Port Stephens Family Of League luncheon raises $6,000 for charity

LEGENDARY rugby league forwards Paul Langmack and Paul Merlo stole the show at the recent Port Stephens Family of League Kick Off Day luncheon.

In their day, there were no fiercer competitors than the ball-playing Langmack and forward warrior Merlo, who enjoyed illustrious careers in the NSWRL first grade competition.

In a major coup, the pair entertained patrons with their humorous football yarns of yesteryear, alongside Master of Ceremonies Charlie Haggett.

Hosted by the Soldiers Point Bowling Club for an eighth successive year and organised by the tireless Port Stephens Family Of League (PSFOL) committee, the event proved a huge success by raising $6,000 for the charitable foundation.

The Family Of League provides financial, emotional and social support to men, women and children of the rugby league community who are in need.

League greats

Langmack is regarded as one of Canterbury-Bankstown’s all-time greats – a skilful lock forward who figured in three Bulldogs premiership-winning teams in 1984, 1985 and 1988.

A former Australian Schoolboys captain, he made 174 top grade appearances for Canterbury and represented City Origin and NSW.

In 1987, aged 22 years and 26 days, he became the youngest player in history to notch up 100 first grade matches.

He later joined the Western Suburbs Magpies to become just the fifth player to reach 100 games with two different clubs.

One of the game’s personality players of his era, Langmack shared some hilarious moments.

He also spoke about his charity work with NSW Rugby League through their free True Blue Mental Fitness programs for youngsters aged 11 to 17.

The programs had reached out to over 12,000 young people.

His involvement followed a personal cancer scare in 2016.

He urged the audience to reach out to former teammates, family and friends who may be isolated and need a friendly chat.

Langmack brought along a signed NSW State of Origin jumper that was auctioned for $1800 – raising money for both True Blue Mental Fitness and PSFOL.

Merlo, who now resides at Fingal Bay, also reflected on his impressive first-grade career, which included 153 games with Penrith, Western Suburbs and Cronulla.

The former NSW Origin forward also fondly talked about his 160 top grade matches as a player-coach in the Newcastle competition for Western Suburbs Rosellas, Waratah Cheetahs and South Newcastle Lions.

PSFOL committeeman Greg Spake told News Of The Area that the League Legends luncheon proved a “massive success.”

“We had some fascinating rugby league folk attend the event with Soldiers Point Bowling Club’s function co-ordinator Emily Nichols working hard behind the scenes to ensure a great day was had by all,” he revealed.

Supporting the day were tables from Fingal Bay Bomboras Rugby League Club, Northern Hawks RLFC, Nelson Bay Junior Marlins RLFC, Nelson Bay Bandits Women’s team, Nelson Bay Old Boys Network, Nelson Bay Gropers Rugby Club, Fingal Bay Bowling Club, Harbourside Haven, Dirty Dozen golf group, Kurri Bulldogs and Waratah Cheetahs.

Also in attendance were Men of League co-founder and life member Jim Hall, Newcastle Jockey Club president Brian Judd, PSFOL President Bill Gainsford, Nelson Bay RLFC premiership winning coach Peter Walsh, former State Member for Port Stephens Bob Martin, Newcastle FOL president Mal Graham and David Turrell and Ian and Michelle Denton who sponsor the Newcastle Rugby League competition and were most generous in their support.

Northern Hawks RLFC Director of Football Garth Brennan and coach Steve Simpson gave a great insight into how season 2026 is shaping up for the Hawks, local support and sponsorship, new recruits and pathways that have been created with local clubs Nelson Bay Juniors and Fingal Bay Bomboras.

The auction items were generously donated by Glenn Helman and local Port Stephens businesses.

The Foundation will hold its annual Charity Golf Day on Sunday 19 April at Nelson Bay Golf Club.

Registrations are now open through MiTournament or by contacting the Golf Club reception.

By Chris KARAS