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After 200 games and more than a decade spent in the club’s playing ranks, Dave Heyman has ticked off almost every career milestone there is at the Gunnedah Red Devils bar one – a premiership title.
“I’ve never got to a grand final with Gunnedah; that would be everything,” Heyman said.
“That’s what keeps me going more than anything is trying to get a premiership with the boys.”
The veteran halfback will run out for his 201st game with Gunnedah in round two of the Central North Rugby Union competition on Saturday against Moree.
“You’re a long time retired so the more you can play, I think why not have a crack."
- Heyman on the longevity of rugby playing career.
Last weekend the Devils kicked off its 2014 season in style with a 44-16 win against home-town Walcha but trucked home a mountain of injuries – a tale Heyman is all too familiar with.
“I had a couple of bad injuries last year but I wouldn’t say they were old age injuries, they were just freakish things,” he said.
“I did a grade three medial tear so I was out for 12 weeks and then first game back tore ligaments in my foot.
“I only played three games otherwise I would have played my 200 (games) last year.”
Growing up, Heyman studied at Farrer Agricultural College and spent much of his early rugby career at the Tamworth Magpies where he played about 50 first grade games for the club.
He sided with the Devils in the year 2000 and hasn’t looked back since except for a little reflection the season of his 100th game.
“The 100th I didn’t even know it had come until it was gone,” he said.
“It was only at the end of the season when they came and said you played your 100th at some stage during that year that I realised.”
A farmer on his Bective property near Tamworth, Heyman said it’s the competitiveness in him that keeps him returning year after year.
“I just love the contest and the camaraderie, and not just rugby but sport in general,” he said.
“When you come in the sheds after the game and have a beer with the boys, talk about the game... to me that’s the best part.
“I’m still enjoying my rugby and the body is still pretty good.
“You’re a long time retired so the more you can play, I think why not have a crack.”
All the action kicks off at Gunnedah’s Rugby Park on Saturday with reserve grade. Gates open 12.30pm.