The footy season is done and dusted with the exception of the Four Nations international series between Australia, England, Samoa and New Zealand that starts on October 25.
On Friday the Sharks held their annual grand final luncheon at Cronulla Leagues Club.
With the recent talk of the tremendous English rugby league players to make an impact in the NRL a major talking point, the great Tommy Bishop was one of the special guests at the functions.
Bishop's return visit to the shire got me thinking about the great English players to come and play in Australia.
As a boy, I remember Bishop was captain-coach of the Sharks in 1973 when they made their first grand final and lost 10-7 to Manly.
Fellow international and prop Cliff Watson was in that team.
Bishop and Watson were integral members of that 1973 side.
A few seasons later Roger Millward, one of Bishop's Great Britain teammates, played for Cronulla. Bishop and Millward were a formidable half and five combination for Great Britain.
Souths champion forward and Englishman Sam Burgess is one of the best to play Down Under.
His effort in the Bunnies' grand final triumph with a busted cheekbone showed his toughness and mental strength. Bulldogs prop James Graham is up there too.
And don't forget some of the others with genuine class such as Malcolm Reilly, Steve Norton, Gary Stephens, Dick Huddart, Phil Lowe, Garry Schofield, as British stars who shined here.
Gymnast gives thanks
BLAKEHURST aerobic gymnast Deborah Greenbaum, 17, has captured the attention in her sport with her outstanding performances.
She featured on our back page on Tuesday.
Deborah recently achieved consecutive Australian titles in aerobic gymnastics.
Deborah, 17, said Gymnastics NSW is very supportive and develops and assists athletes.
"I find it best to train regularly training and listen to your coaches," Deborah said.
"I am lucky to be training in two of the gymnastics codes since all of my coaches work together.
"I enjoy travelling with the NSW team to nationals where I meet with friends and competitors from across Australia. We might only get together once a year but we catch up very quickly.
"I was selected to be the NSW flag-bearer this year at the national championships — which was an unexpected honour.
The flag with its pole is quite heavy and not as easy to carry or move as you might expect."
Is Tommy Bishop one of the best English footballers to play on Aussie soil?
