Legendary Warwick area administrator signs off after 58 years

Rugby league in Warwick & District will look a little different this year with Peter Cavanagh winding up his formal involvement with the league after 58 years.

Cavanagh had been there since day dot, coming through the grades as a player and referee, before spending his time in coaching and administration, enjoying 30 years as chairman.

The retired dairy farmer from Allora said he was "lucky enough to have the opportunity to be part of it", particularly enjoying working with the juniors, making sure they left the game with good memories and values of teamwork and being gracious winners and losers.

"I was only 16 when they formed Warwick & District and I've been part of it ever since. I've had three goes at being chairman," he said.

"I was playing in the seniors, 16s and 18s and I was 21 when I took up refereeing. I don't think I was a world-beater, but I enjoyed doing it and gave that away for seniors at 33 when I bought the farm (at Allora) off my father. I still kept refereeing and coaching juniors.

"I tried to work with people. You get a lot further with sugar than you do with salt, as the old saying goes."

Cavanagh can attest to the fact you don't have to be from the big city to make it big, having a role in supporting countless talents who went on to play NRL, State of Origin, Tests and even rugby union internationals.

"I've never seen anyone around these parts who had the talent who didn't get further opportunity," he said.

One of those he proudly watched banged down the door to reach the top was Shane Webcke, who continues to give back after his illustrious career.

"We still talk to each other whenever we come across each other. He really appreciates it and that kind of thing makes you feel good," Cavanagh said.

"Shane has put a lot back into the country, he's been very good in our area.

"He always kept his nose clean and played good, bloody tough football. He came through in one of the best eras we had in our local area.

"He just wanted to get out there and give everything, and that was the reason he made it.

"I've had two or three others guys who went on to play NRL and the big things was no matter how many times they got knocked down, they got back up. Some have far more talent, but don't want to do the hard work.

"If you want to go anywhere in something, you've got to put the hard yards in. It's all about effort. It's like anyone who's gone to the Olympics are anything else - it's just sheer hard work."

Cavanagh said he was lucky to have the influences of Con Mahoney - a disciple of Duncan Thompson - and Queensland Rugby League Team of the Century prop Herb Steinohrt.

"(Con) was the bookmaker in town and taught sport and was a man before his time and gave you a great desire to be part of things, had a great attitude and I always thank him for what he did," he said.

"I'd be down at Toowoomba in my younger days refereeing and you'd sit down and talk to Herb and he was full of knowledge.

"Some people thought he could be a bit cranky, but if you showed an interest, he'd talk to you, and that's how you learn."

Cavanagh still plans to give time volunteering to rugby league at Clifton-based Wattles Warriors, impressed by the efforts former NRL player Travis Burns has put in at the club giving back to the game as a coach.