1989 Tigers Men show their loyalty.
Boot-studder – Percy Smith, 79 years of age. Boot fixer 1935 – 1948, retired and returned in that position 1979 until now 1989. Percy’s brother Glen played 110 games for Claremont in the 1920s and asked him to take on the duties.
Property Man Jack Watkins, 69 years of age. After 30 years in this role he is considering retirement.
Watkins two assistants are John Winbridge and Colin Creed. Winbridge is involved in junior development and Creed has sons playing for reserves and Under 19s.
Trainer Peter Cassidy joined Claremont in 1973. A nurse and new immigrant he was asked to go to the football and thinking it was rugby he went. After attending the game he decided to join the Club.
Cassidy and Bill Kidner do most of the rub downs, which means three nights a week, then Saturday afternoons and Sunday mornings. Cassidy was a volunteer while Merv Nitschi was “pressganged” 10 years before. He was having a drink with Ron Chapman, current head trainer and Alan (Pops) Shaw who suggested he come into the changerooms. he was then given the position.
Photos of 1. Merv Nitschi and Peter Thorne, 2. Peter Cassidy and Billy Krakouer, 3. Boot-studder Percy Smith.
