NRL needs cult heroes
By Nick Walshaw | March 09, 2009 12:00am
CHOOK Herron still signs autographs.
Signs them on the street. At the shops. Even receives the occasional free beer some 10 years after guarding a flank for St George.
"But what actually makes a cult figure?" he shrugs. "Mate, who knows? I only know that when it does happen . . . yeah, nothing will stop it."
Of all the men who've made up 100 years of rugby league, none are more beloved than the NRL cult figure. Heroes like Smokin' Joe and Rambo Ronnie Gibbs. Slammin' Sam and Ziggy Niszczot.
Men like the Chook.
Yep, these are fellas who've encouraged an entire generation to sport Willie wigs and Geoff Robinson beards. To kick goals using the Piggy Riddell salute.
And how many blokes with a mug like Tom Raudonikis could inspire their own lookalike competition?
But why?
Why, for example, has the NRL world fallen so hard for Manly flyer Dave Williams?
This winger worth $50,000 who had more appearance requests in 2008 than even departing hero Steve Menzies. And they love the Beaver on the Peninsula.
"Because the world loves a beard," Canterbury hardman Robinson laughs.
"And league had a heap of cult figures in the 1980s . . . it probably wouldn't hurt to have a few more of 'em now."
Certainly it's true that rugby league needs the Wolf.
Needs him as the gap between player and fan widens with every Japanese rugby offer.
And with no Fonda Metassa to spring from the back of an ambulance like he did some 40 years ago, well, Williams is our man.
Because not since Kerry Hemsley rode his Harley into Leichhardt Oval in the 1980s has one beard caused so much pandemonium.
Chicks dig his chiselled rig. Kids like that comic-book quality. Even hardened pugs admire the way he treats himself like a human pinball.
"People love the Wolfman because he transcends his sport," manager David Riolo explains. "Even those who don't follow rugby league have heard of the Wolfman."
Which is why Asics now sponsor Williams. Deft clothing label.
And why only hours after having that iconic beard shaved in a Grand Final after-party, well, Riolo was on the phone encouraging him to grow it again.
Williams will face new challenges in 2009, not the least of which is the second-year syndrome that has claimed many an outstanding rookie from the year before.
Having already made his international debut, the next step is State of Origin. His could be the most famous beard since another Manly hero - Noel "Crusher" Cleal - took to the Maroons in the '80s.
"I guess the secret is people like you because they can relate," Herron concludes.
"They appreciate guys who have to work bloody hard for everything they get. Like you're one of them.
"And I think there's something nice about that. Certainly beats them having to confirm your career in one of those rugby league encyclopedias."
