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Parkes Phoenix

Parkes Boars Player Of The Week – Darcy Summerhayes

August 17, 2023 By Roxane Manley

Where were you born? Born in Parkes.

When did you start playing rugby? Started playing in the U7’s in 2015. Playing front row since U13’s.

Where do you go to school? Currently attending Parkes High in year 10.

What are your favourite subjects? Metal work and sport.

What is your favouite rugby position? Hooker.

Who is a player you look up to? Chris Summerhayes.

Why do you play for Parkes Junior Boars? I like playing with my mates. It’s a great sport and lots of fun on and off the field. It doesn’t matter who you are, everyone gets a go.

Our Bloke – Sam Johnston

August 10, 2023 By Roxane Manley

Sam Johnston

Where were you born? Forbes Hospital in 1995.

Which of your accomplishments are you most proud of? Starting the successful social media movement #ThankAFarmerForYourNextMeal or buying my own farm.

What historical moment stands out most in your memory? Watching Craig Lowndes win Bathurst in 2018 for his seventh time.

What’s the single best piece of advice you’ve ever received? “The only thing you get from looking back is a sore neck.”

What’s the greatest risk you’ve ever taken? Starting my own business at 19 with no experience.

What are the three things you would take to a deserted island? Fishing Rod, lighter and a box of Great Northern.

If you had to spend $10,000 today, how would you spend it? Paint the outside of my house.

When are you happiest? When I am home on the farm spending time with my family and dogs. 

Our Gal – Isabella Christina Ten Cate da Silva

August 3, 2023 By Roxane Manley

Isabella Christina Ten Cate da Silva

How old are you? 12.

What school do you attend and what year are you in? Parkes East Public School, Year 6.

Were you named after anyone? Middle name: Nan.

What three things would you like to pack in your lunchbox every day? Oreos, Tim Tams, Honey Soy Chicken Chips

If you could choose any job in the world, what would you do? An equestrian.

If you had to spend $10,000 today, how would you spend it? Buy a dachshund.

What is the scariest thing you’ve ever done? Going on a massive roller coaster.

If you could meet any historical person, who would that be? Pele.

What makes you feel like dancing? Listening to music.

If you had three wishes, what would you wish for? To have unlimited Sour Patch Kids, to open a Brazilian Restaurant and to visit family in Brazil when I like. 

Parkes Boars Player Of The Week – Kevin Oliver

August 3, 2023 By Roxane Manley

Kevin Oliver

Position at Parkes Rugby Union Club: President 

Where were you born? Born in Parkes 1971.

Were you named after anyone? Middle name Lesley after his grandfather.

Which of your accomplishments are you most proud of? Most proud: of his 4 children – and his growing number of grandchildren.

What historical moment stands out most in your memory? Parkes Bicentenary Celebrations.

What’s the single best piece of advice you’ve ever received? “No such thing as a silly question”.

What are the three things you would take to a deserted island? Beer, food and a boat.

If you had to spend $10,000 today, how would you spend it? Take Bronnie and the family on a holiday.

Our Bloke – Jack Charles Douglas Dunford

July 27, 2023 By Roxane Manley

Jack Charles Douglas Dunford

How old are you? 12.

What school do you attend and what year are you in? I am in year 6 at Parkes East Public School.

Were you named after anyone? Middle names: Pop and Pa.

What three things would you like to pack in your lunchbox every day? Oreos, LCMs, plain Smiths chips.

If you could choose any job in the world, what would you do? Professional cricketer.

If you had to spend $10,000 today, how would you spend it? Cricket bats and general sporting equipment.

What is the scariest thing you’ve ever done? Climbed Uluru.

If you could meet any historical person, who would that be? Sir Donald Bradman.

What makes you feel like dancing? Music.

If you had three wishes, what would you wish for? To have a big property, coach a sporting team and make my own cricket bats. 

Our Gal – Fiona Mary Dunn

July 20, 2023 By Roxane Manley

Fiona Mary Dunn

Where were you born? Forbes.

Were you named after anyone? No.

Which of your accomplishments are you most proud of? Being a mum and grandmother.

What historical moment stands out most in your memory? 911.

What’s the single best piece of advice you’ve ever received? Treat everyone how you would like to be treated.

What’s the greatest risk you’ve ever taken? Going to the underground mine-tool in Ballart. 

What are the three things you would take to a deserted island? My toy poodle dog named Ruby, my knitting and an endless supply of Tim Tams.

If you had to spend $10,000 today, how would you spend it? On an overseas trip.

When are you happiest? When I am with my family. 

Our Bloke – Grahame Keith Grant

July 13, 2023 By Roxane Manley

Grahame Keith Grant

Where were you born? Goulburn NSW.

Were you named after anyone? Keith is my father’s name. 

Which of your accomplishments are you most proud of? Travelling and snow skiing.

What historical moment stands out most in your memory? Thredbo landslide. 

What’s the single best piece of advice you’ve ever received? Be respectful. 

What’s the greatest risk you’ve ever taken? Arriving in Canada for a ski season without accommodation or a job. 

What are the three things you would take to a deserted island? Music, dog and a knife.

If you had to spend $10,000 today, how would you spend it? On a plane ticket. 

When are you happiest? In the sun surrounded by nature. 

Parkes Boars Player Of The Week – Sunshine Parker

July 6, 2023 By Roxane Manley

Sunshine Parker

Known as: Sunny.

Where were you born: South Jordan, Utah, USA.

What year were you born: 2000.

When and where did you play your first game of rugby: Alpine City, USA.

When did you come to Parkes: April 2022.

What position do you play: Hooker and Prop.

Your go to food before a game: Eggs on toast.

Interests outside of rugby: Reading, hiking and a good feed.

Where do you work: Deja Brew and Currajong Medical Centre.

Married/In a relationship/Single: Single.

Kids: No.

Rugby player that you look up to: Ilona Maher – USA 7s.

What is it about rugby that keeps you playing: The culture and that there’s a place for everyone.

Parkes Boars Player Of The Week – Benjamin Ryan

June 22, 2023 By Roxane Manley

Benjamin Ryan

Known as: Ben or the Kiwis call me “Bin”.

Where were you born: Paddington Sydney

What year: 1988.

When did you start playing rugby: U15’s for Parkes 2003.

What position/s do you play: 8,7,6,5,4,3,1 (lock, break away, tighthead or loose head prop, second row).

Your go to food before a game: Steak sandwich with the lot.

Interests outside of rugby: Most sports – touch, cross fit @ Parkes Athletic, golf, music.

Where do you work: North Parkes Mines.

Married?: To Kimberley Ryan.

Kids?: Christopher “CJ” Ryan and baby brother due early August.

Rugby Player you look up to: Richie McCaw, Alun Win Jones and Dan Ryan.

What is it about the Parkes rugby that keeps you playing: The Parkes rugby community and family vibe. The friends we make in the greater rugby community.

Our Gal – Cathy Ryan

June 22, 2023 By Roxane Manley

Where were you born: Wagga Wagga.

Were you named after anybody: My grandmother was Kathleen and there were several Catherine’s in my family tree.

Which of your accomplishments are you most proud of? Personally: my family as it grows and flourishes. Professionally – the difference I can make in woman’s pregnancy and birthing journeys.

What historical moment stands out most in your memory? The bombing of the twin towers on 11th September 2001. Changed the face of global safety.

What’s the single best piece of advice you’ve ever received? “Be true to yourself”.

What is the greatest risk you have ever taken? I boarded a plane in 1985 headed to Europe with a one way ticket.

What are three things you would take to a deserted island? Fresh water, fire source and Allan.

If you had to spend $10,000 today how would you spend it? Replace our home air conditioner that drowned in the November floods.

When are you happiest? When the sun is out, my family are around me, the wine is chilled and the food is good.

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