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Payback not just Pie in the Sky for Campese

It might just be a bit of Pie in the Sky, but it’s also a chance for payback. Former Canberra Raiders captain Terry Campese will go head-to-head against former teammates Alan Tongue and Marc Herbert, with Campese playing for the Queanbeyan Blues against an All Stars team at Seiffert Oval on September 28. They’ll look to raise money for charities Treehouse and Respite Care for Queanbeyan, but Campese will also be out for some revenge. Tongue was Raiders captain in 2008 when Campese scored 36 points in a 74-12 thrashing of Penrith. But it could have been two more, with Tongue tossing the kicking tee to Herbert for a shot, which would’ve drawn Campese level with Immortal Mal Meninga for the most points scored by a Raider in a match. n another twist, Meninga will coach the All Stars as well. Ken Nagas, Joel Monaghan, Lincoln Withers and Tom Learoyd-Lahrs will also play. “There’s been a bit of banter about myself and Tonguey. I’ve got the two guys in the one game – Herby and Tonguey. I think I can get my payback,” Campese said with a laugh. Maybe that’s why Tongue was a bit apprehensive at first when asked to play. Or maybe it was just his creaking knees that needed some convincing. In the end the good cause won out and the knees were silenced – at least until kick off. “When I first got the call I was very unsure about it, but you hear about the reason why we’re playing this game and that really resonated with me,” Tongue said. “The Raiders have always been a community club, they’re really passionate about Queanbeyan, the ACT and surrounds, and this is another way for us – even though our best years are far behind us now – but another way to be able to contribute to the Raiders and the community.” Campese hoped his younger team’s fitness would win out in the end – although he thought some of his Blues teammates who were “Raiders tragics” might be a little star struck. The 34-year-old has coached the Blues the past two seasons, but was unsure whether he would pull the boots back on next year. “Who knows. I need to get to the gym and lose some weight to be honest. I’ve got a new role with the Queanbeyan council and I’ve put the kegs on,” Campese said. “I need to look after myself if I’m going to go around again. Injury free again this year so who knows what will happen.” PIE IN THE SKY September 28: David Reid Homes All Stars v Queanbeyan Blues at Seiffert Oval, 6.30pm. Gates open 4pm. Tickets $10, children 12 and under free.