The former international rugby league player had all in stitches telling yarns and tales of his days on the field for Eastern Suburbs, St George, Parramatta along with NSW as well as Australia.

Dinner organiser and chairperson of the Western Branch of Men of League, John Lasker said yesterday that everyone he spoke to had enjoyed the evening.

“John as usual was excellent and had some great yarns to tell, he is a remarkable man,” Mr Lasker said.

Mr Peard, who suffers from the effects of a stroke seven years ago, when his family were told he may not survive, keeps active today with a daily routine at the gym while being heavily involved as a charity speaker.

When questioned as to his best players from his days playing at the highest level in league, Mr Peard had no hesitation in naming his ‘buddy’ Arthur Beetson along with St George internationals Graham Langlands and Billy Smith as the players he most admired as team mates and opposition.

Prior to the dinner golfers played a 4-person ambrose sponsored by John Davis Mazda while an auction of memorabilia, including signed prints of Mr Peard and music by Brownie’s Disco, followed.

“The whole evening proved successful from Kerry (MC Kerry Smith) to the hospitality of Norm (club manager Norm Cook) and catering by Peter (Ashcroft).

“I was sorry our own international and highly respected league ambassador Ian Walsh was unable to attend due to a slight hiccup in health. Ian is very well respected and would have definitely added to the success of the night.”

Mr Lasker said John Peard had enjoyed himself in Forbes last weekend and indicated strongly it won’t be that long before he returns to renew friendships made over the years while visiting country NSW.

More from the dinner in Saturday’s Advocate.