Paul ‘Fatty’ Vautin was the centre of attention as he entertained more than 150 people at the Gunnedah Red Devils rugby union club’s season launch last Friday night.
Vautin caused plenty of laughter as he had the crowd hanging on every word at the rugby clubhouse, while the special guest made the most of his short stay in Gunnedah.
Vautin drove by car from the Gold Coast on the day of the event, before rising early the next morning to return home.
An experienced rugby league campaigner with Manly, Queensland and Australia before becoming a prominent media identity, Vautin was full of praise for the Gunnedah town and rugby union club.
“I’m really happy that a lot of people turned up, and it was great to meet just about everyone who came, and have a photo with them and get their stories,” he said.
“I’m really interested in their stories.
“Life out here – this is not exactly the bush, but you know – life out in the country, and it was a lot of fun.”
Vautin described the Red Devils playing field as “as good as field as you’d see, in Australia”.
“This field here is unbelievable,” he said.
“The grass on it, yeah, I’d love to play on it. It looks nice and soft.”
As for Gunnedah, Vautin said he thought it was “a humble little place”.
“The people are really friendly with each other, (and) it’s been a really engaging night, to actually talk to people about what they’re doing.
“It’s been really nice, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it, it’s been good.
“Gunnedah’s a great little town, it’s good, (and) I’m glad I was invited down.”
