A new name entered calculations for the New South Wales State of Origin side last night. He may be a little old, a little inexperienced and, well, a fruiterer. But he has a big heart and that’s all that matters. Welcome to the Blues brotherhood, Tony Trim.
Who, you ask?
Well, Trim donated $14,600 to play alongside his heroes in the Legends of Origin match at a sold out Parramatta Stadium last night.
The fierce arena has chewed up many New South Wales players, but Trim showed he could handle the pressure.
He’d just taken the field and was already puffing like a steam train on the wing when Brad Fittler spotted him and put in a chip.
Trim, living every over 35’s dream, found himself in acres of space, collected the bouncing pill and crashed over for the Blues first try.
He celebrated like he’d just won an Olympic medal, but so he should.
It’s something that he’ll remember for the rest of his life, and by 5pm today, the story he tells his workmates won’t even vaguely resemble the real event.
To cap it off, Ryan Girdler missed the conversion, but at least he chucked in the trademark nose-wipe on the left sleeve prior to taking the kick.
It was an amazing night for rugby league and no doubt the goodwill will flow on to those in need in Queensland.
Every ticket was sold in just 32-hours and the event was organised in merely eight days.
The players did their part. For those that still had hair, it was standing on end as Shannon Noll belted out the national anthem. Their faces were as pumped as some of the stomachs.
David Peachey and Nathan Blacklock were all razzle-dazzle. Fittler broke the line and produced a stunning left-foot step.
Front-rowers were throwing cut-out passes and a rampaging Gorden Tallis steamrolled the Blues left-edge. Mark Carroll was being a pest, as was Benny Elias.
Elias wasn’t taking a backward step, either, even when Andrew Symonds looked like he wanted to punch his head in.
The match was an example of how sport, and specifically rugby league, can be used for good.
The code will always have to deal with controversy, but the good guys far outweigh those who are prone to self-destruction. For the record, Queensland won 20 to 16.
It seems new coach Ricky Stuart has a big job on his hands this year. Sticky, just don’t forget Tony Trim. He may be your best bet.
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