SYDNEY University's most famous fourth-grade prop and former Prime Minister of Australia Tony Abbott will be the special guest at the Hawthorne Club grand final luncheon at Surf House on September 20.
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The one-time PM led the Students to a fourth grade premiership in 1986. He had previously played first grade and was a teammate of Hawthorne Club member Rowan Burgess, who invited him to speak at the lunch. The annual event raises money for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter and local rugby. Maul and All is told Mr Abbott will sidestep politics in his address. Tickets will go fast.
* Former Wanderers Harry Johnson-Holmes helped steer Sydney University to a 21-16 win over Warringah in the Shute Shield grand final. Johnson-Holmes, who is in camp with the Wallabies this week, packed against former Hamilton tighthead turned Rat Faavae Sila. Fellow Hunter pair Sam Fogarty (Merewether) and Nathan Brennan (Singleton) were in the Eastern Suburbs second grade side which lost the decider to Sydney Uni 37-18.
* Wanderers Fijian flyer Nimi Qio finished his first season in NHRU as the leading try-scorer. The powerhouse centre crossed in the 40-29 loss to Hamilton to take his tally to 17, one more than teammate Tim Marsh. Hamilton breakaway Tiueti Asi was third with 15.
* Referee Jarryd Logan is in the box seat to control his sixth first-grade decider. Entering the finals, Logan is ranked No.1 followed by Lewie Nelson and Nick Gaal.
* Hamilton captain Steve Lamont is racing the clock to be fit for the major semi-final after straining his quad and missing the final-round win over Wanderers.
