New and old Comets collide

Justin Loomans in the current Comets jersey, with Scott Minto wearing the 1998 Capras jersey, look forward to the Old Boys day.

Sharyn O'Neill

STORIES of past glories will abound at Browne Park on Saturday night as the Comets pay tribute to their past members.

It is the second year the Comets “Old Boys” have held a reunion and for Scott Minto and Justin Loomans it is an event they want to see continue.

“About 40 have said they are coming,” Minto said.

Not all are past players, on the list are also former coaches and club administrators.

“The Comets have a fantastic history and we are in the heartland of rugby league,” Loomans enthused.

“It is a chance for everyone to come together each year as people have dispersed around the country.”

While the people have all been a part of the Comets, many have gone on to pursue different career paths and so for Minto it is also an opportunity to carry out a little bit of networking.

Some of those attending may now be running their own business and will look upon the Comets as an opportunity to promote their enterprise while supporting their football club.

Loomans said the past members of the Comets had a great lot to look back on as the rugby league club had developed significantly over the years.

“We have a very professional football club, they are (Comets teams) no longer the (Queensland Cup) whipping boys,” he said.

“After all this (Intrust Super Cup) is the second best rugby league competition in the world.”

For Loomans it is a chance to recognise the developments that have occurred at the club over the years.

“For me it is a great opportunity to recognise the past,” he said.

“As you can see with the Town verses Country games there is a real passion for the game in country areas, city people just don’t get it.

“The Comets have flown the flag for professional rugby league in this region.”

Loomans said without the Comets there would not have been a starting point for players wanting rugby league as a career opportunity.

It is an appropriate day for the “Old Boys” to hold their reunion as former Rockhampton player Nick Kenny returns to the city from the Brisbane Broncos to play for the Comets in the match against Tweed Heads.