CURRENT Wingham coach Mick Sullivan was still a schoolboy when he watched the Tigers score a breakthrough win in the 1989 Group Three Rugby League grand final against Port Macquarie.
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"I can still remember that game,'' he said.
"It was back when football was the be-all-and-end-all at Wingham.''
On Saturday Sullivan hopes the current generation of Tigers can put on a show for the 1989 vintage in the clash against Wauchope at Wingham. This will be the 30th anniversary reunion of the victory. The majority of players from the 89 team are expected to be there - with centre Laurie Cunningham the only expected absentee. The 1989 reserve grade side - beaten in a grand final cliffhanger by Port Macquarie, will also attend.
"That should provide us with a bit more motivation,'' Sullivan said.
"I'm really looking forward to see some of the guys - Norrie (Trevor Murray, a prop in the first grade side), coached me a few years later. It be a big day.''
The 1989 success was Wingham's first since 1962, with the Tigers losing grand finals in 1963/64/66/72/76/81/82 and 86. Kim Patrick was the captain-coach and he will attend this weekend. A lock, Patrick produced a brilliant performance to inspire the Tigers to a comfortable victory against the Sharks.
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