Proving there is life after football retirement, sixty-one-year-old Cliff Lyons will be one of the elder statesmen at the International Legends of League match being held at McIndoe Park, Emerald on 10 September.
“Cliffy” played in the 1980s and 1990s and was a Clive Churchill and two-time Dally M Medallist, playing 309 first-grade games with Manly, winning grand finals with them in 1987 and 1996.
The Narrandera-born lock also represented New South Wales and Australia, being part of the successful 1990 Kangaroo Tour of Great Britain and France.
As well as Lyons there is a plethora of younger players including six former North Queensland Cowboys Scott Prince, Ben Hannant, Reggie Cressbrook, Brenton Bowen, Noel Goldthorpe and Jaiman Lowe named for the Australian Team of NRL Legends.
In fact, the game features players with almost 3,500 games of NRL and Super League experience, 78 State of Origin appearances and 51 International caps between.
The game is the first to be hosted in Emerald with the action kicking off at 2pm and the main game starting at 6.30pm.
The former players are in the area for four days with the remainder of the stay including school visits, a coaching clinic and a corporate day.
International Legends of League Event Organiser, Craig Teevan, said he was grateful for the community support surrounding the event.
“A big thanks to council for coming on board as the presenting sponsor, and a special mention to all the other sponsors involved too
“Their contribution helps to support this community event and fundraising for local clubs. Without their support, this event wouldn’t be able to happen!
“We have experienced some great vibes around the community and are looking forward to a big crowd.”
Central Highlands Mayor Kerry Hayes said he was excited for Emerald to host its first event in the series.
“It’s great to see people flock in from all over the Central Highlands to be involved in the day,” he said.
“We had a fantastic day last year with the 70th event hosted in Blackwater and I’m sure this year will be no exception.
“Pop on down to McIndoe to see the Australian team take on local Central Highland legends, it’s sure to be a great weekend!” he said.
The Australian team is made up of NRL legends, will include Scott Prince, Cliff Lyons, John Hopoate, Greg Bird, Ben Hannant, Darren Smith, Steve Bell, Jim Dymock, Sid Domic, Reggie Cressbrook, Craig Teevan, Jamie Feeney, Peter Gill, Brenton Bowen, Noel Goldthorpe, Jaiman Lowe, Graeme Bradshaw, Paul Downie, Nikhil Pappu, Qasim Ahsan, Jay Edwards, Matt Michael.
Emerald All Stars: Stewart Cheffirs, Steven Sheargold, Grant Carlyon, Michal Heinemann, Andrew Finlay, Tim Connolly, Josh Dillon, Les Bentlin, Brad Hulm, Ray Downie, Brad Hardgrave, Casey Watkins Brett. Weatherley, Damon Walsh, Kurt Renwick, Matt Ronwick, Dale Mikkelsen, Kvle Mattingley, Eddie Ross, Ben Kemp, Blayne Harling, Stuart Falconer, Les Healy, Clinton Cave.
For more information head to the International Legends of League on Facebook.
