William “Billy” Moore, Tony Hickey and Keith Lewis have been nominated. Billy Moore has since moved to the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, whilst Tony Hickey resides in Tenterfield. The whereabouts of Keith Lewis is unknown.

National league representative, Billy Moore, said, “Obviously this is a year of reflection for rugby league.

“Rugby league is such a strong part of my life. It’s good when people acknowledge the past.”

His physical and mental strength were his finest qualities that enhanced his football

Billy openly admitted that football skills was not what he was known for.

“I was not renowned for my ball skills,” he said.

“I was competitive from the first to the last minute. I would try to come over the top of (the opposition), using the theory of quantity and not quality.”

Billy’s football career began in Wallangarra at the age of four. After the closure of the meatworks, Billy’s family moved to Tenterfield and he continued to play football for Tenterfield.

“I would not have made it without Tenterfield footy club and the Tenterfield community,” Billy said.

Billy Moore’s career moved to the national level with him representing Australia against England in 1995. He also played in several State of Origin series for Queensland.

Tony Hickey also considered the nomination to be a great honour and said it was “just nice to be considered”. But Tony says the game of league in country areas was in a better state during his career.

“Country rugby league is basically dying due to lifestyle changes,” he said.

“Junior rugby league is struggling. I would like to be positive, but I’m too realistic.”

Tony remembers his football days as being more relaxed with the opportunity of meeting people and making lots of friends.

Selection of the Group 19 Team of the Century will be made at the Glen Innes District Services Club on Saturday, June 7 at 6.30pm.

The nominations were made up of locals, imports and exports. Clubs around the Group 19 and Group 5 area were asked to select players for the Team of the Century and submit them to the group 19 Senior Vice President Paul Macrae.

The nominations came about with national rugby league celebrating 100 years of football. Players from Armidale, Inverell, Warwick, Moree and Glen Innes were also included in the nominations.