Rod Pethybridge – Showing Courage in Recovery

Northern Sydney Wellbeing Officers Ken Vessey and Norm Pounder recently paid a surprise visit to see Rod at a Sydney Hospital, where he was recovering from hip replacement surgery. We saw him six days after his surgery and he was feeling much better after being in the ITC Unit for a few days.

Naturally, we spoke about his rugby league career as a Fullback , starting in the Balmain Junior Rugby League region before being graded with the Penrith District Rugby League Club in 1983. He went to the UK in 1984 and played for Featherstone Rovers Rugby League Club, before returning to the Balmain District Rugby League Club in 1985 playing 6 games in 1st grade (the permanent 1st Grade Fullback at that time was Balmain/Australian great Garry Jack).

In 1986-1987, Rod transferred to the Western Suburbs District Rugby League Club played 30 games in first grade and finished second in the Rothmans Medal voting in 1986.

Rod in the coming months has to prepare himself for more surgery on his other hip and some heart issues. He will be ably supported by his partner Gwen and his children Kayla, Maddison , Josh and Reid . We wished him a speedy rehab period, return to good health and back home to Long Jetty and presented him with a Men of League polo shirt. Rod was most appreciative for our visit and wished the Men of League continued growth and success.

By Ken Vessey
Men of League Foundation Northern Sydney Committee Wellbeing Officer