Owen Craigie

Your Say

• Anonymous
  16/05/2020

  A once in a generation talent - Aust sprint champion at 16, youngest aust schoolboy who honed his skills in the backyards and paddocks of the small NSW bush community of Tingha. “Owey” had all the skills; Blindiing speed and acceleration; Gasnier-like swerve and a prodigious step off both feet - like he was born to the game.
  He also had a nearly 100% success rate of regathering the ball in the ancient and lost art of chip-kicking (left or right foot - it didn’t matter). One might ad, I can’t ever remembering him drop or fumble a ball - he was THAT good.
  When he first arrived in Newc to play 1st grade (‘97) the 17 yr old exuded a love of the game, the thrill of the “hunt” and the comraderie of the mob.
  In his early seasons at the knights he thrived under the more relaxed and supportive environment engendered by senior players and pommy champion player and coach, malcolm reilly - at that stage (late’98) with a premiership ring on his finger, he could have been anything.
  Coupled with off field issues of his Own making, his subsequent time under the unsupportive, caustic and calculating style of warren ryan at the knights saw his game fall apart and his light dim.
  Went on to light up the stage occasionally at a number of other nrl clubs before a stint with Widnes in UK - but for mine, never rediscovered the path or recaptured the spark to his potential so evident playing alongside the Johns brothers; Cruz’s Brett grogan,, Robbie Odavis, Leo Dynevor, Jason moody and Darren Albert at knights. A proud aboriginal man who stood up to racism when it was unfashionable to speak out he continues to play occasionally in local 2nd Div where despite age and mobility is always two moves ahead of the rest. Generous to a fault, giving back as he social-works in the Aboriginal community, the mercurial “Owey-mob” will forever remain a Champion bloke. Yarma garru!
  DJTB

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