Gordon Harley, who passed away in 2009, was named as one of the greatest players to have played for Maitland.

Gordon lived in Dungog for most of his life, and his wife Patricia still resides there.

Gordon’s family were in attendance on the night and very proudly accepted a presentation jersey with his No 9 (second row at the time) emblazoned in the black and white colours of the Maitland club.

Gordon’s football career began by playing for his school, Maitland Tech High, then Dungog juniors.

After war broke out he played in teams in the army, returning to play with Dungog and Maitland.

During the years 1947-1958 he played two games per week for Dungog teams in two separate competitions.

He played for Maitland from 1949-1958 and was selected during that time to represent Country Division on several occasions.

He played in rep teams against New Zealand, France and America.

He played 122 games for Maitland which included a premiership treble between 1956 and 1958.

He was courted by Sydney clubs but chose to remain a country boy, living in Dungog.

His body strength was synonymous and much talked about.

In 1950 he played two games per week, playing for Maitland on Saturday and Dungog on Sunday as captain-coach.

All this was while he was working fulltime.

He was made a life member of Maitland Leagues Club, winning best and fairest awards on many occasions.

He said, “1956 was my best year of football, best team spirit of any team I have played with”.

At the dinner two members of that team were in attendance – Don ‘Bandy’ Adams and Fred Brown along with family members of Frank Threlfo and Bill Callinan (both deceased).

All were players from that team and all made the top 20 list.

Many stories were retold on the night – of past deeds on the football field and Gordon’s family truly enjoying hearing of his talent as a player and how popular he was with the crowd.

During the premiership-winning years with Maitland – he played regularly in front of crowds of 6000 to 8000 people and on occasions 15,000 people – he relished those days.

After retiring from the Maitland club in 1958, he returned to Dungog where he continued to play and coach.

He was president of Dungog Rugby League Club and made a life member.

He encouraged junior footballers and enjoyed passing on his knowledge of playing the game.

His love of rugby league and of playing the game in particular has been passed on in his genes with sons, grandsons and now great-grandsons and a great granddaughter playing the game.