Rugby league legend Brian Bourke has been playing and coaching football all his adult life, and while most his age are looking to take it easy he is inspiring the next generation of football players.

Bourke has signed on to coach the Milton Ulladulla Bulldogs under 16s  team in partnership with Greg Cassin, and he is turning out to be somewhat of a secret weapon for the team.

Bourke describes himself as “a bit of a task master” when he is coaching football.

“At one stage when I was coach I had 90 blokes underneath me, from first grade to fifth grade and they weren’t game to say boo to me,” Bourke said.

“I worked them hard but that’s what the game is all about.

“That’s one thing I always had when I was playing. I may not have been had the best skills out on the field but I was the fittest.”

As a young player Bourke played rugby with Canberra Royals and rugby league with the Canberra Blues.

In his hometown of Queanbeyan there is a statue of him in standing in the leagues club, and in 1972 he was named Country Rugby League Player of the Year. 

After his football career he eventually went on to be the trainer for the Canberra Raiders and has trained the likes of Mal Meninga and Ricky Stuart.

Bourke is modest about his achievements on the field but there is no denying he is a man who loves football.

“I’ve played England three times, beat New Zealand, I played in America in front of the white house one time,” Bourke said. 

“I love the game and it’s great to get down and train with the young guys.”

The 72-year-old is no stranger to a few laps around the paddock and fitness is an important part of his daily regime.

“I still do weights and go for a run. I really enjoy keeping fit, I believe it makes you healthier.

“I show these boys a thing or two as well because fitness is so important in this game now.

“The game is a lot faster these days and the worst thing you can do is not train and be out on the field asking yourself –is it over yet?”

The under 16s side is at the beginning of the season with only two games under its belt but the side is already doing well.

Bourke believes they can be successful this year if they keep on top of their training.

“Under 16s side are really good bunch of kids they are all pretty keen and put in a good effort out there,” he said.

“The best advice that I’d give anyone who wanted to well in rugby league is that you need to be really fit, you’re mad if you’re not.”