Raiders Coach Ricky Stuart was special guest at Government House on Thursday afternoon, to present former teammate Craig Breen (Raider #117) with his Forever Green Pin and clothing.
Stuart was the special guest of His Excellency the Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove and his wife Lady Lynne Cosgrove, as they officially opened the new Garden Administration building at Government House.
Breen, who played for the Raiders in the early 1990's is part of the maintenance crew at Government House, so his fellow staff members decide to surprise him as part of his 50th birthday celebrations.
Raiders Coach Ricky Stuart was in on the surprise and shocked Breen when he arrived for what he thought was the opening of the refurbished building.
Breen and cousin Laurie Daley grew up in the NSW Country town of Junee, wearing the blue and yellow colours in their Junior Rugby League years for the Junee Diesels. Craig and Laurie both came to Canberra with a dream of playing first grade rugby league.
Craig played for the Canberra Raiders under 21 side which made the Grand final in 1989. This provided him with the opportunity to progress through to First Grade in 1990.
Although Craig played the majority of his Raiders games in reserve grade he had a 100%-win record in first grade with 2 appearances in the New South Wales Rugby League Competition in 1990 and 1991.
Craig was a front row forward who was known for his strong defence and great ability to offload the ball.
