Just a couple of comments on some previous posts in this thread. You are once again correct Hal. Wayne Miranda was both indeed a very proficient swimmer and top notch water polo player.
In terms of goal kicking, Dennis Bendall did not kick for Balmain. He came into 1st grade as an inside centre and was partnered with another young strapping centre in Wayne Wigham. Dennis was the very first rugby league player to make first grade from Japanese extraction. He was reknowned for his classic bootlace tackles and was oft referred to as a 'Kamikaze Defender'. Dennis was fast, elusive and fearless with the ball in hand. I decided to look up the opponents against whom he locked horns one on one in the centre position. Here are a handful of the players against whom he matched up in first grade:
Bob Fulton
Ray Branighan
Steve Rogers
Mark Harris
Mick Cronin
John Dorahy*
Quite a handy bunch! Dennis held his own against this mob in first grade. In many ways he was understated because he didn't play for Manly, Parra, or Eastern Suburbs.
Of course Dennis suffered that tragic accident whist diving into a pool in The Blue Mountains. I met Dennis and his wife some time ago on the Northern Beaches of Sydney. He was happy. He was giving his time as the chief fundraiser for the Collaroy Cougars Rugby Club.
Dennis Bendall never kicked goals for Balmain, but he has sure kicked a few throughout a wonderful life.
* Great Bloke Too !
