Tim Ryan is hoping to see Dubbo CYMS chairman Kevin Walkom back “walking around in his green jacket” at Fishies matches sooner rather than later.
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Walkom was admitted to hospital in Sydney on Thursday and was intensive care after having a blood clot removed from his brain.
A post on the Dubbo CYMS Facebook page on Friday stated Walkom was in good spirits after the procedure but would be staying in Sydney for a period of rehabilitation.
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The chairman is a regular at almost every home game but his presence will be missing at No. 1 Oval on Sunday when CYMS takes on Westside in a Dubbo derby.
“Kevin is a very well-known figure and he’s loved by many and has been challenged by just as many as well,” CYMS coach Tim Ryan said with a laugh.
“He’s been present during all my years coaching here and we’ve got a close relationship.
“I’ve got no doubt he’ll back walking around in his green CYMS jacket at games soon.”
The was an outpouring of supportive messages on social media on Thursday night when the news broke, and those words weren’t just limited to those involved with CYMS.
It was just the latest example of the rugby league community rallying around one of its own.
“When times are tough we’ve seen it before with different things at clubs like Westside and Narromine this season. People help out,” Ryan said.
“And with Ryan Medley there was a huge amount of people helping during that time, as well.”
There’s no doubt Walkom will be on the mind of many during Sunday’s derby battle.
Ryan is one of many who spent time sending messages and calling for updates on Friday but he’s also been busy with his team selection for this weekend.
The coach has given a huge number of players a taste of first grade this year and that list will grow on Sunday when Nick Karydis makes his first grade debut.
Karydis has been a reserve grade regular in recent years and was part of the side which won last season’s title.
He will slot into five-eighth on Sunday and Ryan has no hesitation in making him the one to guide the side around the park.
“He (Karydis) been really good in a number of positions,” Ryan said.
“I’ve used a lot of juniors over the years because when I first started coaching a lot of reserve graders had no interest in playing first grade. I went to the juniors then but now blokes are willing and are pushing for spots, and that’s fantastic for us.”
Reserve grade back-rower Jack Kempston made his debut last week, as did under-18s outside back Aidan Lake.
Lake will retain his spot for the Westside game.
The action at No. 1 Oval starts with the league tag at 11am.
Nick Guthrie
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
