It is fair to say that his playing record is unlikely to be beaten, anytime, anywhere in the world. Gary began playing rugby in 1958 and played competitive rugby for fifty years, officially hanging up his boots in 2008 when he ran out for Palmyra’s 5 th Grade side at the age of 70 with his two sons, Shane and David, the first and only time they had ever been in the same team (normally Shane played for the Dunsborough Dungbeetles and David played for Perth-Bayswater). It was the year before (2007) that Gary was carried off the field at Perry Lakes by his Palmyra team mates after winning the 5 th Grade Premiership in his favourite position, tight-head prop.

Some of Gary’s many accomplishments in rugby include:

55 Caps for Western Australia including many against full international touring sides
1 Wallaby trial, which at the time was extraordinary for a lad from WA
Played over 500 First Grade games (he was fifty when he played his 500 th )
Played over 1,000 club games
Winner PG Hampshire Award for Best and Fairest Player in WA (1965)
Life Member, Rugby WA
Life Member, Palmyra Rugby Club

Gary was a tough, no-nonsense individual who thrived in the rugby environment.
He also played six seasons with Nedlands, being Vice Captain (1967-1972) where he played in four grand finals and won one premiership (1970) before returning across the river to Palmyra where he remained actively involved including being Club President.

He was a regular supporter of Palmyra Rugby Club until last season and his loss will be felt for many years to come.

Condolences to June and the Mickle family.