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"You're from Cootamundra - what would you know about fashion?" He might cop the occasional ribbing from his footy mates but that hasn't stopped former Canberra Raiders hooker Glen Buttriss from launching his own fashion label. Buttriss has joined forced with three mates - one from Coota, one from Tumut and another from Brisbane - to launch Sanman Clothing: a skate and surf brand offering T-shirts, tank tops, shorts and hoodies. Sanman Clothing started as an online store but is now stocked in retail outlets in Wagga Wagga, Young and West Wyalong. This year, Butriss wants to expand the label to surf and skate stores across Canberra and Wollongong. While fashion might seem an unlikely choice for a bloke from the country who spent 119 first grade games wearing lime green, Buttriss has every marketer's dream at his fingertips. Most brands have to pay millions for high profile players like Jack Wighton, Blake Ferguson and Josh Papalii to wear their clothing. But for Buttriss, it's payment in the form of a cold beer and a catch-up. League stars Mitchell Pearce, Joel Thompson and Jordana Rapana have also been photographed wearing Sanman. "We've been up to Newcastle and around Canberra just trying to get it out there through a few of my past footy mates who are still playing," Buttriss says. "I expected to cop it from the boys but they've really helped out a lot which has been awesome." The brand is "still building" Buttriss says, but the plan is to launch a big 2019 winter range that includes hoodies, pants and long-sleeve tees for men and women. Californa surfwear brand Stussy is the style Buttriss looks to for inspiration. Does he consider himself a bit of a trend-setter? "Not at all," Buttriss laughs. "I like my clothes but I'd never even considered fashion until this opportunity came along." This year will be a busy one for the boy from Coota, who joins the Belconnen United Sharks for the first time under the direction of former Raiders teammate Scott Logan. Buttriss also works full-time as a youth worker for Melba's Copland secondary school and college. "[Fashion] is just a hobby at this stage but I'm really enjoying it."

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