Chris Bennett began his rugby journey playing as a school boy in Bathurst, playing almost 100 grade games for the Bathurst Bulldogs and representing Central West at Country Week.

When this raw boned country boy arrived at training we were hoping for a 100kg lock, what we got was a 72kg speedster. His nickname was “Whippet” after the small, fast, agile dog. Coming to the Greens, Chris had no idea who Newcastle boxer Chad “Hollywood” Bennett was, but he was soon to find out and get a new nickname in the process.

Since Hollywood started playing for the Greens in 2007 he has been selected in 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th grades, as well as A, B, Divisional, President’s Cup, Social 4’s and the Hunter Cup. He has started in every position except No. 8 or anywhere in the front row. Hollywood’s time at the club has seen him win 6 premierships, over 14 seasons and missing the Grand Final only 2 or 3 times.

He has also been one of our pre-season fitness gurus over the years, designing and running Crossfit type activities for the players’ enjoyment. 2018 was a standout year for Hollywood, he won the club’s Best and Fairest Player across all grades, Best Back in Social 4’s, made the MCRC Team of the Year at half back and won a Gold Medal at the Pan Masters Games playing for the Surfers Paradise Gorillas!

If you take the time to think about all of the hundreds and hundreds of players who have run out onto Townson Oval wearing Bottle Green and White since 1930, there have only been a dozen or so who have played 300 games for the club and only three to play over 400; Glen Miller, John MacLeod and Frank England.

This Saturday, Hollywood joins those names in the 300+ club. Congratulations and well done to a true and faithful servant of the Greens and an absolute gentleman.