Former NRL Prodigy Returns Home To Captain-Coach Bush Footy Side Full Of Plumbers And Abattoir Workers

KEITH T. DENNETT | New South | CONTACT

A bush footy club on the brink of collapse is expected to be saved this week, with news that a hometown hero is about to touch back down in the Diamantina.

 The Farrers Creek Swamp Wallabies, a tumultuous club that has been in and out of the Central West rugby league competition for over 65 years, have reportedly submitted paperwork requesting to make a return back to playing weekend rugby league.

Having been kicked out of the comp two years ago after their infamous “Mental Health Round Incident”, which saw several players get arrested for brawling in the carpark with Winton Devils coaching staff after the game, it’s believed the club is making a late comeback this season spurred on by the arrival of a new captain coach.

Having played all his junior footy for the club, local legend Dean Walsh-Bowen has reportedly just landed back in Betoota, after a four year stint playing fullback for the Sunshine Coast Falcons and making a name for himself in the QCup.

Speaking to the young NRL prodigy, who captained the Swamp Wallabies to a grand final when he was only 16 years old, it’s understood the live wire fullback is looking forward to put roots back down in Betoota.

“Yeah Sunny Coast didn’t work out, I was so close to getting a Broncos contract but some guy called Reece Walsh got in the way…” Dean told The Advocate.

“So I’m back now, working as a chippy with my old man, and going to captain coach the Swampies.”

“I reckon I can get 10 boys from high school back down to play and then import four Tongan born forwards who I met at the Sunny Coast Falcons.”

“I just need to get them all gigs at the local abattoir, and for $1800 a week they're happy to fly in and fly out, spend three days chopping up lamb cutlets then play footy every weekend.”

More to come.