The saying “The luck of the Irish” may well just be that with outstanding Brothers rugby league player Ben Munro.
Some players may have hit the century mark and notched up 100 games for their respective clubs which is a fantastic effort, but for Ben Munro he has been lucky enough to notch up an incredible 400 games for the mighty Brothers Leprechauns in a true sense of an amazing sporting achievement.
To date, Ben’s record stands above any other player that is known in Brisbane Rugby league, to be able to say they have made 400 appearances for one club.
When you consider Ben is only 23 years of age, it goes to show how long he has been part of the famous Brothers club and with no imminent signs of retiring just yet, fans will see this record extended even further, albeit probably never to be broken in the near future.
After speaking with the champion hooker, it was obvious he was proud to wear the butcher’s stripe jersey.
“I started at the club when I was five and remember it vividly. Running around in bare feet and training in those cold winters back then, your feet would be freezing!” Those early years were great and wanted me to be part of the club.”
Ben’s remarkable achievements have not gone unnoticed with former international and Brothers legend David Wright present on the weekend for Ben’s 400th game against Easts.
Wright was amazed that Ben had reached this milestone and said how proud he was as a former Brothers player to witness history in the making.
“Your record is impeccable Ben. You should be proud of what you have achieved and your friends and family watching today can only back up my comments. You have done the club proud,” Wright noted.
Ben’s current coach Shane Rout also explains that this record is something that needed to be shared with the greater rugby league community.
“To have this presentation for Ben today is something that the club and the supporters can share together. The effort by Ben is a fitting acknowledgement of his achievements,” Rout said.
Ben has also played under some astute coaches in his time at the club. He cannot pick one coach that stands out, but all have been an influence on his career including BRL stalwarts Glen Haggath, Trevor Bailey and Paul Payne.
The Munros are no strangers to the Brothers club with Ben’s grandfather being a life member. It would be these people that can sit back and be proud of Ben’s stellar career thus far and continue the Munro name for years to come.
Another proud family member is Ben’s father Shane who goes on to say how a whippet like boy turned into a tough little rugby league player who has been able to hold his own.
“Ben was small by all accounts when he first started playing,” Shane said.
“He was never a big kid and probably was never a stand out player either, but he had heart and guts. He never complained once of being hurt and was fortunate enough to have limited injuries.
“But one thing for certain is that it made him the man and the player he is today.”
After speaking with Ben, it was noted how humble and how down to earth he really is.
“Obviously I am very honoured to break this record especially with the Brothers club. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here and plan on playing for a few years more yet. To be able to say I have played 400 games for one club is pretty amazing.”
“I have to thank my family for bringing me down all those years ago and say thank you to all of the great coaches and staff over the years. Without these people I may have not got this far.”
Ben Munro … 400 games and counting, take a bow mate, you’re the stuff legends are made of.
