WHEN rugby union journeyman Hugh Thompson ventured to Bill Strong Oval two summers ago he didn’t envisage a life-changing scenario.

The former top grade prop gave Manly Rugby Club 32 years of sterling service before moving from Sydney’s northern beaches to Nelson Bay in 2022.

After arriving in Port Stephens, an inquisitive Thompson visited the “Groperdome” to watch the Nelson Bay rugby squad go through their paces at pre-season training.

“I bumped into first grade lock Sam Rocher who asked if I was interested in rugby and so began my association with the Gropers,” Hugh recalled.

“Initially I volunteered to work as a strapper for the club’s Premier One, Two and Three grades.”

When the Gropers were looking for a third grade coach, Hugh put his hand up for the job with the tireless Greg Spake taking over as team manager.

In quick time, the 78-year-old stalwart has become a revered character in the Gropers’ rugby community.

Thompson has a sharp eye for talent and the ability to spot a technique deficiency in a player or move and can offer up suggested improvements.

In 2023, the Nelson Bay club was unable to field enough players to remain in Hunter Premier Rugby so dropped back to the suburban division where Hugh was the team strapper.

They ultimately won the premiership undefeated.

Somewhat of a “rugby whisperer”, Thompson would pass on his years of knowledge while strapping or massaging.

Hugh played rugby league in the South Sydney Juniors with Malabar before stints with City of Sydney Police Boys, Double Bay Catholic Club and Marist Brothers Darlinghurst in the Eastern Suburbs A Grade competition and later in the Manly-Warringah Junior League.

A fearless forward, he also participated in the inaugural Manly touch football competition, organised by dual international and Sea Eagles legend Rex Mossop, at Curl Park.

Thompson played alongside the likes of Mossop, iron man Noel Kelly and John ‘“Chow” Hayes, developing his ball skills in a tough environment.

He later linked with the Manly Marlins Rugby Club where he played 90 matches and coached several grades – lining up in a first grade fixture at the age of 42.

Hugh’s wife Ros also managed the licensed Manly Rugby Union Club that stood over the northern end of Manly Oval.

One of his prized possessions is a framed and autographed Manly jumper of former Wallaby flanker Willie Ofahengaue, given to him by the World Cup-winning hero back in 1992.

Hugh is a father figure off the field to the Nelson Bay players guiding them with sage advice on being a model citizen, if they stray off the path.

Both Hugh and Ros were involved in welfare support when living in Sydney.

The Gropers have a highly qualified medical support team but if there’s an injury out of left field, Hugh will know how to treat it.

He has a myriad of ointments, muscle relieving gadgets and techniques to get the players back onto the field.

Thompson’s commitment is first class and he never misses training or game day and can always be found in “Hughy’s corner” of the dressing sheds where he has a room setup with massage table and medical bags.

He had a recurring leg injury which meant he missed the two nights training leading up to this year’s preliminary final loss.

He was admitted to hospital and underwent two operations prior to the game.

Typically, he contacted team manager Greg Spake from John Hunter Hospital to ensure all the medical bags and equipment was packed for the bus trip to the Newcastle No 2 Sportsground.

He then made another call before kick off to wish the team the best.

By Chris KARAS