Brothers and the Queensland Rugby League community have come together to celebrate Ben Munro’s remarkable 500-game milestone.
Family, friends and teammates formed a guard of honour as Munro took to Gibson Park on Saturday for his historic appearance.
Munro was congratulated by QRL South East chair Matt O’Hanlon and Brothers officials after the emotion-charged match.
Fittingly, man of the moment Munro notched two tries in Brothers’ strong victory against Natives, as fans lined the fence to celebrate his incredible service to the club and Brisbane Rugby League.
There were a few laughs as well amongst the Brothers faithful – with one sign reading ‘one more season’ Ben.
QRL History Committee chair Steve Ricketts said it was rare honour for a player to achieve 500 games for the one club, and it is a tribute to Brothers for keeping precise records.
Ricketts said it was not unusual for English players in eras gone by to play 500 games or more because clubs in the UK could register between 40 and 50 games a year as a result of knockout Cup competitions held in conjunction with the Championship (Premiership).
"But in those cases most players represented more than one club in their careers," Ricketts said.
"For Ben Munro to be loyal to the one club from the age of five to 33 is a wonderful tribute to the young man."
Ricketts played for Brothers in 1976-77 and when he joined the club the secretary was Don Munro, Ben's grandfather.
Don could not be present at Saturday's game because of ill-health, but his wife, Heather came down from Buderim for the occasion.
Brothers' 1987 first grade premiership-winning skipper Trevor Bailey was there along with a number of other Old Boys.
