Jump to content

Two Birthdays Today


marklaspalmas

Recommended Posts

Through the wonders of the internet (facebook and twitter), I found out that two Featherstone players have their birthday today. Coincidentally I got to meet both of them recently, which is unusual for me as I hardly know any players or ex-players at all.

The first birthday boy, looking as young as he ever did, is Peter Smith. It hardly requires any words from me to describe the stature of this man’s achievements at our club and in the sport in general. But if words were necessary, then Immortal, Legend, All-time Great, are all appropriate to describe a back-rower who gave everything to our club over almost 20 years. He played over 400 games,  won the League Championship and the Challenge Cup, played and toured for Great Britain. He was the best tackler I ever saw and scored over 100 tries for the club as a back row forward. He overcame crippling injuries to continue his career and was always an exemplary sportsman, rarely, if ever, giving away a penalty.

The other birthday boy, a year or two younger, is not a Featherstone lad, and had probably never heard of the place growing up in Sydney. He played for St.George and Parramatta and arrived here in January. Chances are he will be on his way at the end of the year. But Cameron King has been our best player and onfield organiser this year. He’s a charismatic leader who has a positive effect on his team-mates. Not the biggest man, he has put his body on the line this year with some incredible tackling stints as well as being leading try scorer with his close range drives from acting half-back.

I was invited to Peter’s house to interview him for a book I’m writing, and I briefly met Cam post-match when I asked him to pose for a photo with my nephew pitchside. Peter is such a knowledgeable, easy-going and modest man, it’s easy to forget just just how hard you have to be to reach the top level in rugby league. Cam came off the field, obviously shattered but with a smile on his face with all the time in the world and some kind words to absolutely make the day of a young Rovers fan (and his uncle).

Two players who are part of the rich history of Featherstone Rovers RLFC. I love our club.

Link to comment
Share on other sites


3 hours ago, MADREDNIGE said:

He had many offers from other clubs Pete but remained loyal to Rovers, a TRUE legend indeed. 

He went to Scarborough pirates didn’t he ??

Im Fev and im proud

Link to comment
Share on other sites

10 hours ago, Tubby said:

I’m fairly sure Deryck Fox’s birthday is today too. I only know because it’s mine as well. 

Yes it was his birthday yesterday he was 55 

Im Fev and im proud

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Pete Smith made a huge impression even from his early years at Fev, specifically our Championship season in 1976-77. Pete had long flowing hair back then, and in that particular year he was a try-scoring sensation - our leading try-scorer, in fact.

As the years went by, the hair grew thinner (we'll gloss over that dodgy perm that he sported at one point), but the performances never wavered, he was Mr Reliable, an important part of attack and defence. He played in some of our best-ever teams and also some of our lesser ones, but you were never disappointed with Pete's performances.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

1 hour ago, Maureen T-k said:

Yes it was his birthday yesterday he was 55 

In i999 former Batley player and groundsman Brian Cartwright published a book about his experiences.In it is a Batley team photo from1977/1978.

The caption says"spot the international".

Obviously it's not any of the players.

The team mascot was Deryck Fox.

Bet you didn't know he signed for Batley before Fev.lol

Link to comment
Share on other sites

22 minutes ago, gittinsfan said:

In i999 former Batley player and groundsman Brian Cartwright published a book about his experiences.In it is a Batley team photo from1977/1978.

The caption says"spot the international".

Obviously it's not any of the players.

The team mascot was Deryck Fox.

Bet you didn't know he signed for Batley before Fev.lol

His dad John played for Batley for many years, so he will have grown up at the Mount.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Saw him at the old Victoria Garden centre (NoCutts) having lunch. Went over and we had an  excellent chat. A great player. Took me three glances to recognise him but then the penny dropped. Saw him play throughout his Fev career.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.