She rarely misses a home game at Henson Park and knows the players by name – present stars as well as the legends of the game: Charles “Chicka” Cahill, the premiership-winning Newtown forward in the 1940s, actively involved with the Bluebags (known as the Jets since the mid-70s) over 40 years; Frank “Bumper” Farrell, a life-long Newtown icon and long-serving member of the NSW Police, who led Newtown to the Bluebag’s last premiership title in 1943 against a skillful North Sydney team captain-coached by Frank Hyde; Tommy Raudonikis; Steve Bowden; and Bob Bennett (brother of Wayne). She has an impressive collection of memorabilia and takes pride in the club’s history.
Established in 1908 (at the same time as the Glebe “Dirty Reds”), Newtown was one of the founding members of the NSW Rugby Football League. They competed continuously in the NSWRFL premiership until their departure in 1983. Over this period they won the competition three times. The thrilling 1981 season saw an inspired charge into the grand final, sadly ending in a narrow defeat by Parramatta.
These days the Jets are in partnership with fellow foundation club, the Sydney Roosters.
Reunion Day looms large on the royal-blue-and-white calendar, and this year’s event on Saturday August 25 at Henson Park promises a family-friendly barbecue, merchandise stall and a gripping contest between the Jets and the Illawarra Cutters. Kick-off is 3pm.
