Footy fans

Supporters of rugby league can be the family and friends of players, or volunteers, mascots and club members. All of these people are passionate about their rugby league. The game wouldn’t be the same without them.

Mark Wallington became Mark the Magpie in 1979. For the next 10 years he entertained supporters in his distinctive magpie costume. His on-field antics made him a favourite with fans.

On his retirement in 1988 he was made a life member of the Western Suburbs Leagues Club.

Viktor the Viking has been Tony Wood’s alter ego for 26 years. Wood has supported the Canberra Raiders since their debut in 1981. He was inspired to become their mascot after seeing Mark the Magpie at Lidcombe Oval.

Fanatical fans

Long-term fans of the Balmain (now Wests) Tigers will remember Laurie Nichols.

From the mid-1960s until his death in 2000, the number one Balmain fan was seen at every game, wearing a singlet and revving up the players with his shadow-boxing moves as they ran onto the field.

Australian supermodel Elle Macpherson has been a fan of the Cronulla Sharks since she was 3 years old. Macpherson grew up in Sutherland Shire, Sydney, and went to games with her father, brother and sister. She was awarded the club’s number one supporter jersey and medallion in 1994 in recognition of her ongoing support.