Matthew was born 12 December 1970 - Cooma, New South Wales, Australia. Matthew died 21 October 2009 Cooma, New South Wales, Australia and was buried - Cooma Cemetery, Cooma, New South Wales, Australia.

Vale – Matthew Venables

Whenever conversation turns to the best or toughest Polecat of all time, talk amongst old-timers will always include the name of Matthew Venables. Sadly, on Wednesday 21.10.09 Matthew Venables tragically passed away at his home in Cooma.

Matthew was, to put it simply, the bravest, toughest footballer many of us have ever played with. Steely determined, “Veno” as he was fondly known, was relentless on the paddock. Be it charging into the defence with elbows and knees churning like windmills or halting attackers with one of his signature big hits, Matt was synonymous with the Polecats in the golden era of the early to mid nineties.

Like his captain, Mick Dover, Veno was the player everybody wanted to play with and play like. Matt played Rugby Union with the Eastwood club winning most outstanding under 21 player ahead of an illustrious field and turned his back on a certain lengthy first grade career in order to become a Polecat. The relentless courage and tenacity displayed by Matt was a constant source of inspiration to his team-mates and a spear through the heart of opponents, he convinced blokes not to run, at least down his particular corridor. Matt represented NSW tertiary during this period and was always the first back rower selected for our great club when available.

Matthew was also a terrific fellow and gentleman. He loved his mates and was always a likely candidate when a good time was to be had. Some of his nights out with another former polecat, Mick Brown, had to be seen to be believed, certainly no place for the faint hearted.

On giving the footy away, Veno returned to his native Cooma and began showing and breeding Labradors. Matt was typically outstanding in his new venture, his dogs being named Australian Champion countless times as well as dominating the “best in show” award at the Royal Easter Show over the past decade.

Matthew will be sadly and sorely missed by his wife Danielle, all of his former teammates and the wider Polecat community, RIP Veno.

Adam “Herb” McCabe

The above eulogy was extracted from the Polecats Rugby Club website