More than 100 former players, officials and guests were at the Dubbo RSL on Friday night to welcome in a new era for the game.

Jim Hall, vice-president of the Men of League, played the game at the top level with Canterbury, Penrith, Easts and Souths; as well as in the UK; then later took his interest to another level being a member of the judiciary panel and the ‘new’ video committee.

Kelly needed no introduction to the gather and his stories about his career, the people he played with and against at club interstate and international level were legendary and really, really funny.

After starting his career in Queensland, Kelly made three Kangaroo tours and was a player and captain-coach at Wests in Sydney. He was also coach of North Sydney for four years.,

If these are the people spreading the word on the Men of League then the organisation is in good hands.

Martin Cook, now living back in Dubbo, was the CEO of the Men of League for seven years before handing over to Bob Bennett.

Virtually all the executive are former top players and Neil Musgrave, who grew up in Dubbo and played with Dubbo CYMS, is also part of the system.

You had to be impressed with the line-up of people at the Dubbo launch.

Former Kangaroo Earl Harrison was there along with Kel Brown, Ron Gibbs and Bob Weir; Group 11 president Ross McDermott and secretary Bob Walsh and several members of the Dubbo CYMS old Boys which has been a virtual Men Of League in its own right for a number of years.

It’s also heartening to see the likes of Bobby Pilon, Ron Wiegold, Tony Kelly and others involved.

The other aspect which was evident was seeing district town mayors Bill McAnally (Narromine) and Doug Batten (Gilgandra) there and if we get the support of their organisations then that can only be good.