When Mark Nawaqanitawase last week became the Woodies latest Wallaby (#961), he joined a long list of flyers who have scorched down the sidelines of TG before playing International rugby.
Lets look back
The first was Ian Robertson, Wallaby # 580. Ian played in the amateur era and made his Test debut against Japan in 1975. Unfortunately Robbo played in the era before TV was invented so we haven't been able to find any footage, but he was quick, very quick - he scored his first international try after just 30 seconds!
In recent years Ian was a Director of the Footy Club and he retains a close interest in the Club
Seasons | Games | Tries | Points |
12 | 179 | 107 | 793 |
Then came Wallaby #664 Ian Williams. Ian came from the old Epping Juniors club along with Pappy and Bird in a trifecta that is unlikely to be ever surpassed
Ian of course is famous for being a dual rugby International with a test for Japan to his name to go with his appearances for Australia
Ian was a Director of the footy club for near on 20 years and is a current Director of VRG and of the Eastwood Rugby Trust
Here's Ian in his debut Test
Seasons | Games | Tries | Points |
10 | 71 | 45 | 180 |
In 1999 our local Irishman Matt Mostyn played in the 1999 Rugby World Cup on the wing for Ireland
A big, fast, bruising runner he was at home on the wing or at fullback.
Matt has been instrumental in recent years in organizing the Legends Lunch for the Club
Here's Matt for Ireland v the USA
Seasons | Games | Tries | Points |
4 | 84 | 54 | 272 |
Wallaby 757 Scott Staniforth made his Test debut in 1999, Fast, tough, versatile Scott could play anywhere from 12-15. His Test career lasted an outstanding 8 years with multiple appearances in a variety of positions
Scott finished his career playing for the Force in Perth. In 2015 Scott made his last appearance for the Woods an astonishing 20 years after he first started!
Here's Scott on the wing v the Lions
Seasons | Games | Tries | Points |
9 | 77 | 51 | 257 |
Yet another Epping Junior, Lachie Turner become an International in 2007 and then Wallaby #826 in 2008 replacing Lote Tuqiri in a Test v France
Who can ever forget the fastest man in Australian footy?
Lachie these days lives in Brisbane - must be a thing for Woodies wingers - Ian Williams and John Grant, the 2nd fastest man in Australian football - are just around the corner.
Seasons | Games | Tries | Points |
8 | 36 | 23 | 178 |
* A few comments about the player stats. Firstly our stats are sadly far from complete, secondly players in the amateur era played much more often for the Club, thirdly tries were worth 3 or 4 or 5 points and lastly yes, it was just a different game back then...