Wests Tigers will step back in time this weekend with the side wearing the original Balmain Tigers Jersey from the 1980s.
On hand to relive some fond memories was Paul Sironen, one of the clubs heroes from the 80s decade, along with Darren Senter and, exciting young player, Dene Halatau.
Its funny to think I wore this jersey nearly 20 years ago, said Sironen
Seeing the team run out in it this weekend will bring back a lot of memories.
In 1986 Sironen wore the famous jersey and went on to win Dally M Rookie of the Year and NSW Rugby League Writers Discovery of the Year.
In the same year Dene Halatau was just 3 years of age, and whilst he may not have played in the 80s Dene has grown up playing in the Balmain Junior League and knows the pride and history behind the black and gold jersey.
Im looking forward to running out onto Leichhardt Oval in the black and gold jersey, Ive seen loads of games from the 80s and know the passion and pride the team had back then, to be part of the celebration this Sunday is a great honour, said Halatau.
Darren Senter is one of the few remaining Wests Tigers players who played for the Balmain Tigers before the joint venture was formed in 2000 and knows whats its like to play at Leichhardt Oval for the pride of Balmain.
The spirit of the Balmain Tigers amongst the fans has always been strong and its great to see that is now part of the culture of Wests Tigers, to wear the old jersey will be a great step back in time for everyone involved, said Senter.
I think it also fitting that we will be wearing the jersey against Souths in what has become a local derby between the two foundation clubs.
Not forgetting the Wests Magpies, Wests Tigers will wear the 1980s style Magpies jersey against the Cowboys in Rd 25.
On hand to relive some fond memories was Paul Sironen, one of the clubs heroes from the 80s decade, along with Darren Senter and, exciting young player, Dene Halatau.
Its funny to think I wore this jersey nearly 20 years ago, said Sironen
Seeing the team run out in it this weekend will bring back a lot of memories.
In 1986 Sironen wore the famous jersey and went on to win Dally M Rookie of the Year and NSW Rugby League Writers Discovery of the Year.
In the same year Dene Halatau was just 3 years of age, and whilst he may not have played in the 80s Dene has grown up playing in the Balmain Junior League and knows the pride and history behind the black and gold jersey.
Im looking forward to running out onto Leichhardt Oval in the black and gold jersey, Ive seen loads of games from the 80s and know the passion and pride the team had back then, to be part of the celebration this Sunday is a great honour, said Halatau.
Darren Senter is one of the few remaining Wests Tigers players who played for the Balmain Tigers before the joint venture was formed in 2000 and knows whats its like to play at Leichhardt Oval for the pride of Balmain.
The spirit of the Balmain Tigers amongst the fans has always been strong and its great to see that is now part of the culture of Wests Tigers, to wear the old jersey will be a great step back in time for everyone involved, said Senter.
I think it also fitting that we will be wearing the jersey against Souths in what has become a local derby between the two foundation clubs.
Not forgetting the Wests Magpies, Wests Tigers will wear the 1980s style Magpies jersey against the Cowboys in Rd 25.