QUEANBEYAN rugby league legend Phil Stonham will finish his career in Goulburn after signing with the Workers for next season.
Stonham said his days at the Queanbeyan Blues were fond ones but the lure of playing with long-time friend and colleague Jeremy Braun in his final years was too much to resist.
``I spent a lot of good time with the Blues, they've looked after me well over the years and it's certainly nothing against them,'' he said.
``I actually wanted Braun to come to the Blues but the situation didn't arise.
``I've been here for a while now so I thought it was time to have a new challenge.''
Stonham would not set a date on retirement, but added that Braun had played a pivotal role in ensuring the talented utility would play another year Leg 2at the top level in the region.
``I was actually going to retire and go and play for Harman, but Braun said he could get me another year up in Goulburn,'' he said.
``That was the catalyst I guess; we are certainly pretty close and I wanted the chance to play alongside him again.''
A resident of Queanbeyan, Braun conceded he may not be the most popular man around town after playing a role in Stonham's switch.
For the full story, please see Friday's Queanbeyan Age, available from our front office on Monaro Street, or at newsagencies and supermarkets across the Queanbeyan region.