Daniel Abraham will play his 100th and final Real NRL first grade game for the Kurri Bulldogs against the Cessnock Goannas this Saturday.
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Abraham joined the Bulldogs in 2009 after a 106-game National Rugby League stint with the Newcastle Knights and North Queensland Cowboys.
He played in the 2001 NRL grand final-winning side over Parramatta and represented NSW Country in 2003 and 2004.
It was part of a pact with former Knights teammate, Luke Quigley, that they would play together in the Newcastle league. Quigley, hooker for Kurri at the time, made his decision easier.
His stint with Kurri ushered in a strong ex-NRL contingent with Quigley, George Ndaira, Jesse Royal, Adam Peek, Todd Polglase, Reegan Tanner and Terence Seu Seu – which lead to finals appearances in 2009, 2010 and 2013.
He cites the fairytale run to the 2013 Real NRL grand final as his favorite memories for Kurri, but is still haunted by the eventual 21-8 loss to Wests Newcastle.
“It was an amazing time.The amount of fans that turned up at our last training session to get their Kurri memorabilia signed was amazing and also the amount that waited for us at the bowling club after our loss was something I’ll never forget,” Abraham said.
“I can’t really remember (the grand final) because of a high shot I copped.
“It will always haunt me because I didn’t play as well I wanted to.”
The Bulldogs are desperate to avoid the wooden spoon and send ‘Abes’ out a winner, while the Goannas are looking to consolidate a top-three finish.
Abraham, 34, will link with his home club Macquarie Scorpions in 2016, as a player and assistant coach.
He last played for the Scorpions in 1999, winning the Real NRL Rookie of the Year and a call-up to the Knights reserve grade team, under Kurri legend Steve Linnane.
The Bulldogs will present Abraham with an embroidered jersey before Saturday’s game.
“I’m proud to join 100 club at Kurri,” Abraham said.“They’ve been a great club and have done a lot for me.”
Reaching the milestone looked in doubt after a left shoulder reconstruction last year, but felt the injury has improved considerably and will continue to play for as long as he feels fit.
In another milestone, Kurri junior Mitch Cullen will play his 100th grade game for the Bulldogs in the final round.
Reserve grade sponsor the Criterion Hotel Weston is holding ‘A Drink with Abes’ after the game on Saturday from 5pm. The club invites all players and fans along to celebrate Abraham’s career with Kurri.
The Bulldogs will face the Goannas at Cessnock Sportsground on Saturday. First grade will kick off at 3pm.