87-year-old residents’ unexpected rise to fame

Dennis Gleeson's love for rugby gave him an unexpected claim to fame after scoring an entry into the Guinness World Records in 2006.

The 87-year-old is a resident at Bolton Clarke Cabrini and holds the record for the oldest Rugby League Player.

"I was playing with my team but didn't know about the record," he told Aged Care Insite.

Dennis hit the world record in 2006 when he played as a forward for the State Rail Apprentice football club in Auburn at the age of 70.

Born on 17 August 1936, Dennis wore the number 12 jersey during his peak performance game.

"I had been playing for the club for a few years before they made a fuss when I got to 70," he said.

Dennis' passion for rugby ignited during high school when playing for St. Patrick's Catholic College before joining the State Rail Apprentice RLFC tertiary team (now known as Railcorp Apprentices). 

He'd joined the team for the 1998 season and then registered for the entirety of the 2006 season, playing every week.

"My dad wanted me to play rugby league to harden me up," Dennis laughed.

Dennis' wife, Maureen Gleeson, has always supported her husband and faithfully cheered him on from the sidelines at every game.

"Everyone would be asking who the older man was playing with the young ones, but he managed to keep up, and they all respected him," Maureen said. 

The couple was shocked but excited when they saw the record.

"We still don’t know who submitted it!"

Aged care provider Bolton Clarke, where Dennis and Maureen now live, is Australia's largest independent not-for-profit aged care provider.

Offering at-home support, retirement living, and residential aged care, Bolton Clarke dedicates their services to enabling, supporting and celebrating older Australians.

They support over 130,000 older Australians and employ over 6,000 staff through its home care programs and 38 retirement villages. 

Dennis, an avid NSW Blues supporter, was disappointed with last week’s State of Origin match when QLD Maroons won State of Origin II 32 against 6.

"I was a Blue’s fan until last week," he joked.

"The team tried their hardest, though, so I’m happy."

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