I had an interesting talk last weekend to an ex-NRL star who lives on the Coast.

He is keen to help out with the local FOGs side next year, which will be great for the club, particularly if they link with an NRL outfit.

While we were chatting, the much-talked-about subject of an NRL club based on the Sunshine Coast came up – again.

There were some interesting comments made, particularly the poor numbers attending games in Sydney and why the NRL wouldn’t take the approach of AFL with their Melbourne clubs and shift a few league sides from Sydney where they are lucky to draw 10,000 into areas beyond.

The AFL is still at it with the Kangaroos looking like fitting into the Gold Coast quite snugly.

Instead of merging clubs, get them to play “X” amount of games away in an adopted area initially, with a view to basing themselves there in the future.

First up would be the Central Coast of NSW, of course, and Adelaide. Now, before you laugh, the South Australians actually had strong crowds during Super League despite having a non-competitive side.

The NRL should then look to move sides to fast growing areas, such as the Sunshine Coast.

Maybe I’m biased but it sounds okay to me.

More than the bare fax

An interesting fax lobbed from from Rocco Pittorino, better known as “the working man’s friend” and current president of the Caloundra Panthers AFL Club.

The usually pie-throwing stalwart has resorted to bombarding me with faxes instead of food, with his latest offering long enough for the entire column.

He is on about a reunion next Saturday, August 11, when the current Panthers play Kenmore in their last home game.

The ravings were that long my fax nearly ran out of paper but here are some of the “highlights” of the correspondence:

“The reunion is to celebrate the Panthers’ glory days that began 20 years ago under the leadership of president Snow Carter, when they broke their premiership drought with a decisive 55-point victory over Noosa in the seniors and a 54-point smashing of Maroochydore in the reserves.”

And then there were these gems.

“Those were the days when outspoken Roos stalwart Peter Lavery cried in his beer stating it was a sad day for Coast football with Caloundra breaking the stranglehold of Noosa and Maroochydore.

“Or the good, old all-in brawl when Tigers strong man Kenny Hayse and Panther Mick Noonan faced off before it was brought to a sudden end by Paul ‘Nuts’ Carter who finished it with a left hook and left Tigers supporters traveling back to Panther Park next day with a metal detector looking for Kenny’s fillings.”

Panthers supporters, or for that matter P Lavery, are welcome next Saturday to relive the colourful history of the club.

To complain or join in, ring Rocco on 0411 807 640.

I am sure it will be a great day.

Timing is everything, Rocco. Just after his fax arrived, so did one from his arch-enemy Maroochydore.

They, too, have a big day next Saturday when they play Noosa at Fishermans Road.

They are encouraging past players of both clubs to support the traditional rivalry.

For Noosa, ring former legend Buster Bunney on 0400 826 780, and Maroochydore, contact “Mr Personality” Geoff Drummond on 0418 876 644.

They are planning a big day with a jumping castle (for the kids, Geoff) and a dance display.

Maroochy reunion

There’ll also be a reunion at the Maroochydore Rugby League Club tomorrow when the Swans play Caloundra in an important Maroochy RSL Cup clash.

Get along to their Wises Road ground for a good afternoon of league and story telling.

Exciting guest speaker

Maroochydore Chamber of Commerce has an exciting guest speaker at its next breakfast at Maroochydore SLSC on Thursday, August 16.

Retired rugby star Ben Tune will probably cover the upcoming World Cup but also talk about his off-field activity which includes being a director of Bank of Queensland; Pivot Sport, a talent management agency; and New Arenas, a business coaching creation and capital services provider.

For tickets, ring 5443 5661.