When Shane Backhouse first pulled on a Forestville Ferrets jersey as a four-year-old in 1992, he never imagined he would still be wearing the club’s colours more than three decades later.
This weekend, Backhouse will celebrate a remarkable milestone when he runs out for his 500th game with the Ferrets, a rare achievement in Community Rugby League.
“I started playing in 1992 when I was four and always just wanted to play whenever I could,” Backhouse said.
“As a kid, we had two teams in the one age group and if one team was ever short on players, I’d always put my hand up to fill in for the other too. I played for two teams in the same age group, played up an age whenever I was needed, and even played more games for the Under 16s than my own Under 15s team one season.”
That willingness to simply play the game he loved never changed.
Apart from two overseas backpacking trips and a minor knee injury, Backhouse has rarely been away from the game and the Ferrets.
While reaching 500 games is a rare milestone any player would be proud of, Backhouse’s focus is on helping his beloved club achieve the best it can.
One of his most notable achievements has been off the field after helping establish the Ferrets’ Bronze team to create another pathway for emerging players.
“Getting the Bronze team off the ground was huge for me,” Backhouse said.
“I got so much out of playing Reserve Grade between 18 and 21 before moving into A Grade, so having that opportunity again for young blokes coming through is really important.
“The last couple of years we have had players who weren’t quite ready for Gold but will absolutely get there. The Bronze team gives them somewhere to develop and hopefully keeps them involved with the club.”
More than 30 years after his first game, Backhouse’s 500th appearance is a testament to his loyalty, durability and love for the Ferrets, and a milestone the club and community will proudly celebrate this weekend.
