Supercoach, Wayne Bennett, was the guest speaker at Brett Plowman's luncheon in western Sydney on Friday, 29 July. The former Bronco winger held the function at his Blue Cattle Dog Hotel in St. Clair. In the Bronco's early days, the powerful winger played 60 first grade games for the club from 1988 to 1993. The day was a great success and all proceeds were donated to the Men of League. Wayne Bennett was relaxed in the friendly atmosphere and kept the crowd spellbound for nearly an hour. Danny McMaster compered the day and gave his usual polished and amusing performance. Other notable Rugby League guests included Mark Horo, Frank Puletua, Peter Kelly and John McMartin.
Mark Horo played 16 Tests for New Zealand from 1987 to 1996, as well as 43 top grade matches for Parramatta from 1990 to 1994. Recently retired, Frank Puletua played 178 NRL games, 152 for the Panthers and 26 with Souths. He also represented Samoa from 2000 to 2008, including the 10th World Cup in 2000. Nowadays, Frank is kept busy as Creative Producer for Art and Sport, at the Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre.
One of the game's genuine tough men, Peter Kelly played two State of Origin games for NSW in 1989, as well as 131 first grade games with Newtown, the Bulldogs and the Panthers. At the Bulldogs, he was an important member of their 1984 and 1985, Premiership, Grand Final winning teams. Peter grew up in Eden on the far South Coast and was in the local first grade side at just 17 years of age. He then played a couple of seasons in Newcastle club football before spending an enjoyable season, 1980/81, in the south of France with the Entraignes club. After returning home, he signed with Newtown for two seasons and then on to Canterbury for four seasons and finishing up at Penrith at the end of 1990, after three years.
Playing junior football with Richmond, Mal McMartin went on to play 117 first grade games with Penrith, Balmain and Parramatta over an eight year career in the top grade. In 1975, he was a member of the Parramatta semi final team, along with his twin brother John, Bob O'Reilly, Denis Fitzgerald, John Quayle, Geoff Gerard and Denis Pittard.
Brett plans to hold further Men of League functions at the Blue Cattle Dog, with the aim of forming a branch in the area. Barry Ross spoke briefly at the lunch, explaining the work of the Men of League.