Jets to celebrate golden era of rugby league with stars from the 1980s

FORMER rugby league greats will attend the Bilambil Jets Old Boys sportsman’s lunch, aimed at celebrating a golden era of the game while raising money for the community.

The Bring Back the 80s event will be held at The Pavilions Hotel, Terranora, on Friday 17 July.

It will bring together a host of former international stars and local rugby league identities for an afternoon of stories, laughter and nostalgia.

Phil Sigsworth, Paul Sironen, Mark Bugden, Ray Price, David Gillespie, Graham Eadie, Neil Pringle, Larry Corowa, Kevin Stevens, Peter Kelly and Nik Kosef will be the special guests.

Event organiser Craig Rowles said the lunch had become an important fundraiser for the club and the wider community.

“It’s about getting together as a group and enjoying some stories from a great time in rugby league,” he said.

“We put money into helping junior rugby league and we also support sick children and other local causes.

“This is the third time we’ve held it and it’s probably the most excited we’ve been because we’ve introduced a bit of a new format.”

 

The afternoon will be hosted by sports presenter Andy Raymond, with comedian Steve Allison providing entertainment.

Rowles said the lineup featured personalities renowned for entertaining crowds with their stories.

“Guys like Mark Bugden will have some cracking stories and we’ve got a lot of history at Bilambil with Graham Eadie and Kevin Stevens involved with the club,” he said.

“Ray Price is always great at these events. He’s a straight shooter and will tell you how it is.”

The celebrations will continue later in the season when Bilambil Jets Old Boys Day is held alongside the club’s final Northern Rivers Regional Rugby League home game against Murwillumbah on Sunday 9 August.

As part of the occasion, the Jets’ first-grade side will wear traditional brown and white jerseys from the 1970s, which will be auctioned after the match to raise additional funds for the club.

Tickets for the sportsman’s lunch can be purchased by contacting Rowles on 0419 792 212.