By STEVE MASCORD
CONTROVERSIAL winger Shane McKellar has ended his Sydney career in the same way as he played it – unpredictably.
In an amazing set of circumstances, McKellar signed a long-awaited contract with Illawarra one day, and pulled out of the deal the next.
And it was ‘The Fox’ who had approached the Steelers for a place in their 1986 gradings. His shock decision, he said, was purely a result of family commitments and was not related to his much publicised personality clash with Illawarra coach Brian Smith.
“I spoke to my wife and family and decided that, for personal reasons, it would be better if I called It a day,” he said.
The flamboyant speedster served time with St George, Newtown, Illawarra and Easts during his five and a half year first division career and established himself as one of the game’s true characters.
Illawarra fans were eagerly awaiting the return of the McKellar, who scored 31 tries for the club during their initial two seasons in the Sydney competition.
“I’ve had my go – I’m 26. It would have virtually meant I would have to start my career all over again,” he said.
McKellar, who this year played for Bowral, is now expected to join an Illawarra juniors side, although he is also considering offers from both Groups 6 and 7.
Illawarra, meanwhile, are desperately seeking to bolster their thin front-row stocks.
“We spoke to Kerry Hemsley and Darryl Brohman, but without any luck,” said Steelers secretary Bob Millward.
The Wollongong club’s failure to attract class props has left it with only three front-rowers with regular first grade experience – Scott Greenland, Peter Smith and Shemus O’Connell.
The only front row signing has been 23-year-old Peter Spring from Batemans Bay. Spring comes with an impressive reputation and is expected to develop strongly.
