Mick Howse spent 54 years as an accountant at both Twomeys and Dawsons, but many will know him from his time on the football field.

Mr Howse played with the Cootamundra Bulldogs for their 1947, 1948, 1950, 1951 and 1954 premierships.

He credits much of the success to his teammates like international Herb Narvo.

Mr Narvo coached in 1947 and two years earlier, had won a heavyweight boxing title in 23 seconds.

“Herb’s favourite saying was ‘run wide and run straight’,” Mr Howse said.

In 1948, Mr Howse played 31 first grade games including 12 Maher Cup challenges. 

While he always looked forward to playing, Mr Howse said there were few better feelings than running onto the Cootamundra Showground in front of the large crowds for the Maher Cup.

“I was very fortunate with the players I had with me. In 1953, we had two internationals, one state forward, one Sydney first grade hooker,” Mr Howse said.

“There were McDonalds, Wheatleys and Hennikers, and they were very good players.”

During 1954, Cootamundra won the Maher Cup from Temora, holding it for two months.

“Temora took the Maher Cup off us in our last game a week before the grand final, and we were relieved,” Mr Howse said.

The following week Bulldogs beat Temora 21-7 for the premiership. 

Mr Howse still makes it to Les Boyd Oval to watch the Bulldogs.

“The players are in much better condition. It’s a different era, I always had shin pads and shoulder pads, most forwards had shoulder pads,” he said.