Gary Bridge

Gary Bridge nicknamed "Parrot" is an Australian former rugby league footballer who played in the 1980s and 1990s. He played for Balmain and Eastern Suburbs in the New South Wales Rugby League (NSWRL) competition and for Oldham R.L.F.C. in England.

Gary Bridge
Personal information
Full nameGary Bridge
Born (1961-06-23) 23 June 1961
Taree, New South Wales, Australia
Playing information
PositionFive-eighth, Wing, Centre, Halfback
Club
Years Team Pld T G FG P
1982–86 Balmain Tigers 104 32 0 1 122
1986–87 Oldham 23 8 0 0 32
1988–90 Eastern Suburbs 18 5 1 0 22
Total 145 45 1 1 176
As of 15 May 2019
Source: [1]

Background

Bridge was a Taree United junior before he switched to play with Wingham Tigers. Bridge was selected to play for NSW Country seconds in 1981 and gained attention from Balmain who elected to sign him.

Playing career

Bridge joined Balmain in 1982 and made his first grade debut for the club in Round 1 against Cronulla-Sutherland. In 1983, Bridge finished as the club's top try scorer with 13 tries as Balmain finished 4th on the table. Balmain were eliminated in the semi final by St George 17–14.

In 1985, Balmain finished second on the table and reached the minor semi final against Parramatta. Bridge captained the side as they were soundly beaten 32–4. In 1986, Bridge played in nearly every game for Balmain as they reached the preliminary final against Canterbury-Bankstown. Balmain would suffer further finals heartbreak losing to Canterbury 28–16. This would be the last match that Bridge would play for Balmain.

Between 1986 and 1987, Bridge played in England with Oldham R.L.F.C. before returning to Australia and signing with Eastern Suburbs. Bridge spent 3 seasons at Easts who struggled towards the bottom of the table before retiring at the end of 1990.[2][3][4][5]

Post playing

In 2015, Bridge became the coach of Taree City. On December 10, 2018, Bridge was inducted into the Group 3 rugby league hall of fame.

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References
  1. "Gary Bridge - Career Stats & Summary - Rugby League Project". www.rugbyleagueproject.org. Retrieved 15 May 2019.
  2. "Former Tigers in hall of fame". www.winghamchronicle.com.au.
  3. Alan Whiticker/Glen Hudson: The Encyclopedia of Rugby League Players. (1995 edition) ISBN 1875169571
  4. "Gary Bridge to coach Taree City Bills". www.manningrivertimes.com.au.
  5. "Men's Honour Roll". Sydney Roosters.
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