gungahlin Bulls Rugby League Club steve keir. Photo: Supplied.
Over the past couple of weeks, we have seen the true strengths of Canberra sport with the community rallying around the families of Steve Keir and Greg Newham.
Steve, a Raiders’ original who went on to play for Easts and Norths in Sydney, also made a significant contribution to the club now known as the Gungahlin Bulls.
For 36 years, he was the backbone of the Bulls.
The Gungahlin Bulls have launched the Steve Keir Foundation. Photo: Facebook.
This tribute on the Gungahlin Bulls Facebook site pretty much sums it up: “The true strength of a community club isn’t measured in trophies, it’s measured in the people who show up year after year, giving their time so others can belong. They are the backbone of every generation that follows. Steve was this very person, from player, captain, coach, and all the way through to club president.”
To honour Steve’s legacy, the Bulls have established the Steve Keir Foundation, which will assist junior players selected for representative rugby league and help players experiencing financial hardship continue to participate in the game they love.
Greg Newham, another legend, has also left us.
Greg Newham was the type of player and leader that every club must have to succeed.
His impact on the Gungahlin Eagles cannot be underestimated.
Greg wasn’t a star player, but he was just as important. He rallied his teammates to play in the lower grades of the club.
He was instrumental in running the 5th Grade Bald Eagles, organising the team and keeping players connected.
He played 169 games for Gungahlin across several grades.
The Gungahlin Eagles have paid tribute to much-loved clubman Greg Newham. Photo: Facebook.
The Eagles provided this tribute to Greg: “He had a rare ability to bring people together and wanted others to experience and enjoy rugby at the Eagles as much as he did.
“His legacy at the Eagles will be how deeply he cared for his mates, and how many people fell in love with this club because of his passion. Singing ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ suited him perfectly.
“So many of our current 3rd and 4th Grade clubmen trace their journey back to the Bald Eagles side from 2017 onwards, where Greg put his hand up to initiate, manage, coach, support, drive and fill whatever role was needed to keep the team going and ensure those players had the opportunity to enjoy their footy. Which of course, they absolutely did.”
A GoFundMe page has been established to support his wife, Bec, and sons Riley and Harper.
