League legend Ben Elias joins Perth Glory

Rugby league legend Benny Elias has been appointed to the board of A-League club Perth Glory.

Elias played 234 games for Balmain, 22 State of Origin games for New South Wales and 14 internationals for Australia and in 2005 was named one of the 25 greatest ever NSW players.

“Benny Elias brings a winning culture and attitude to Perth Glory,” Glory owner Tony Sage said.
“Also he gives Glory a strong presence on the east coast.

“He has strong business credentials and board experience and this will compliment the directors we currently have.”
Meanwhile, prized recruit Robbie Fowler put in an impressive first-half performance as Perth completed their pre-season with a 3-1 win over the WA state team on Wednesday night.

Goals from Mile Sterjovski, Reece Vittiglia and Scott Neville made it six wins from six games for the Glory ahead of next week’s season opener against North Queensland in Perth.

Fowler, who missed last week’s win over Adelaide, looked sharp in his 45 minutes on the pitch and coach Dave Mitchell was pleased with the team’s performance.

“It was a good hit-out,” Mitchell said.

“For us it’s all about fitness and not the result but obviously it’s always nice to win.

“I’ve trained the team hard over the last few days so I know it started to take its toll.”
Sterjovski opened the scoring just before half-time but scores were level when Andreas Oliveira put one past Glory’s defence on 73 minutes.

But an 18-yard thunderbolt from youth team forward Vittiglia and a powerful strike from Neville sealed the points for Perth.

Captain Jacob Burns and striker Branko Jelic were rested from the match, while imports Andy Todd (knee) and Victor Sikora (hip) couldn’t be considered for selection.

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© 2010 AAP