This year, Eight celebrates 10 years of supporting the local rugby community.
Having left his professional playing career in Ireland, Merewether Carlton was the next rugby club Steve Barretto showed up to with his boots on, 15 years ago now. And it wasn’t long after that when people got used to Nad’s laugh and love for a Chardy on the sideline.
With all 3 Barretto kids now playing across juniors and opens there’s no place Nads and Steve would rather be on a Saturday, and even if you're standing in Dubbo at a rep carnival with 3 pairs of socks on, it's all for the love of the game. So Steve says.
Although Steve’s fondest memory is playing in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd-grade grand finals in 2011, getting a chance to see through the next generation of rugby is today's motivation. These days, instead of being in the starting 15, Steve's involvement consists of coaching, whether that be juniors or first grade, and passing on the wisdom he gained from his days playing professionally.
Thank you to Merewether Carlton Rugby Union Club, Hunter Wildfires and Hunter Rugby for making us part of your communities. The sense of community, comradery, and friendships that come out of clubs such as these ones are what it's all about, no matter your age.
