HE HAS represented his country and state, but this weekend Canberra Raiders five-eighth Terry Campese will return to where it all began by helping the Queanbeyan Blues celebrate their 80-year reunion.
The Queanbeyan born and bred Campese began his football career like many before him, as a bright-eyed junior at his local club on a Saturday morning.
But this was no normal club, since forming in 1928 the Queanbeyan Blues have become a country rugby league powerhouse - claiming 24 premierships in Group 8, Massey Cup and Canberra Raiders Cup competitions at an average of one premiership every 3.3years.
Such was the club's depth that since 1982 many Blues juniors and seniors have gone on to play first-class football at the Canberra Raiders, while three players, including Ricky Stuart and Glen Lazarus, have gone on to represent NSW and Australia.
In a code that holds history dear, Campese, the Blues' most recent success story, is acutely aware of the footballing tradition he is upholding.
''It's a great club with a lot of history,'' Campese said.
''The Blues are a big part of the Raiders, they're one of the strongest local teams and a lot of players have come from them to go to the Raiders.
For more, pick up a copy of today's Canberra Times
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