It's what Souths Logan are calling 'Philly D Day' – the moment when long-serving Magpies leader Phil Dennis breaks the record for most-ever appearances in the Intrust Super Cup.
Dennis is scheduled to move to 271 games in his 16th season in the competition, overtaking Redcliffe's Troy Lindsay, who has held the record for the past decade.
The feat will take place 3pm Sunday, July 29 at Davies Park, West End when Souths Logan host the Townsville Blackhawks.
Here's 5 reasons why it is cause to celebrate.
5. Wayne Bennett initially believed the Magpies had to bench Dennis to prosper.
Rugby league's most enduring coach and - himself a legendary figure in Souths Magpies history - Wayne Bennett told club officials they should be starting younger, fitter and bigger players to forge ahead. The Broncos' head coach can often be seen at the southern end of Davies Park on game days and could be a chance of lobbing up there today again for the milestone match. According to Magpies insiders, Bennett later reversed his opinion after a few months, realising Dennis was the "heart and soul" of the black-and-whites and brought a strong attitude to the team culture.
4. Dennis gives up 30kg to some opposing forwards
After discovering a new lease on life through a fitness regime the past few off-seasons, Dennis has trimmed up to sit around 91kg. As a lock, he can often be tackling some of the biggest whoppers in the competition, like Capras man mountain Dave Taylor, conservatively listed as 121kg. Dennis is also 174cm, around 20cm smaller than players like Redcliffe's Scott Schulte. A great lesson in durability and mental strength for players who may be concerned they are under-sized.
The most capped Intrust Super Cup player of all-time
3. Dennis has captained the Magpies for a decade
The Burdekin Roosters product is not only a long-time servant of Souths, but he has led the West End outfit for all but a few of his years there. He was identified as a leader at a young age, even co-captaining the Magpies when he started off the bench in their 2008 premiership win against Ipswich.
2. In Intrust Super Cup, 271 games is equivalent to many more seasons than NRL
With a number of veterans hitting the 300-game mark in the NRL recently, 271 games might not seem like a lot. However, you have to remember that the Intrust Super Cup has always been played over a shorter season, particularly in earlier years when it didn't mirror the NRL as closely in schedule. There have also been seasons where bye rounds have padded out the year significantly.
1. Like other Intrust Super Cup players, Dennis has done it all while holding down a day job.
The discipline and passion to show up week-after-week when the body is hurting, when you have family commitments, a job to fulfil and no lavish football contract is arguably the most commendable aspect of the record. Dennis works for Mission Australia in Indigenous employment and has previously worked in the Indigenous housing sector. Trying to make a difference in his job, as well as on the field, no doubt takes focus, dedication and some astute time management.
