MARK "Rev" Spencer's first year as chaplain for the Wingham Tigers could be likened to a Hollywood movie.
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Many of the players didn't really see the point of a team chaplain.
However all the NRL teams had one so in a bid to be as professional as possible, Mark's request to volunteer his services for the club was accepted.
But tough men play the tough sport and Mark was struggling to break through and reach the players on an emotional level.
A tragic accident changed all that.
In 1995 a visiting New Zealand player, Fa'avae Lemalu, was killed in a car accident in Wingham.
A memorial service filled the Wingham High School auditorium and the team was rocked to its very core.
The service touched all those who attended that day and with it came a change in perception.
"Now we know why we've got a chaplain," said one of the senior players to Mark.
He has been breaking down barriers ever since.
"I'm part of the furniture now," he said.
This coming weekend Mark's 20 seasons with the Wingham Tigers will be recognised at the annual presentation evening.
He has loved every minute of his time with the team and cares deeply and passionately about serving each of them.
He has conducted 19 weddings associated with the team, several funerals, including life member Mel Thomas most recently, and christened many of the children.
"Chaplaincy is the role of caring for the players," suggests Mark.
He prays for them when they get injured and is a kind and wise person for the players to talk to.
If they have wedding break ups or health problems, Mark is right there by their side.
"There have been some amazing times," he admits.
"Mark may have come to the club as the chaplain but there's much more that he does now," said Wingham Tigers' secretary Wayne Goward. "He's a really genuine fellow."
Mark is the station manager at Rhema FM, another voluntary role, and is married to Narelle.
The couple have two sons, both of whom are now grown but have both at one time or another been the recipients of the team's Junior Clubman of the Year award.
Mark's eldest son Nathan played for the Tigers U18s.
"I've always loved rugby league but never played it," declares Mark.
Brought up in the Sutherland Shire in Sydney Mark was originally a St George Dragons supporter.
He jumped ship to the Cronulla Sharks many years ago and has supported them ever since.
One of the greatest joys of Mark's life was when he was awarded life membership of the Wingham club five years ago.
"That was just amazing," he says proudly.
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