Hegs did it his way

[African Monkey]

Hegarty did it his way

Charlie Payne | 26th November 2009
HE didn’t make headlines for the wrong reasons but Shannon Hegarty will be remembered as an unassuming footballer who achieved practically everything in rugby league.
Hegarty, a former Mackay Brothers and St Patrick’s College player, had a glittering 11-year career in the NRL and was a Queensland and Australian representative.
He announced his retirement from the game this month after a disappointing season with the Cowboys in 2009 in which he managed only five NRL games, also playing on the wing with the Mackay Cutters.
The former Roosters and Rabbitohs player said former teammate Brad Fittler had convinced him to make the break, saying there was no shame in retiring.
Hegarty is now using all the skills he learned on the fitness side of things in professional football to start a new career as a manager for Australian Sports Nutrition.
He has been working in the Townsville branch but will soon move to Sydney to manage his own store in Darlinghurst.
Hegarty couldn’t be reached yesterday but Mick Aprile, who coached Hegarty for St Patrick’s College in the 1995 season, said he had achieved practically everything in rugby league.
“He won a premiership with the Roosters and played State of Origin and for Australia,” Aprile said.
“I think a lot of him, in terms of life and everything.
“He was a quiet kid with no ego and reserved but he was a top player and very committed.
“He played for St Patrick’s in 1995 when we got into the finals. We beat St Brendan’s here in a semi-final, then at Lang Park we were beaten by St Mary’s in the state final.”
Hegarty also played for Brothers as a junior and was on the wing for the 1996 A grade grand final victory over Souths as a 17-year-old.
He said he would look back fondly at his career and had no regrets in walking away from the game.
He also said he was glad he got a chance to represent his home region at the top level in the final stages of his career for the Cowboys and to come back home and play for the Mackay Cutters.

http://www.dailymercury.com.au/story/2009/11/26/hegarty-did-it-his-way/

A great article about a great, humble, level-headed guy.

Thank you Hegs.

 

[Dave Q]

A lot of folk mistook his shyness for arragance.

He wasnt marching around like a poncey wimpy hot dog telling everyone how he great he was.

Instead, he was more frightened of all the attention he caused.

Its terrible to read his name being used in vain.

We must have a spot even in the bearage.

If he cant play, he can peel the oranges or gear steward second class or somewhere where he can contribute.

Its going to be tough without him in the NRL.

We shouldnt lose a guy of his calibre.

Thanks for being on Hegs-watch A.M. Hegs-watch never ends.

 

[African Monkey]

We shouldnt lose a guy of his calibre.

What you said here is 100% correct. Not only Souths, but Rugby League in general cannot afford to lose someone like Hegs who we must keep in the game as he is not only one of the finest players of all-time in rugby league, but a global superstar as well.

Please come back Hegs.

 

[Dave Q]

Great post A.M

When we play in the finals next year I am thinking that he could be invited to give the boys a pep talk.

Theres a lot of value for those who embrace Hegs.

And hes gone into the fitness business. Thats one thing he understood.

I never saw him bludge during a game. Nothing was too hard.

If everyone had his mental aptitude and committment, thats like an extra 10 points before the season kicks off.

Hegs watch: for those who understand the game.

 

[African Monkey]

I can actually see him being our future strength and conditioning coach.

 

[Dave Q]

I can actually see him being our future strength and conditioning coach.

Actual Coach as well, he can replace Richo when he retires.

 

[Sugar]

What you said here is 100% correct. Not only Souths, but Rugby League in general cannot afford to lose someone like Hegs who we must keep in the game as he is not only one of the finest players of all-time in rugby league, but a global superstar as well.

Please come back Hegs.

Anyone with RL knowledge can see if he did change his mind and return to the game he would be a walk up start as QLD 5/8 and captain.

Fingers crossed he doesn't he would tear us blues apart

 

[African Monkey]

Anyone with RL knowledge can see if he did change his mind and return to the game he would be a walk up start as QLD 5/8 and captain.

Fingers crossed he doesn't he would tear us blues apart

I knew you loved Hegs. Well done for coming out and admitting that Hegs would still be a world beater if he was still playing.