There was a time when the Hunters Hill Hotel attracted many of the WTS players. I use to see Teddy there when he was with us watching the footy with Moses and Brooks. Went over and said hello to my partner when I told him we were mad WTs fans. At that time my experience with him was that he was a real good young fella.
What Wests Tigers players have you bumped into in public?
- Thread starter Papacito
- Start date
InBenjiWeTrust
Well-known member
Paul Sironen, early '90, at Lane Cove. He was in a police uniform and looked huge.
Snidest 0
Well-known member
The most random (excluding leagues club or rugby league events) ARL/NRL player sighting that I can currently recall are:
Garry Jack with his missus post-midnight at the Rocks on NYE 1988/89.
He ignored all the exiting randoms calling out "Garry" - but stopped for a chat and a photo when I said "g'day Jimmy"...
Junior Pearce - Chris Anderson - Mark McGaw 1990 Easter Show
Ellery Hanley walked straight into me at the corner of Victoria Road/Chatham Road at West Ryde outside the old Video Ezy store (now some bubble tea bullshit) - he was staying with Blocker during his 1988 Tigers stint - and again Ellery with Martin Offiah at the Burdekin in 1992
Benny Elias at the old Ron's Pizza joint on Viccy Road West Ryde in 1991
Siro in his police uniform on the opposite escalator at Birkenhead Point 1987
John Muggleton chasing a car from doing donuts on the St Pats Dundas Oval
Blocker with his personal trainer walking in Wenworth Park Glebe in 1998
Tyran Smith running the Glebe Point stairs in 2000
Mark O'Halloran at North Annandale shops 2007
Solomon Haumono at The Friend in Hand Hotel Glebe in 1998 and West Ryde station in 2005
Gordon Tallis in his Dragons days with the curly hair on King St Newtown 1992
Olsen Filipaina - Wes Patten - and John Elias many times and random places over multiple suburbs
Arthur Beetson skulling a 2 litre apple juice at the counter of the fruit shop on Bourke Street Surry Hills 1992
David Gillespie in a Roosters polo playing the pokies at the Red Tomato Inn Kingsford at 1130 am on a weekday 2006
Richard Villasanti playing pokies at the West Ryde Hotel - Royal Hotel in Ryde and Town Hall Hotel in Balmain in 2001
Nathan Wood at the Unity Hall Hotel in 2000
Mick Neil driving through Cleveland Street Redfern 1995
Mark Coyne in a suit on Kent Street Sydney 1994
Brett Kenny at Balmain Leagues club in 1991
Billy Smith Oatley Hotel - a few times
Ricky Stuart drunk as a skunk and shucking a sack of oysters at the bar unnamed southern suburbs bar 1998
Steve Edmed and Matt Parrish visiting their accountant at Birkenhead Point 1992
Sam McIntyre at the self-checkout at Coles West Ryde in 2020
Kerry Hemsley at the old Top Ryde Shopping Centre several times 1984-88
David Nofoaluma and Corey Norman at the new Top Ryde Shopping centre 2017-2018
Johny Raper at David Jones Sydney CBD 1991
Jeremy Marshall-King with Tyler Cassel at Blacktown bus interchange 2016
Ava Seumanufagai and Joel Luani leaving West Ryde Medical Centre with scans in 2015
SBW at the Criterion Hotel Sydney and at domestic Qantas baggage check-in at Sydney Airport 2006-2007
Cliff Lyons playing darts at Harbord Diggers club 1991
Jason Smith managing a pub in Toowoomba 2007
Manoa Thompson - Tricky Trindall and Steve Benkic doing the garbo run in Redfern/Surry Hills 1991-1993
Gary Freeman running water for juniors at Morry Breen Oval Wyong 1999
Dean Pay running the Beach House Hotel in Hervey Bay 2004
....
Garry Jack with his missus post-midnight at the Rocks on NYE 1988/89.
He ignored all the exiting randoms calling out "Garry" - but stopped for a chat and a photo when I said "g'day Jimmy"...
Junior Pearce - Chris Anderson - Mark McGaw 1990 Easter Show
Ellery Hanley walked straight into me at the corner of Victoria Road/Chatham Road at West Ryde outside the old Video Ezy store (now some bubble tea bullshit) - he was staying with Blocker during his 1988 Tigers stint - and again Ellery with Martin Offiah at the Burdekin in 1992
Benny Elias at the old Ron's Pizza joint on Viccy Road West Ryde in 1991
Siro in his police uniform on the opposite escalator at Birkenhead Point 1987
John Muggleton chasing a car from doing donuts on the St Pats Dundas Oval
Blocker with his personal trainer walking in Wenworth Park Glebe in 1998
Tyran Smith running the Glebe Point stairs in 2000
Mark O'Halloran at North Annandale shops 2007
Solomon Haumono at The Friend in Hand Hotel Glebe in 1998 and West Ryde station in 2005
Gordon Tallis in his Dragons days with the curly hair on King St Newtown 1992
Olsen Filipaina - Wes Patten - and John Elias many times and random places over multiple suburbs
Arthur Beetson skulling a 2 litre apple juice at the counter of the fruit shop on Bourke Street Surry Hills 1992
David Gillespie in a Roosters polo playing the pokies at the Red Tomato Inn Kingsford at 1130 am on a weekday 2006
Richard Villasanti playing pokies at the West Ryde Hotel - Royal Hotel in Ryde and Town Hall Hotel in Balmain in 2001
Nathan Wood at the Unity Hall Hotel in 2000
Mick Neil driving through Cleveland Street Redfern 1995
Mark Coyne in a suit on Kent Street Sydney 1994
Brett Kenny at Balmain Leagues club in 1991
Billy Smith Oatley Hotel - a few times
Ricky Stuart drunk as a skunk and shucking a sack of oysters at the bar unnamed southern suburbs bar 1998
Steve Edmed and Matt Parrish visiting their accountant at Birkenhead Point 1992
Sam McIntyre at the self-checkout at Coles West Ryde in 2020
Kerry Hemsley at the old Top Ryde Shopping Centre several times 1984-88
David Nofoaluma and Corey Norman at the new Top Ryde Shopping centre 2017-2018
Johny Raper at David Jones Sydney CBD 1991
Jeremy Marshall-King with Tyler Cassel at Blacktown bus interchange 2016
Ava Seumanufagai and Joel Luani leaving West Ryde Medical Centre with scans in 2015
SBW at the Criterion Hotel Sydney and at domestic Qantas baggage check-in at Sydney Airport 2006-2007
Cliff Lyons playing darts at Harbord Diggers club 1991
Jason Smith managing a pub in Toowoomba 2007
Manoa Thompson - Tricky Trindall and Steve Benkic doing the garbo run in Redfern/Surry Hills 1991-1993
Gary Freeman running water for juniors at Morry Breen Oval Wyong 1999
Dean Pay running the Beach House Hotel in Hervey Bay 2004
....
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Snidest 0
Well-known member
Yep - the Holy Cross crowd loved the HHH - and Moses - Tedesco and Brooks are all local ratepayers in the LGA now.
Snidest 0
Well-known member
Saw him in Newtown too.
Tigerdazz2
Well-known member
Hodgo pulled out irighy n front of me at Brown St, Campbelltown back around 2007. He was driving a hot Commodore, probably a HSV .....I was about to roll down my window and verbally abuse him until I saw the personalised licence plate and then realised it was him when I looked at the driver.
He did a U turn around the corner and came back past me . I just yelled out "you're a champion Hodgo" or "you're a legend Hodgo"....or something something like that. He gave me a wave and a "polite" toot of his car horn with a smile then planted his foot, and that Commodore sounded divine.
Back in ancient times (Lidcombe era late 70s early 80s) we used to bump into Magpie players quite often outside GameDay. At the home games at Lidcombe we're allowed into the change rooms after the game (well male fans only). The players were great and actually interacted with us fans and we often had photos taken with players.
Of all the players Steve Broughton was probably the most approachable, always up for a chinwag. He'd also ask about us, how we were, who of us he had heard in the crowd. Top bloke.
Year_of_the_Tiger
Well-known member
Need to sleep but it’s almost Friday - so giving myself forum time to rev down.
So Benji (and his wife) at Newstead when in Brisbane
skandails when lucky enough to be in a box at Suncorp
Gary fox when I was pissed and walked into channel 9 box like I knew him on same night at corporate box
Matt lodge at airport (changed my mind about him)
Wayne Pearce (via letter in 1989 when dad died at 8) was like Christmas and he made an effort to reply to an 8 yo).
Being called Luke Brooke’s at a game (no garden ornament jokes please) in origin time and then his mates FaceTiming me with him 3 days before he announced Manly.
Been in Brisbane for 20 years and need to get to members day to meet the group. I see Lockyer often - as kids play in the same sports teams.
Wayne Bennett at the fuel pump - was hilarious and far nicer than he portrays. Tall man for me.
Off track now but big Mal a few times - always had time.
So Benji (and his wife) at Newstead when in Brisbane
skandails when lucky enough to be in a box at Suncorp
Gary fox when I was pissed and walked into channel 9 box like I knew him on same night at corporate box
Matt lodge at airport (changed my mind about him)
Wayne Pearce (via letter in 1989 when dad died at 8) was like Christmas and he made an effort to reply to an 8 yo).
Being called Luke Brooke’s at a game (no garden ornament jokes please) in origin time and then his mates FaceTiming me with him 3 days before he announced Manly.
Been in Brisbane for 20 years and need to get to members day to meet the group. I see Lockyer often - as kids play in the same sports teams.
Wayne Bennett at the fuel pump - was hilarious and far nicer than he portrays. Tall man for me.
Off track now but big Mal a few times - always had time.
Year_of_the_Tiger
Well-known member
Elias was at an Italian restaurant and the Fenech (boxer) was there and made a scene.
Most people left. Was appalling. I love Italians when they don’t get emotional especially in crowds - not sure if they are Italian - but they sure acted like it.
Most people left. Was appalling. I love Italians when they don’t get emotional especially in crowds - not sure if they are Italian - but they sure acted like it.
vlad
Well-known member
Played O/35s soccer against David Brooks a few times.
TIGERS
Well-known member
Loads. What a great question.
I was classmates with (and acted with in a school play in Year 6) with Dean Collis. If that counts.
I bumped into Mark O'Neill on the escalator at Rosehill Gardens, (Circa 2009) in the members area, before Rosehill had opened for race day. (I was working there at the time) The whole area was just about empty, I'd actually lost my voice at the time, and could only croak out "...Buckets...", "Legend!" in surprise. I couldn't say much else and he was really funny about it and knew I must have been a fan. It was random as.
I've also met Braith Anasta twice. First time, just before our prelim against the Dragons in 2005 outside the SFS. Then bumped into him in the lifts in the fox sports building in Artarmon like 11 years later after a shift producing NRL Highlights. Both times, seemed a really decent bloke.
I was classmates with (and acted with in a school play in Year 6) with Dean Collis. If that counts.
I bumped into Mark O'Neill on the escalator at Rosehill Gardens, (Circa 2009) in the members area, before Rosehill had opened for race day. (I was working there at the time) The whole area was just about empty, I'd actually lost my voice at the time, and could only croak out "...Buckets...", "Legend!" in surprise. I couldn't say much else and he was really funny about it and knew I must have been a fan. It was random as.
I've also met Braith Anasta twice. First time, just before our prelim against the Dragons in 2005 outside the SFS. Then bumped into him in the lifts in the fox sports building in Artarmon like 11 years later after a shift producing NRL Highlights. Both times, seemed a really decent bloke.
Buttface
Well-known member
Bliody hell Snid, are you stalking footballers?
The Black Pearl.
My fam were refs so I’ve met heaps especially as a kid.
One bloke I met and spoke to again recently was Neil Baker. Played 6 at souths and Penrith. He is a sales rep for Wethertex cladding, has been for years. He’s a really nice, humble bloke, and never says anything about his playing days unless asked.
UnderTheBus
Active member
Darren Senter (Captain courageous) in the urinal at the Oatley Hotel back in 2006. Had a great chat about 2005 and how he retired the year before.
Goldust
Well-known member
Brent Naden a few weeks ago in Aldi
Dudes a giant
Tamou at school pickup,during his Tigers stint.As others said ,super friendly.
Luai at Penrith Plaza just before Xmas ,although he was busy to talking to some young lads .
Met the original Daine Laurie over a decade ago during a night out with one of his mutual friends.Wild bloke to say the least.
Matt Groat.MacArthur Tavern,just after his debut.Don’t remember much of it .
Dudes a giant
Tamou at school pickup,during his Tigers stint.As others said ,super friendly.
Luai at Penrith Plaza just before Xmas ,although he was busy to talking to some young lads .
Met the original Daine Laurie over a decade ago during a night out with one of his mutual friends.Wild bloke to say the least.
Matt Groat.MacArthur Tavern,just after his debut.Don’t remember much of it .
upthetigers
Well-known member
Your memory is phenomenal. So you're not a young lad. I thought you were for some reason.
innsaneink
Well-known member
Saw them all often and sirro weekly at Putney touch footy
Hemsley at the footy at Telstra once on his own pissed as
We played touch footy with Chris Mortimer main drag of punchbowl 3@m one night waiting for a cab
Rangi chase touch footy again was really good with the kids my son about 10 at the time
Choc mundine met me once at LO during a BRET game
Used to see blocker a lot around. Meadowbank, W/ Ryde too.
Tame tupu signed for us never played lived in a building I managed... Along with Russell Arnold
hank37w
Well-known member
Ran into Marty Tapau and Mal Meninga at Perth Airport Qantas Lounge early 2016 I think.
It was just after he left us to start at Manly and was in Perth with Mal to promote the Australia vs New Zealand test match to be held at the end of that year.
Had about a 10 minute chat with Marty, my daughter was a big fan of his at the time and he knew her straight away from social media.
Wished him the best of luck for the future and I had to run off to catch my flight to Port Hedland or one of the mine sites at the time.
Mal Gave a bit of a nod and a wave to acknowledge me but he was deep in conversation on the phone the whole time.
Have run into Paul Gallen also at Perth Airport in the Qantas Lounge as well when he was on his way home from a holiday with family. He wasn't all that talkative when I commented that he was a long way from home, but started to get a bit chatty when I told him to smash those Maroons.
Have run into Blocker a number of times at Sydney Airport and Cootamundra RSL of all places.
Also gave Anthony Minichiello a bit of a serve about the part he played in poaching Teddy to the Rooster, that was also Qantas Lounge Sydney Airport.
Off hand can't think of too many others at the moment.
It was just after he left us to start at Manly and was in Perth with Mal to promote the Australia vs New Zealand test match to be held at the end of that year.
Had about a 10 minute chat with Marty, my daughter was a big fan of his at the time and he knew her straight away from social media.
Wished him the best of luck for the future and I had to run off to catch my flight to Port Hedland or one of the mine sites at the time.
Mal Gave a bit of a nod and a wave to acknowledge me but he was deep in conversation on the phone the whole time.
Have run into Paul Gallen also at Perth Airport in the Qantas Lounge as well when he was on his way home from a holiday with family. He wasn't all that talkative when I commented that he was a long way from home, but started to get a bit chatty when I told him to smash those Maroons.
Have run into Blocker a number of times at Sydney Airport and Cootamundra RSL of all places.
Also gave Anthony Minichiello a bit of a serve about the part he played in poaching Teddy to the Rooster, that was also Qantas Lounge Sydney Airport.
Off hand can't think of too many others at the moment.
LeichhardtTiger
Well-known member
Well, when I lived in Dulwich Hill, off Old Canterbury Road, my wife and I were waiting for the 413 bus at Central Station Broadway to head home. It was after the peak around 6.30 pm and the bus arrived. We boarded and headed towards the back where she spotted a spare seat next to some bloke. She sat down and I stood beside her and did a double take at the bloke next to her. I said, "Hey, aren't you Jimmy Jack?" Then he replied, Well, if I'm Jimmy Jack, then that'd have to be Michael O'Connor and he'd probably be Blocker Roach, and that big bloke would be Paul Sironen and the little bloke would be Benny Elias! It was a sweet selection of the NSW Blues SOO team sitting in the back of the bus on their way to the Camperdown Travelodge - gotta love the professionalism of Sport back then! I did ask him his thoughts on new Balmain coach Bill Anderson who he said was a very smart coach.
hank37w
Well-known member
Forgot about Bill Anderson at Balmain, just before Warren Ryan was coach.
The Chad
Well-known member
Bragging contest... 😀
I had a phat chat with Brian Smith (former St George/Parramatta coach) at SOO at Suncorp a couple of years back. Genuinely nice dude, stuck in the exit chaos & couldn't move. Had a laugh about how Qld supporters couldn't get out fast enough (NSW had thumped us).
Had a few interactions with Liam Fulton & Bryce Gibbs not long after they retired. Thought they both seemed pretty cool.
Ran into Todd Payten as the NSW U19's coach at a hotel in Roma St in Brisbane, then had a chat with Jack Buchanan who was in the U19's team. REALLY friendly guy (Buchanan). Payten doesn't give much away but smiled when I finished with a Go Tigers.
Helped my dad put carpet into Souths Leagues WAAAAAAY back. Mario Fenech, Jeff Fenech, Neil Baker & Craig Coleman were in the bar. Mario & Neil tried helping lug underlay into the building. Jeff & Craig were busying throwing shot glasses at a cat in the street....
Played junior football against Nick Graham & Nathan Long.
Regularly run into my old school mate Nathan Long (Sharks) at the tracks in Brisbane- he's a runner for bookies up here. Don't know how 2 Kirrawee High boys ended up on the Qld race tracks...but there you go.
Had Dan Staines coach my U16's team back at De La Salle Caringbah back in the day. Surprisingly small human.
Lastly- actually coached former Dragons, Cowboys & Tigers #7 Kieran Kerr in his junior cricket team. I clearly had a strong influence on his cricket career.
I had a phat chat with Brian Smith (former St George/Parramatta coach) at SOO at Suncorp a couple of years back. Genuinely nice dude, stuck in the exit chaos & couldn't move. Had a laugh about how Qld supporters couldn't get out fast enough (NSW had thumped us).
Had a few interactions with Liam Fulton & Bryce Gibbs not long after they retired. Thought they both seemed pretty cool.
Ran into Todd Payten as the NSW U19's coach at a hotel in Roma St in Brisbane, then had a chat with Jack Buchanan who was in the U19's team. REALLY friendly guy (Buchanan). Payten doesn't give much away but smiled when I finished with a Go Tigers.
Helped my dad put carpet into Souths Leagues WAAAAAAY back. Mario Fenech, Jeff Fenech, Neil Baker & Craig Coleman were in the bar. Mario & Neil tried helping lug underlay into the building. Jeff & Craig were busying throwing shot glasses at a cat in the street....
Played junior football against Nick Graham & Nathan Long.
Regularly run into my old school mate Nathan Long (Sharks) at the tracks in Brisbane- he's a runner for bookies up here. Don't know how 2 Kirrawee High boys ended up on the Qld race tracks...but there you go.
Had Dan Staines coach my U16's team back at De La Salle Caringbah back in the day. Surprisingly small human.
Lastly- actually coached former Dragons, Cowboys & Tigers #7 Kieran Kerr in his junior cricket team. I clearly had a strong influence on his cricket career.
The Chad
Well-known member
Forgot!
Sold Lote Tuquri & his wife (stunning) carpet when I did a short stint in retail. He was a really nice guy. But, like most of us- he gets told what to do by the Minister of Finance.
Sold Lote Tuquri & his wife (stunning) carpet when I did a short stint in retail. He was a really nice guy. But, like most of us- he gets told what to do by the Minister of Finance.
