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Author: Moleboy Timestamp:- 4/1/2006 5:59:48 PM Subject: Two men....three great legs
Message: My grandfather was a tailgunner in World War II. He got shot down over France and shattered his right leg when he parachuted into a tree. To this day he walks with a shocking limp and is in pain more days than he isn't.
As a youngster he was fleet of foot and racked up a number of 200-400 metre sprint championships for the state. When he returned from Europe he never ran again.
I had only ever known him as a supporter of the Cronulla Sharks Rugby League Club, so I was surprised when he showed me a box full of media clippings about the St George Dragons. He explained that for much of his life he was a Dragons supporter, but swapped allegiances to the Sharks in 1973 after seeing a then teenage Steve Rogers in full flight.
I could remember Steve Rogers as a player, but he was nearing the end of his playing days when I started following the game seriously.
'Gee Grandad', I said, 'he must have been pretty good to make you swap clubs.'
'He moves like I used to move', Grandad explained. 'But he does it in footy boots and a ball in hand, through a defensive line while looking for support. Steve Rogers is the zenith of the human potential in a footy jersey.'
I didn't know what zenith meant (and I'm not sure I do now), but Grandad didn't speak so glowingly about anyone unless they deserved it.
So this is my tribute to Steve Rogers, on behalf of my Grandfather, who wouldn't know an internet forum if it bought him a beer.
Best wishes to his family, friends and the Sharks Rugby League Club.
Author: hitensile Timestamp:- 17/2/2012 6:41:01 PM Subject: Re: Two men....three great legs
Message: Sorry for your loss Moleboy. Sounds like Grandad had a great innings. Sad he never got to see a Shark Premiership... I rate them as the big improvers this year.
Carney, Gallen, Gibbs, Ross, Best... good foundation for any squad.
Author: The Commissioner Timestamp:- 5/1/2006 10:21:58 PM Subject: Re: Two men....three great legs
Message: Indeed a decent bloke, made friends wherever he went.
Very sad though that he couldnt talk to anyone in his time of need.
Many will remember Sludge for his attacking prowess, but his superb balance, quick footwork, & great anticipation skills actually made him a fantastic defensive player.
Rarely did he miss or even mis-time a tackle. Easily the best defensive backline player of his time, if not in the history of the game.
Reg Gasnier was the Magic Dragon, & Steve Renouf was the Pearl, but Steve Rogers will always be the Prince of Centres.
Author: morewinners Timestamp:- 4/1/2006 6:34:58 PM Subject: Re: Two men....three great legs
Message: Great story moleboy. Another sad event which unfolded this week. Even though I am not a Sharks supporter, i hope they have a great year in the NRL after all they have been through in the last few months. What a story it would be if they did it this year. Good luck to them and your grandfather.
Author: slackmac Timestamp:- 4/1/2006 6:20:29 PM Subject: Re: Two men....three great legs
Message: Yes - nice one, Moleboy.
I started following league as a kid at the time that Rogers was pretty much at his peak, and I loved the bloke.
As far as grace, coolness and sheer talent go, I've never seen a better centre. Not even Renouf at his top could move like Rogers. And what a step. Just a marvellous player.
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