BA = Blue Army
TB = Tony Benson

BA = Full name and nickname if you have one ?
TB = People call me lots of things but these days TB seems to be popular.

BA = How long have you been in Rugby League ?
TB = I started playing at 4 years old and have been involved in either a playing or Coaching capacity ever since so a very happy 43 years in total

BA = Who have you played and coached in Rugby League ?
TB = In NZ I played for Glenfield, North Shore, Mount Albert and Coached At Mount Albert and Hibiscus Coast and representative Teams for Auckland and the Junior Kiwis. Over here I have played for South London, Fulham many years ago and Coached Leigh, London, Oldham, Oxford and Ireland at a representative level.

BA = Do you like playing/coaching or watching ?
TB = I love Coaching but I still really miss playing. It’s great to watch a game when I’m not Coaching and I can relax and enjoy it preferably with my Son Joe and with a nice cold beer in my hand.

BA = What is your best moment in Rugby League ?
TB = 5 Best moments Really: 1. Watching my Son Joe’s 1st Game of Rugby League, 2. Winning The Bartercard Cup in NZ in 2001, 3. Oxfords 1st Game, 4. Coaching the Junior Kiwis to a record Win 58-6 against Australia in Australia in 2005 after narrowly losing the 1st Test to them a week earlier, 5. Winning the Northern Rail Cup with Leigh in 2006

BA = What is your funniest moment in Rugby League ?
TB = There are loads of them but I think some of the funniest are the legendary traditional Skits nights we used to have in the Junior Kiwi Camps. Some real characters who love performing.

BA = What do you think of Rugby League in the south ?
TB = I think it’s coming along nicely. It’s a shame some of the Southern pro clubs haven’t adopted the same philosophy as us and South Wales were we are dedicated to developing our own players rather than the short term fix of buying a team of established players from up North and overseas. Although I know there is a lot of work being done at the moment, things will struggle for a while until there is a good number of Qualified and experienced Coaches toiling in the Southern area to bring the local talent on.

BA = Why did you become a Rugby League fan ?
TB = It’s in my blood from my Grandfather to my Father.

BA = How did you become the ORL coach ?
TB = I was approached by Tony C and I am committed to growing the game and saw this as the perfect opportunity to contribute. Tony C’s vision for the Club was spot on and I bought into it and what a great decision, I love what the Club has become and are very proud of all involved and what they have achieved in such a short time.

BA = What is it like working for the ORL ?
TB = It obviously has its geographical challenges but what doesn’t break you makes you stronger and it’s worth it to be part of a fantastic team of people from the Board the Staff the Players their families and loyal Fans. Together We’ve formed a brilliant culture here which is important for a Club. It’s a great place to be.

BA = Were do you see the ORL in the next 5 year ?
TB = Based on the last 18 months we will be a lot stronger and more knowledgeable than we are today. With financial backing we could be world beaters, strong foundations are in place ready for sustainable growth.

BA = Do you think you can help raise the profile of the ORL ?
TB = I think together we can. It’s certainly slowly but steadily growing, we need everybody to shout from the rooftops and let everybody know about what at the moment is entertainments best kept secret. It’s difficult to get the message out there on a limited budget and the efforts by a few who have contributed to date should be commended.

BA = Can you tell us 5 thinks about the Club?
TB = 1. It started from nothing in September 2012, 2. We made the play offs in our inaugural season, 3. We averaged 350 fans in our 1st season, 4. Within 18 months we had 5 Oxford teams playing on the same weekend, 5. We have a dedicated group of people determined to continue this momentum.

BA = What would you like from the ORL Blue Army ?
TB = More of the Same!!! You’ve been fantastic and we really appreciate your loyal support.

BA = Is there anything you would like to say to the Club, the player and are supporter ?
TB = The raindrop only becomes powerful when it joins the mighty river!

Thank you Tony for your time.

COYB