Compiling over fifty years of history into one book is no small feat, especially across a wide geographic area with as much detail as rugby league in NSW country towns.

However, it is exactly what author Greg Riach has done in his new book "Rugby League History, Western and Southern NSW 1920 - 1976" about the history of the great game in over sixty country towns across New South Wales.

Greg's "passion project" has taken him three and a half years to complete, and features the exploits of teams and players from towns across the western plains.

Born and raised in Parkes, Greg's love of country footy started at a young age playing for school sides.

"Out in country towns rugby league was and is a way of life," said Greg.

"I always remember when someone scores and all the people sitting in their cars will beep their horns."

"Or at the pub after the game, the players and fans breaking down the game."

The book focuses specifically on Rugby League in the Central Western region from the years from 1920 through to 1976 covering Groups 9, 10, 11, 14 and 15.

"I went as far north as Coonamble and Nyngan, down to Temora and Cootamundra, also got Bathurst, Oberon, Mudgee, anything in between," said Greg.

Some of the stories that feature in the book include the exploits of old country sides taking on England and France in Orange or Cootamundra, or the story of a side from Tomingley who in the 1940s used gum trees as goal posts, and oil drums filled with water for post-game showers.

PHOTO: Author Greg Riach

The first section consists of a summary of each decade and includes the great moments for teams and players. Records were made with some still remaining.

Great players and coaches emerged such as Ian Walsh, Bob Weir, John Hobby, Leo Nosworthy, Don Parish, Tony Paskins, Barry Beath, Norm Brown, Earl Harrison and Ken McMullen.

The second section highlights players who aspired to represent their region, Southern and Western being predominant with both producing a number of representative players.

Southern and Western Division teams played England, New Zealand and French touring teams from the 1920s -1970s.

Country trials were also held to select the country Firsts and Seconds teams to play their city rivals each year. Great players emerged from the country teams with some selected to play for Australia. Also highlighted is the 1974 Amco Cup.

The third section focusses in particular on the Maher Cup, which was initiated in the southern region and the Jack Hore Memorial Gold Cup which was founded in the western region.

The Maher Cup produced some of the greatest rugby league players including Eric Weissel and Jack Kingston who both went on to represent Australia. It covers the inaugural Cup challenge (1920) to its final challenge (1971) and its retirement to Tumut.

The Johnnie Walker and Clayton Cups are also examined.

The Johnnie Walker Challenge Cup was initiated in 1922 at a meeting in Dubbo and came to rest in the 1980s.The Clayton cup is highlighted as an award of supremacy for outstanding country rugby league teams. Cobar won the award in 1971 and 1972.

Throughout all sections there are numerous pictures and photos depicting teams, individual players, action shots, cartoons, souvenir programmes and trophies.

Greg was helped in his labours by rugby league enthusiasts from around the regoin, including ABC Radio sports reporter Geoff Mann, with Geoff also writing the foreword for the book.

The much loved "magic sponge" and the many characters of the game over the years are all on show.

"There's a bit about everybody in there up until 1976, if you love your history you'll enjoy it."

"Country NSW in those days had some great players, it goes through the history and the way of life out there over the years."

You can pick up your copy at the Book Connection in Macquarie Street, Dubbo or online using one of the links below. Greg will also be interviewed by Geoff Mann on ABC Radio Western Plains this Saturday morning 9 December.

The Book Collection Dubbo: (02) 6882 3311

Collins Booksellers

Bookshop.Org

Barnes & Noble