1986 SEASON
Western Suburbs DRLFC 1986 Squad
Back: John Brooks (President), Herb Smales (Chief Rubber), Craig Neil, Ian Naden, Geoff Dillon, Brett Clark, Rob Browne, Tom Robbins, Wilfred Williams, Rick Wayde (Secretary)
Third Row: Charlie Lucas (U23’s Coach), Gary Pym, Charlie Khalifeh, John Bilbija, Garry Webster, Craig Clarke, Stephen Burney, Ian Freeman, Allen Geelan, Chris Stephandellis, Rod Pethybridge, Terry Donnellan, Michael Neil, John Jacobs (Reserve Grade Coach),
Second Row: Deryck Fox, Graeme Jennings, David Stafford, John Henderson, Allan Burns, Mark Robb, Wayne Lambkin, Peter Worth, Craig Ellis, Ray Dib, Graeme Rowley, Anthony Elias, Greg Falkner, Paul Sheahan, Gary Gallen (Asst. Conditioner)
Seated: Doug Rawlings, Noel Mancuso, Troy McGregor, Peter Gentle, Brian Brown, Trevor Cogger, Lee Crooks (First Grade Captain), Steve Ghosn (First Grade Coach), Darren Stevens, Geoff Sutton, John Cogger, Alan Fallah, Gerry Byron, Brett Davis
Front: Jonathon Smailes (Ball Boy), Mark “The Magpie” Wallington
1986 was all about the English connection. Lee Crooks was back and was joined by compatriots Deryck Fox (Featherstone) and Des Drummond and John Henderson from Leigh. Trevor Cogger also returned from Leigh. There was also news at the end of the season that Bruce Clark (Oldam), Brett Clark (St Helens) and Ian Schubert (Leigh) were all leaving for England.
It was also taken with relief that the feud with the NSWRL appeared to be finally over. Even so, financial difficulties still were there, and the decision was made to move to Campbelltown in 1987. It was expected the spectator base would be significantly increased. Masterton Homes came on as sponsors, which helped the balance sheet considerably. The season did show an improvement on the previous four years. Eight wins and a draw meant a movement up the table.
Again, there was a large movement of players. John McArthur, who had played very well, went to North Sydney and Terry Leabeater to Parramatta. Wilfred Williams came from Eastern Suburbs and added thrust to the backline. Rod Pethybridge, at fullback, scored 12 tries and finished equal second in the Rothmans Medal. He was one of Wests’ best players in the season. The U23s finished 3rd in the best performance in all grades.
John Bilbija and Wilfred Williams played well all season