When South West Rocks Marlins joined the Hastings League in 2012/13, Geoff Ball, Pat and Lorraine Holman were there putting in the ground work.
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From the beginning to now they've been the heart and soul of the club and their application to the Marlins was aptly acknowledged at Sunday's annual general meeting with life membership.
The honour for the three club stalwarts was the first in the club's short but successful history.
Pat (vice-president), better known as 'Block', and Lorraine (canteen manager) only moved to South West Rocks in 2013 and it was a town meant for them.
"I used to live in Northmead, Sydney, and drive up to Queensland for racing," he recalled.
"I drove past here and never visited because it was 40 kilometres inland.
"20 years ago I was playing touch football at Port Macquarie and a mate of mine said he was considering buying property at South West Rocks and I said I'd go for a run with him.
"After I visited Lorraine and I started holidaying here and then we moved."
The Holman's both agreed the Marlins have given them a great sense of belonging with the community.
Their move came two months before the club kicked off with Block taking over the liquor licence.
"When you've retired, it (joining SWR Marlins) helps you meet people and make lots of friends," they said.
"A lot of people just know us as Block and Mrs Block - some wouldn't have a clue what our name is, I've had that nickname since I was 18."
While the Holman's retired to South West Rocks, president Geoff has been a local man his whole life and has held the role since the start.
The president is usually aware of most club-related decisions but the life membership was successfully held secret until the AGM.
"I said what's this on the agenda about life membership and then figured it out," he recounted.
After not having a home team during his playing days he was fairly chuffed with the announcement.
"It's pretty cool - when I was a young fella I always wanted to play for my home town but never had the opportunity," he said.
"To be a life member of a rugby league club in the Rocks is a pretty big honour."
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Lachlan Harper
Lachlan Harper is a sports reporter at the Central Western Daily. Contact: lachlan.harper@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Lachlan Harper is a sports reporter at the Central Western Daily. Contact: lachlan.harper@austcommunitymedia.com.au
