Heroes of Yesterday, Interview 5 - 10 March 2016 - Paul Sironen
What was your first football experience?
U/7s Gladesville Bowling & sports club-short of players & a mate brought me along with a pair of boots
Did you collect footy cards as a kid ?
100% loved building the pictures they used have on the back! The bubblegum was sensational as well.
As a child what is your most memorable experience of Rugby League?
Car pooling with five mates going to games then out to SCG for match of the day
Who were your footballing heroes as a kid ?
Had a few-Arthur Beetson, Bob Fulton & Terry Randell
Do you remember your first game in first grade, and what were the highlights and lowlights?
Parra at Leichhardt 1986-great team they had in those days. We got beat 24-8 or thereabouts. Held my own but took me a while to believe I deserved to be there.
What was your highlight of playing First Grade football?
Too many to list but playing Grand Finals very special
When did you know it was time to give the game away?
When I started singing the Wiggles songs to myself during a game
What followed after football?
Always involved in the game – been a coach, Manager, Administrator & a Director
Who was your most respected rival?
David Gillespie and Les Davidson were blokes I didn't look to run at
How has the game changed since your playing days?
Apart from money-now full-time pros & the level of scrutiny on the players-happy I played when I did
What’s your favourite restaurant?
One of my best mates is a chef so love popping in too his place for his hospitality & advice on life!!!
What are your hobbies?
Bit of golf, hope to travel more & watch my boys play a bit of footy
Have you collected your own footy cards ?
No consciously but have ended up with different ones of the years
Did you keep a scrap book?
Had friends & family that have given us clippings over time-I have a fair bit of stuff which is nice to go through every now & then when I’m feeling nostalgic!