Helensburgh Tigers forward Steve ‘Tower’ McCallum says he’s never wanted to play anywhere else as he prepares to run out in his 250th senior match for the Club when they host Collegians in Round 9 this Saturday at Rex Jackson Oval. The IRL’s Russ Haylock caught up with Steve ahead of his milestone game.
Starting out in Under 10s before coming into the senior grades in 2003, the 6’5′ front rower was a part of the Club’s 2015 premiership win, which he lists as his career highlight, and made grand finals in 2011, 2013, and 2014.
On the Eve of his 250th, he speaks of the simple things he loves about playing in a Tigers jumper.
“It’s a good community Club that relies on the town to get behind it, and I guess that’s why you love playing there,” Steve says.
“We’ve got a good culture. We’re always the underdog, and we haven’t got the resources to compete with the big guns, but we hold our own where we can.
With so much experience under his belt, Steve says he enjoys assisting younger players at the Club, including some who are extra special and currently coming through the juniors at the Tigers.
“I hope for the future of the Club that they stick around, and if I can play a part in keeping them around and mentoring them a bit, I’m happy to be able to contribute.”
“Hopefully, my kids end up playing seniors one day. They’re all playing junior footy at the moment. They’ve got some memories of their Dad playing now as well, which is good.”
‘Old Boys’ Return
The Tigers will also hold their Old Boys Day in Round 9, reflecting on the 30th and 35th anniversary of premiership wins over Wests and Collegians. Rex Jackson Oval is expected to be well attended to provide extra atmosphere for the milestone match.
“I’m definitely looking forward to it, a lot of the Old Boys are guys I played with, and they’ve been coming down for years,” Steve says.
“They really do give a lot to the Club, and it’s always a great day, so hopefully, the sun comes out, and we can enjoy the game and the celebrations.”
Tigers President Kendall Ryan says Steve, better known as ‘Tower’ around the Club, is “the ultimate club man” for his efforts on and off the field.
“Tower stuck with the Club through years when wins were few and far between, and we couldn’t manage to field a first-grade side. He is the ultimate stalwart Tiger,” Kendall says.
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“The players would probably say what he has been able to teach them over the years is one of his greatest contributions, especially this season with so many of our younger players knowing his legend and excited to learn from his wealth of experience.”
Ryan is expecting a solid and passionate crowd to come out in support of the Tigers this weekend, with plenty of entertainment scheduled on the field and the following celebrations.
“When it works out, we try to celebrate Club milestones and anniversaries of significant events. Club culture is really important to us, we’ve been told we have the most loyal supporter base in the Illawarra, and they’re what keeps us going week in, week out.”
The First Division match against Collegians will kick off at 1:30pm at Rex Jackson Oval, with junior teams and ladies league tag playing before the main game on what is expected to be a memorable day for Tigers players and fans.