The Harden Hawks celebrated two of their standout players last weekend, as Chris James and Tom McIllhatton both marked significant milestones with the club.
For head coach Nick Hall, it was a chance to reflect on the contributions of two players who, in very different ways, have become key figures in the team’s recent history.
Chris James, who recently clocked his 100th game for the club, might have played the bulk of his matches before Hall arrived, but his reputation preceded him. “It’s my first time coaching him,” Hall said. “Chris had a bit of a stint, so he racked up most of those hundred games before I came to coach the side. But I kept hearing about this guy called Chris James. People kept telling me how much he meant to the club and how good he was.” Now, Hall sees it for himself. “He’s pretty good. He’s pretty reliable. He’s been an asset. He brings brains, size, experience, exactly what a young side like ours needed.”
James’ return to the Hawks has been warmly welcomed by teammates and supporters alike. “They love him. He’s a real character. Whether it’s in team chats, at training, or just face to face, he brings something different. He started here as a young bloke, and now he’s one of our senior guys and one of our most valued.”
Meanwhile, Tom McIllhatton is another player making his mark. He has been with the club since Hall took over in 2021. Originally from Young, Tom was part of a group that crossed over to join the Hawks, blending in seamlessly both on and off the field. “He’s a great fella and a great player,” Hall said.
“He’s an incredibly versatile full back, wing, centre, I reckon I could put him at hooker or in the halves and he’d still do alright. He’s one of those players who just gets stuck in. The boys love him, and he’s always in the thick of it.”
As the Hawks push further into their season, the experience and energy of players like Chris and Tom will continue to be vital. For Coach Hall, their presence is more than just a boost on the field; it’s a testament to the club’s culture. “They’re the kind of guys that make coaching enjoyable,” Hall said. “The kind that make teams stronger not just in games, but in spirit.”
– Liam Stuart
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