“Those who drink the water must never forget who dug the well.”  This was said back in the 1980s by Harry Bath, a former rugby league player and coach.  He was highlighting the importance of recognising those that have gone before, making the point that today’s rugby league players and fans should appreciate the pioneers of the game.

Last week the NRL honoured three pre-war legends, Dally Messenger, Frank Burge and Dave Brown, by adding them to the Immortals Honour Board.  As Ian Heads, the Chair of the Immortals selection panel said, “These three players each played a key role during the ‘building days’ of rugby league…”

Now the Immortals Honour Board reflects the entire history of the game, from 1908 until now, which of course, with my love of history, is the bee’s knees for me!

Appreciating those that have gone before not only grounds us to make us stronger, but reminds us to take good care of what our pioneers created.

[Source: Sydney Morning Herald, 2/8/18]