When Justin Peterkin runs out for his 200th first grade game for the Kurri Kurri Bulldogs he will join an elite group.
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When Kurri host Port Stephens on Saturday, Peterkin will be only the ninth player in more than 100 years of the club’s history to reach the milestone.
Peterkin, affectionately known as Bumper, has done the hard yards for the club on and off the field since he debuted in first grade in 1999 aged 19.
Since then the veteran prop has led the club to the 2013 grand final and become one of the most highly respected players in the Newcastle competition.
Kurri president Jeff Polglase said the club took great pride in celebrating Peterkin’s achievement.
“When you think about our history people always talk about our internationals but in over 100 years Bumper is only the ninth (to play 200 first grade games),” he said.
“I think you’ll see how special it is to him when he runs out on Saturday.”
The club will present Peterkin with a specially embroidered jersey at half-time of the reserve grade fixture.
Coach Phil Williams, who holds the club’s first grade appearance record with 270 games, will be part of the presentation.
Polglase also paid tribute to Peterkin’s efforts off the field.
“He won the clubman of the year award a couple of years ago and has been involved in so many fund-raising initiatives,” he said.
“He’s certainly highly respected in the club beside his playing career and efforts on the field.”
Port Stephens will be out to spoil Peterkin’s party on Saturday having recorded their second win of the season last weekend.
The Sharks upset Maitland 16-10 for the second time in 2014 and Polglase acknowledged his troops would be in for a battle.
“It really is a huge game for us,” he said.
“They (Port Stephens) had a great result last week and if they beat us they could be level with us because they have a bye coming up as well.”
Kurri are not expected to welcome back any players from their long injury list with up to 10 first graders to remain sidelined.
Kick off is at 3pm.