Medically-Retired Clubman Comes To Training To Yell At Everyone

ERROL PARKER | Editor-at-large | Contact

A stalwart of the Betoota Heights Dolphins Rugby League Football Club who was medically retired at the end of last season has this week confirmed he will still be coming down to training to yell at the under-16s and colts.

Damien Hendricks, a 35-year-old grader driver in the mines, gave the "better part of two decades" to the Dolphins third grade side, has done his ACL, MCL, PCL and LCL in both knees, sustained ten concussions, and has shoulders that his GP has described as "totally fucked".

Despite this, sources close to the club say Hendricks has not missed a Tuesday or Thursday night session since pre-season kicked off.

"He's not playing. He's just here," confirmed one colts player.

"He just sort of stands near the try line and yells. He takes us for drills and that. Got me fucked why he's here, the bloke has a family, bra."

Hendricks, who has been driving to training in a ute with a Dolphins sticker on the back window since at least 2009, says he still has plenty to offer the club.

"The body's cooked but the mind's still sharp," Hendricks told The Advocate.

"These young blokes need someone to tell them what they're doing wrong. I've got time for that. I fucken love this club, man. Fins up!"

The Dolphins under-16s coach said he welcomed the contribution, describing Hendricks as part of the furniture and largely harmless.

"Everyone knows it's the passion that makes him shout," said the coach.

"It's not personal. He just hates kids with no ticker and no love of the club."

More to come.