Did you start supporting the Wests Tigers before the merger or after?

Western Suburbs supporter since 1977\. love to go to Lidcombe oval in the late 70's and early 80's.

I have the book "Clouds of Dust, Buckets of Blood" The story of the Western Suburbs Rugby League Magpies released in 1995\. 4 players with the surname Anderson have played first grade for WS.

D Anderson 1992 - 1993 25 games
M Anderson 1914-1915 16 games
S Anderson 1982 12 games
W Anderson 1914 8 games

In the mid 80's I thought Western Suburbs were going to die like Newtown did in 1983 (1983 and 1984 they had to fight to stay in the comp) so in 1986 I switched sides to Canberra Raiders as I loved their style of play. I supported WT from day one and Canberra became my second favourite team
 
Favourite Balmain player - the flash - Larry Corowa, always brought the crowd on the hill to its feet!!
 
I was born into a Tigers loving family and didn't get fed until I raised my arms when Mum (aka Tigergran as some on the forum would know her as) said "Go Tigers". The tradition continues as I do the same to my daughter now.

I grew up in Orange and my Grandmother lived near Leichhardt Oval and so my Mum/Tigergran, since 1984 (when I was 16) until her death in 2012, drove from Orange to Sydney/Canberra/Newcastle each weekend to watch the games and I would be with her 90% of the trips until I moved to Sydney.

Funnily enough I used to get car sick and had my head in a bucket vomiting for most of the trip and once we got to the ground I had to find some shade and recuperated before watching the 3 games. I was often asked why I kept going and it was because I loved the Tigers and loved being there.
 
Really enjoying this thread. Best one on here. Great reading the stories from both Balmain and Wests.
 
@ said:
Favourite Balmain player - the flash - Larry Corowa, always brought the crowd on the hill to its feet!!
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There was a song written about him that had the chorus:

Send it out, send it out you can hear the voices ring
Send it out send it out as he flies across the wing
And the mighty Balmain flash makes another golden dash

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_iUgc174Mpc
 
Young Balmain Tigers supporter in the time of Sirro, Jack and Im ashamed to say Elias.

Didn't want to be a dragon Like my dad or a dog like my mates. I wanted to be different/unique and have paid the price ever since bar 2005 GF.
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I have 5 kids who love the Tigers and think we win all the time. I dont think they will remain Tigers if we keep losing so often and loosing players.

I love this forum though.
 
Born in Balmain Road Leichhardt near the Fire Station. Saw the 1969 Grand Final when I was 11\. Massive wait till 2005 so I know how to wait for the right bus. Just watched the 2003 game on Fox vs Brisbane at Suncorp when we came from behind to win 12-10 for our first ever victory over them. Benji was a baby. Heignington scored the winner. I couldn't recognise most of the team. Here's a handy site for stats http://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/seasons/nrl-2003/wests-tigers/summary.html
 
My dad talks about Ellery Hanley a lot, especially when we play the dogs, didn't get to watch him with his first stint with Balmain as I was only 2 years old. Do remember him when he came back though in mid 90s.
 
@ said:
@ said:
Favourite Balmain player - the flash - Larry Corowa, always brought the crowd on the hill to its feet!!

There was a song written about him that had the chorus:

Send it out, send it out you can hear the voices ring
Send it out send it out as he flies across the wing
And the mighty Balmain flash makes another golden dash

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_iUgc174Mpc
Click to expand...
Click to expand...

Thanks for that, great memories, he had speed to burn.
 
Was a Balmain boy before the merger, now obviously a hardcore wests tigers fan, funny enough I hated the magpies even though I grew up in the local Campbelltown area….
 
Balmain since forever, grandparents lived in Petersham all Dad's side of the family are Tigers.
My Aunty lives within walking distance (5min) from Leichhardt, when I'm fortunate enough to get down to a Leichhardt game I give her a call, she moves her car onto the street and I park in her driveway, go in and have a feed of meatballs n pasta (she's Italian) then walk down and feel the buzz kick in approaching the sacred turf.
Nothing better!!!!
 
@ said:
Old man played a couple of games for the maggies in the 70's, so you were with Wests or out of the house…
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I had no choice either.

My grandfather and father owned the local sports store on Liverpool Rd Ashfield for decades, and they lived around the corner from Pratten Park. So I'm 3rd generation.

In saying that, the first GF I can remember was when Balmain won the '69 against all odds, so had a soft spot for the Tiges right through to the merger.
 
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