Scheduling several tour matches in a short time frame puts players and coaches under pressure to come up with good results. In previous decades, countless capable Wallabies were discovered in tough midweek matches. This is more rewarding than meaningless training camps where a never-ending list of coaches try to justify themselves. Loading The Howard mystery Lloyd McDermott was among the most important of Wallabies – the first Test player

who identified himself as an indigenous Australian. His recent death, which was even

reported by The New York Times, has revived interest in who exactly was the

Wallabies’ first Aboriginal player. This is generally accepted to be Cec Ramalli, the

son of an Indian Muslim trader and Aboriginal mother, who played two Tests in 1938

at five-eighth before being a World War II POW. There has long been vigorous debate whether winger John ‘Jack’ Howard, who played alongside Ramalli in the 1938 Test team, was Aboriginal. Several notable Queensland officials and players were adamant Howard was Aboriginal; others weren’t convinced.

Some believed Howard died in a Japanese POW camp, after being captured in Malaya. While researching The Wallabies at War book, I spent months trying to track down Howard’s war record, but found no proof of him dying in Malaya. A John Howard from Queensland did serve in Malaya, was reported as missing, survived Changi, and returned to Brisbane in 1945. In Howard’s military papers, his father’s address is ‘Aboriginal Station, Private Bag, Ballina’. Two Blues legend: Dennis 'Muncher' Garlick. Credit:Facebook It is not certain this is the same John Howard who played two Tests against the All Blacks. The final years of this Wallaby’s life remains one of Australian rugby’s great mysteries. Muncher's milestone We have early nominations for best rugby club food, volunteer, supporter and

ground. Parramatta have understandably nominated their legendary Dennis

‘Muncher’ Garlick, who this season is celebrating 50 years as a player, coach and

trainer. The renowned Dunlop Volley-wearing ‘Hydration Executive’ has handed

water bottles to the likes of Ray Price, Tony Melrose, Mick Martin and Tatafu Polota-

Nau, rarely missed a training session and has never missed a game. On May 4, the club will have a ‘Back to Muncher Day’ at Lidcombe Oval to celebrate his service.

Loading The infamous Warringah Hillbillies, who invade Rat Park, have nominated

themselves as the game’s most enthusiastic supporters. When asked to describe

themselves, the Hillbillies came up with ‘lazy.’ Bob Doyle says the schnitzels at Wings Bistro at Eastwood Rugby Club are quality, while the Rat Park steak sandwich had Pops Macdonald ‘drooling.’ Ray Barber believes the most picturesque ground going around is Noosa Dolphins HQ. Keep the nominations for the best of everything in clubland coming to greggrowden@bigpond.com

Tombs lifts Shoremen Rousing scenes when former Wallaby Richard Tombs was part of the Northern Suburbs' first-round Shute Shield victory celebrations. Tombs suffered a serious spinal injury playing soccer last year but was courageously at Rat Park to see Norths beat Warringah. His alma mater, The Armidale School, last weekend hosted the TAS Rugby Carnival – Australia’s largest under-12 rugby tournament. A record 51 school, representative and junior club teams were involved. Race that stops a rugby club The Subbies have their priorities. The Newport Breakers called off their trial match

last Saturday because the players wanted to head to Royal Randwick for

Winx’s last race. Coach Eddie Wayling said he hoped the trip taught his players

the importance of ‘finishing strongly.’

Rumour has it – Serious rumblings at the Reds. Several players do not like Queensland coach Brad

Thorn’s tough ‘My way or the highway’ approach. Some are looking for an exit,

especially after Thorn’s contract was extended. – Those in the know say sponsorships are seriously drying up at the game’s top end.

Rugby Australia sponsorships dropped from $31 million to $28 million last year.

Match-day revenue also fell by $6m. The RA sponsorship figure is anticipated to fall

again in 2019. The Israel Folau fiasco won’t help. Quote of the week "I've had moments when I've cried to my best mates and I've cried to my wife

and there's some people out there that might think I'm a pussy and weak, but I

don't care." – All Black Israel Dagg on his mental health issues.