Gary played with the Ridge when we won our first-ever grand final. He was the first senior player to represent the Ridge in Western Division.

Gary has contracted the debilitating Motor Neurone Disease which has no known medical cure. I visited Gary recently on his farm at Ashford near Inverell and could see his mental toughness is no different from when he played for the Ridge.

He still maintains Group 15 was the hardest competition he encountered.

Gary said: "Mate, it's so frustrating. It only became noticeable early this year. There were signed of losing balance and tripping a couple of years back but I didn't take any notice. I am still strong in the mind. I'll tell you something, I've got a long way to go to fulfil my dreams."

Longy had a successful career in Sydney. He played three seasons with Penrith in 1986, '87, and ‘88 before going to St George for the 1988-89 seasons. He said one of his highlights was leading St George when regular skipper Brian Johnson was injured.

In all Gary played 30 first grade games in Sydney. He joined the Mudgee Dragons for a two-year stint in 1990 before coming to the Lightning Ridge Redbacks. His try in the grand final was the catalyst for our great win. His experience, along that season was priceless. He inspired everyone involved. Thanks Longy for that memory.

Longy returned to Mudgee recently and still has a great support base there. The Mudgee district has thrown its weight behind him in these troubled times. His mates were emotionally moved to see a young bloke in his prime showing noticeably in his movements the effects of the illness.

In an extract from the Mudgee paper, The Weekly, Dr Tony Egan of the Mudgee Medical Centre said Motor Neurones Disease is one of the worst kind know to man. It affects the muscular system and can lead to a collapse of chest muscle, spasticity in the legs and arms and similar problems in the body.

Gary has been coaching the under 18s in Inverell and has thrown a challenge to Charlie Brown's side with a trophy for the winner, maybe in March next year. We hope to organise a fundraiser for Gary and his young family at this event, with a big night after the game at a venue to be named.