By Blake Edwards
Illawarra Cutters Head Coach Jason Demetriou has welcomed the traditional Tom Kirk Cup clash against the Illawarra Cutters at Henson Park, Marrickville on Saturday.
The Tom Kirk Cup pays respect to Newtown Jets legend Tom Kirk as well as his son Ian Kirk for his involvement within the Illawarra Rugby League.
Tom Kirk was a record-setting and prolific points scoring rugby league player of the 1930s, '40s and '50s.
An exceptional goal kicking fullback, Kirk won NSWRL Premierships with the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs in 1938 and Jets in 1943, as well as being named the competition's leading point scorer in the two respective Premiership years and also in 1940 and 1944.
The Tom Kirk Cup will be presented to the winning team by Tom Kirk's great grandson, who is coincidentally named Tom Kirk.
Both teams met earlier in the season with the result seeing the Cutters come out on top with a 28-14 win.
Demetriou, who represented the Jets during the late 1990s, is full of praise for the concept which represents both the Kirks' respective involvement in the game.
“It’s always fitting to to be involved in great games such as the Tom Kirk Cup," said Demetriou.
“I was fortunate enough to play for Newtown in the late 1990s and they, along with Illawarra, have a massive standing in the game in terms of history.
“ It’s definitely a great concept and this match-up will no doubt add another chapter in it's book."
The upcoming fixture will also have an added importance for Cutters prop Shannon Wakeman, who will notch his 100th game for the Club.
