Episode 21 – My Life as a Canberra Raider

Posted on by That's the Way It Was

On April 4th 1982, a young boy attends a Rugby League match at Seiffert Oval in Queanbeyan. It’s the beginning of a journey – A journey that is on-going.

It’s a journey that has produced magnificent highs and terrible lows.

But, more than anything, it’s a journey that had produced ever lasting memories. Memories that will last with that young boy for the rest of his life.

What better way to record those memories, than to write a book. Matt Cleary has detailed his life as a Rugby League supporter in his new book – The Milk – which details his experiences as a supporter of the Canberra Raiders for the last 40 years.

Mal Meninga played 166 games for Canberra between 1986 and 1994. He scored 864 points and captained the team to premierships in 1989, 1990 and 1994.
Many people say it was “The Match of the Century.”
1989 Grand Final – Canberra V Balmain.
Ruben Wiki’s Rugby League career started with the Otahuhu Leopards in Auckland. He played 224 games for Canberra, between 1993 and 2004. He credited his long career to the bowl of kava that he drank after every match.
Josh Hodgson – originally from Hull KR, has played 138 games for Canberra since 2015.

Acknowledgements:-

-Matt Cleary is a lifelong supporter of the Canberra Raiders. He is the author of the book called “The Milk”. He is also the host of a Canberra Raiders newsletter – themilk.substack.com

-To get a copy of Matt’s book go to: www.themilkbook.com

-The Green House supporters group – https://www.thegh.com.au

– Sydney Morning Herald

– Rugby League Project

– “The Viking Clap” – 2019 Grand Final V Eastern Suburbs