Former Woodberry Warriors secretary and life member Mike Nolan may not have pulled on the boots for the club but he left a legacy of success which will continue with his foundation of the Warriors Old Boys Club in 2018.
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Fittingly members of the Old Boys Club formed a guard at honour to farewell Mike, who died aged 69, at his funeral last Wednesday
More than 600 people from the club and community, workmates from Star Trak the company he worked for 21 years as well as friends and family farewelled Mike at his funeral and celebrated his life at at a wake at the Hotel Tudor on Wednesday.
Woodberry Warriors president Troy Graham said both he and his father Kriss had the privilege of working as presidents with Mike at the club which he adopted and loved so much.
Kriss Graham said Mike came into the club with very little rugby league background but became a hugely important part of it.
“He attended one of our meetings to join as a committee member and it soon become apparent that he had the skills and passion that is required in running a club properly and was soon elected as secretary, a position he held for many years,” he said.
“Mike had a vision to make our club a better club which he did, he showed us the way to go forward, in obtaining more sponsors which led us attracting good quality coaches and players.
“He was instrumental in getting women onto the committee which turned us into a family orientated club. He was the leading figure in us organising and hosting the first 7’s competition which was such a huge success that the league took it over the following year.
“Mike’s work for the club earned him life membership which was very well deserved.
“Last year Mike was asked would be interested in organising an Old Boys Club and once again he put his hand up to help out the club.
“Like back in the ’80s and ’90s when he was secretary he once again took on a roll in the club with pride and passion and mid year the Old Boys club was formed.
“His hard work and dedication this year along with hours and hours of research finding addresses and phone numbers culminated in a wonderful Old Boys Day held at Fred Harvey Memorial Oval attended by hundreds of ex-players, committee and fans.
“Once again his planning and preparation delivered a day that many will never forget seeing a guard of honour of Old Boys leading the players on and off the field to victory on the day. It seemed fitting that we also formed a guard on honour for him upon his entry to the chapel.”