Most Sundays in Eden would be the answer. 

The mismatched – but iconic – playing gear of the Eden Rugby League Club dates back to 1952 when the club sought support for some playing jumpers. 

“The club reached out for some playing gear and Richmond Brewery came on board as a sponsor,” club president Graham White said. 

However, the brewery – as the main backers of the Richmond Tigers AFL club – added the caveat the Eden club should also be dubbed the Tigers and wear black and gold. 

Tigers stalwart Col Clarke said at the time there were masses of clubs around the Valley and the colours conflicted.

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“But the Eden group accepted the title of Tigers and were able to continue wearing their existing red and white strip,” Clarke said. 

And it has been that way for about 70 years, until the devastating news that the Tigers would fold in 2017. 

However, a surge in community support has seen a resurrection and revitalisation of the club for the 2019 season.  

“It was devastating, but it was a bit of a wake up call that football doesn’t just happen without a big effort,” White said. 

It was a harsh realisation there weren’t the playing numbers of Eden locals there once were. 

“There was a little lack of foresight from the committee, but some apathy from the players too.

“We just weren’t getting the numbers at training.”

White said the club could have pulled together the reserves – but missed the deadline due to the Group 16 format of having three teams to form a club proper. 

The Eden Tigerettes went ahead under portability with Merimbula-Pambula and the Tigers were awarded one home game through the deal with the Bulldogs. 

“We hosted that one home game and there was still masses of community support, we had good crowds,” White said. 

It spurred on a massive resurgence of interest that now has the club hurtling at full speed towards the 2019 season. 

A full crop of players have emerged locally, while a number of ex-junior Tigers will return to don the red and white next season. 

It’s also spawned a new social club, The Old Tigers, a group of former players and supporters who want to socialise, while providing help to the Tigers without direct involvement in the day-to-day of the football club’s running. 

“It’s an association for football fans, supporters and former players who are passionate about local league,” White said. 

“We’re a very proud club and have been very successful over the years.”

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The Tigers had been known to draw in players from away or overseas, but White said this would be “a genuine Eden team with lots of ex-juniors coming back”. 

Early training sessions already have about 20 players hitting the track. 

And excitement has only been aided by the announcement of Michael Wykes as the coach for the first grade team. 

“We’re delighted to announce Michael as coach,” White said. “He’s a club junior and a local who is well respected among the community and players.

“Michael is a really good fit with what we hope to do this year and he has our support and that of the players – everyone is keen for the season.”

There is a massive outcry of both support and hunger for league in the town – even four months out from the season – with a touch footy competition garnering seven teams and masses of support. 

The club will host a combined training run and Christmas party on December 16 at the Seahorse Inn, Boydtown. 

The premiership-winning league-tag ladies will be presented their premiership jackets, but there will also be a light training run and social activities.

“There might be a visit from Santa and it will be a good chance to meet some of the boys and have a good social fun day to kick off the 2019 season,” White said. 

“There is an indescribable camaraderie and culture that just goes with the town, it’s been built over the years and you can’t help but be proud of the red and white.”

More good news from the Tigers next week.