade premierships as a winger in 2000 an 2001 when still eligible for under 18s. Stephenson then moved to Brisbane, Cronulla and Manly, where he played first grade with the Sharks and Sea Eagles as a centre, winger or backrower.
“It’s going to be exciting,’’ he said of the prospect of turning out with the Pirates again.
“My two kids will be with me and we’ll be staying with my brother, so it’s going to be good to catch up with a few people.’’
This will also be the first time he’s played against Wauchope.
“They were still in Group Two when I was down there,’’ the Tweed Heads-based Stephenson recalled.
Still only 32, Stephenson played his last game in 2014 with Tweed Heads in the Queensland Cup. These days he coaches Tweed’s under 20 side in the Q Cup.
“I was coaching out at Inverell in 2012 and did my ACL,’’ he said.
“I missed 2013 and then moved to Tweed Heads where I had a few contacts and played four or five games with them in the Q Cup in 2014. This will be my first game since then.’’
Old Bar coach Col Lucas said Stephenson will play in the centres or the backrow tomorrow. Stephenson is isn’t fazed either way.
“I just hope having and older head out there might do the side some good,’’ he said.
Lucas approached Stephenson about playing the occasional match for the Pirates earlier in the year. Stephenson admits he considered the offer but said his commitments with the under 20s along with the travel involved didn’t make it viable. He understands Old Bar are battling this year but said they have a good mentor in Lucas.
“I know the passion and the effort he puts into coaching,’’ Stephenson said.
Stephenson said his under 20s side is struggling in what has been a tough year.
“We’re the feeder side to the Titans under 20s and also to Tweed Heads. We have three clubs picking from us so we’re transient, so it’s difficult,’’ he explained.
“But I’m enjoying it – Tweed is a great club and I’m surrounded by good people. My job is more about people management and I’m enjoying it – it’s difficult but satisfying.’’
However, Stephenson isn’t interested about taking on coaching as a career.
Stephenson along with fellow ex-NRL stars Nathan Merritt and Preston Campbell and champion surfer Joel Parkinson will attend a charity auction tomorrow night at Club Old Bar as part of the Pirates’ Close the Gap round promotion.