Yesterday's Hero: Simon Gillies

[Wahesh]

Previous Yesterday's Hero threads:

Darren Smith: https://www.thekennel.net.au/forum/index.php?threads/yesterdays-hero-darren-smith.108562/
Craig Polla-Mounter: https://www.thekennel.net.au/forum/index.php?threads/yesterdays-hero-craig-polla-mounter.108757/
Daryl Halligan: https://www.thekennel.net.au/forum/index.php?threads/yesterdays-hero-daryl-halligan.108856/
Jason Hetherington: https://www.thekennel.net.au/forum/...-hero-jason-hetherington.109027/#post-3315518

Simon Gillies

An old school hard running, no-nonsense back-rower, Simon Gillies played for the Canterbury Bulldogs during the1980s and 1990s. An Australia national and New South Wales state representative forward, he played his club football in Sydney for the Canterbury Bulldogs (with whom he won the 1995 ARL Premiership), as well as in England for the Warrington Wolves. His older brother, Benjamin Gillies, also played for the Bulldogs.

Gillies was selected to play for Canterbury-Bankstown from the reserve bench in their 1994 Grand Final loss to the Canberra Raiders.

Gillies played a prominent role in the Bulldogs 1995 finals campaign, scoring a decisive try against the Broncos which saw the Bulldogs go on to win 24-10, and also 2 tries the following week against Canberra, which saw the Bulldogs win 25-9, and book their place in the Grand Final. Gillies played in the 2nd row in the 1995 Grand Final victory over the Sea Eagles.

He was named as the Bulldogs' replacement captain following Terry Lamb's retirement at the end of 1996. Gillies represented Australia at the 1996 Super League World Nines. In 1997 he was selected for the New South Wales rugby league team during the Super League Tri-series.

 

[ouwet]

Simon Gillies in the 1995 Semi Final series was a beast!

He was easily our best throughout the whole series and IMO was the main reason we had that magical run to win the GF

 

[Wahesh]

He was part of the huge superstar roster we had in 1995. I won't forget his combination with Dean Pay in the finals games against Brisbane and Canberra. Absolutely fearless duo who caused nightmares for the opposition defense.

 

[GDR]

what a legend ..I know I said this last week, but one of my favourites of all time .. Heart personified..

 

[Freakzilla]

Simon Gillies in the 1995 Semi Final series was a beast!

He was easily our best throughout the whole series and IMO was the main reason we had that magical run to win the GF

I disagree. Pay was our best with Gillies right behind him. Both were incredible that finals series.

 

[CroydonDog]

Gillies and his brothers came from a long line of league players to have attended Yanco Agricultural High School, who won the old University Shield and Buckley Shield on a few occasions.

It sucked being the nearest school to Yanco, as we would always end up meeting them in the first or second round of the competitions.

It was probably that local connection that made watching him more special, and lead to the occasional purchase of something from the Gillies Grill on the hill at Belmore.

 

[Wahesh]

Gillies and his brothers came from a long line of league players to have attended Yanco Agricultural High School, who won the old University Shield and Buckley Shield on a few occasions.

It sucked being the nearest school to Yanco, as we would always end up meeting them in the first or second round of the competitions.

It was probably that local connection that made watching him more special, and lead to the occasional purchase of something from the Gillies Grill on the hill at Belmore.

The Gillies Grill... I can't say I remember that, but I remember the old snag on any grill went down well. Sitting on the hill eating a hotdog... nothing beat it. Then you throw on hot chips and coke... oh yeah, good old days.

 

[CroydonDog]

The Gillies Grill... I can't say I remember that, but I remember the old snag on any grill went down well. Sitting on the hill eating a hotdog... nothing beat it. Then you throw on hot chips and coke... oh yeah, good old days.

Not sure if it was a permanent thing. I just remember going to a game around '96 and it was just the snag stand at the back of the hill. I think they sold a Baa Burger.

 

[KLil]

One of the best bog average players that put it 100% every game... What bulldogs are made of.

 

[Khan00]

One of the best bog average players that put it 100% every game... What bulldogs are made of.

One of my favs!

 

[Fully Sik Drop kick]

Old school player and tough as they come but also gave away plenty of penalties especially for high shots.
he had a terrible judiciary record

 

[Fully Sik Drop kick]

He was captain of our reserve grade presidents cup team that beat Parramatta in 1998 ,the week after our first grade team had the famous come from behind win.

 

[Wahesh]

He was captain of our reserve grade presidents cup team that beat Parramatta in 1998 ,the week after our first grade team had the famous come from behind win.

I remember that game. He made a try-saving tackle from memory which also turned out to be a match winner.

 

[berries1935]

I honestly think our pack at the moment is too young and needs a big experienced hard nosed second rower to toughen us up, like Simon Gillies or a Steve Reardon type player. Move Jackson to lock and bring in Luke Lewis, Beau Scott or Shaun Fensom for a 1-2 year contract. Toughness would be taught and passed on.

 

[Kila R Ralai]

Gillies definitely a favourite for me, no nonsense player.

 

[ash160]

Tenacious...Played tough, never give up mentality

 

[D.O.W.]

One of the best bog average players that put it 100% every game... What bulldogs are made of.

So true, forwards in that era epitomised what Bulldogs are made of.

Simon Gillies, was an iron man of sorts playing 80mins, 15+ hitups, 30+ tackles, always supported the ball carrier and a real competitor.

 

[magdog]

That 1995 side was special! Gillies led from the front, tough, uncompromising and always showed up. Unsung hero of the team.

 

[BekiCollin]

I remember when he worked with lamb in the 95 gf shutting down Lyons could move,Machine in the 95 finals series