The popularity of Shane Webcke, and the respect with which he is held, was well and truly illustrated by a record attendance of 91 at the April Full Time Club gathering of the Sunshine Coast Committee.
Despite a torrential downpour during the afternoon, MOL members turned out in force at the bi-monthly event held at Mooloolaba Surf Club to hear Webcke, one of the more articulate graduates from the NRL in recent years.
And while the Toughest 12 inductee and one of the Top 100 Players of the Century was openly candid in discussing the recent furor over the publishing of his book ‘Hard Road’, his general views on the game of Rugby League enthralled the audience of mostly players of yesteryear.
The four-times premiership winning ex-Broncos prop discussed a wide range of topics during his 60-minute address, including the administration of the game, refereeing, player behavior, State of Origin, individual personalities and his plans for the future.
Webcke believes the Game will continue to be hamstrung while such a convoluted administration structure exists and said any business expert would be bewildered examining the complex configuration of Rugby League.
“I think most open-minded people agree that Rugby League needs to be governed by one body and our development will be hampered until that occurs,” he said.
“Obviously there is a reason this is not happening and, unfortunately, I think that reason is self-interest.”
When asked if he had an interest in becoming involved in the administration of the Game at some stage, Webcke was guarded.
“Before I took that step I would like to be older and wiser,” he said.
“I am keen to develop my skills in a few areas, attend the school of hard knocks and become a little broader in my knowledge of many things before I lock in to something like that.
“But I believe the administration of our game is an unconditional key to future growth and success and yes, I am interested.”
He reflected the view of many when he expressed the opinion that player behavior today was no worse than in the past.
In fact Webcke suggested that generally the players of today were better behaved than in days gone by.
“But today the media and public scrutiny is suffocating,” he said.
“And because of that the players have to be smarter and understand that part of the deal of being a professional sportsperson these days is a squeaky clean image. Players have to learn to live with that.”
Webcke was generous in his praise of Wayne Bennett who he said, as an ex-winger, probably did not teach him much about front row play.
“But he taught me a lot about life, a lot about the importance of being part of a team and about respect,” he said.
“Wayne’s greatest attribute is his man management skills and the respect he commands from all those with whom he has been in contact, exemplifies his true quality as a man.”
The next Full Time Club get together will be on Thursday, June 11. A guest speaker is yet to be confirmed but bookings can be made with Tegan Meyers at tegan@menofleague.com
