From the Maitland Mercury report:
Paddy Maher did more than simply deliver the Maitland Pickers their first premiership in 1933.
The Australian centre helped unite a community.
In a period dominated by the Great Depression in the lead up to World War II, Maher and his men were a shining light for the city during dark times.
“They reckon he brought the whole town together,” Maitland Leagues Club general manager Glen Whaler said.
“They reckon there was just something about him.”
Maher hailed from Lismore and after five seasons with South Sydney – including a premiership in 1931, skippering NSW and a Kangaroo tour – he ended up in Maitland.
Playing out of Maitland Showground, “Paddy’s Pumpkin Pickers” went to claim the rugby league club’s maiden grand final with a resounding 34-0 victory over Waratah Mayfield in the 1933 Newcastle Rugby League decider.
Full article available at Maitland Mercury, July 8, 2015.
