THE Steelers mens 35s Oztag team continue to show that age is only a number after recently returning from Coffs Harbour, where they claimed their fourth consecutive state title.
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A team which includes Group 7 identities Dean Gray and Gary Breakspear, have had very successful four years together.
Since 2014, they have eight tournament victories from 10 domestic tournaments played, which includes losing another in extra time in a final.
In total, they have played 64 representative games played for just six losses – which can be largely credited to the hard work of coach Graham Seery.
“I was first asked, at the age of 37, to play Oztag by an old friend, Paul Peel who owns the Picton franchise,” Seery said.
“I played all year round for five years then turned to coaching in 2014 with the Illawarra Steelers teams, both junior and senior.
“In 2016, the team won all three major tournaments including the State Cup, State of Origin and National titles – which is massive and a credit to all the guys hard work.
“The players will now represent our region at the National titles again in November where Australian teams will then be selected for the Tag World Cup in 2018.
“Gary Breakspear, Dan Graham and Mark Wynn are in the current Australian team and will have another chance to impress the selectors at a Big 4 tournament to be played early September, 2017.”
During the four years the team has had eight players selected in Australian teams which is a real credit to the teams success.
The team has had three players whom have played all 64 matches since Seery took over, including co captains Gary Breakspear and Lee Martin alongside team manager, Clinton Tubby.
"The players have often commented on the lack of ego within the team and that no player feels more important than the blokes standing alongside him,” Seery said.
“There is a great mate ship and harmony within the group, which even extends to the wives and partners at each of the tournaments.”