Brothers stalwart celebrates success with life membership

CLUB stalwart Al Petty has capped a memorable season of rugby league with Marist Brothers after he was named as the Rams’ newest life member for his 30 years of service to the game.

Petty first arrived at the club from Broken Hill in 1987 and has held every position from president, manager, trainer, first aid official and fundraising coordinator.

He is just the 21st person to be inducted as a life member in the club’s 113 year history.

It could not have come at a better time with its first grade team breaking a 22-year premiership drought in Northern Rivers Regional Rugby League this season.

The club has also come off a challenging three years rebuilding from the floods in 2022.

“It’s pretty humbling to be included in that group, you don’t do it for the accolades, but it was a special moment,” Petty said.

“You learn from the older guys growing up and this club has had some great role models who I looked up to, I always wanted to give something back when my time came.

“We’ve had a great group of players, committee members, volunteers and sponsors who helped us rebuild from the floods.

“It was a big challenge and we’re just coming out the other side of that now.”

Petty moved back to the region after his initial stint and has been a regular at the Rams since 1996.

Since then, one of his biggest achievements has been his involvement with the Ladies League Tag side.

They have been one of the best teams in the women’s competition since its inception in 2018.

He was also thrilled that many of the club’s juniors were part of the first grade premiership this season.

“There was a two to three-year plan there with Matt Barber and Darryl Butcher coaching them,” Petty said.

“I was so happy to see players like Mitchell Krause, Paul O’Neill and Lachie Perren win a grand final, they’ve been here through the good and bad times.

“Our women’s team were integral for getting back on track after the floods and they’ve been the most successful team we’ve had over the last decade.

“First grade winning this year was a real shot in the arm for the whole town and everyone in the club has played their part in it.”