Pollard played in the Macleay from 1975 to 1976 with the now-defunct Kempsey Kowboys alongside friend and longtime local John Mayhew. 

The autobiography, titled 'Red and White Phoenix: The Adventures of A Hessle Road Lad' recalls a bygone era when rugby league was seen as the toughest sport in the world, it follows Keith from his early days in the mid-sixties, to playing with Kempsey, and the pinnacle of his unique career, playing for Maitland in the Newcastle league.

“The book is a good yarn, lots of great stories from the old days, he doesn't miss himself, he tells it all, even the less flattering stuff that most people would leave out,” Mayhew said. 

John remembers those days in vivid detail, including several occasions where Pollard was tested on his toughness by rival players.    

“Keith was a top bloke, and tough, he used to give it to the other teams. Other blokes would try and take him on and they always regretted it, he’d lay them out, Mayhew said. 

“He was also a great player, ahead of his time in a lot of ways, in those days a lot of people had trouble adapting to his style.”

Keith Pollard has played with some of the best; however, it was John Mayew who got a special mention on Pollard's list of best players. 

“Unfortunately he named me as one of the best he has played with; personally I think he did it because we are mates,” he said.  

“Its a great compliment coming from someone as widely travelled as Keith.” 

Profits from the autobiography are going to the Alpha-1 charity who help raise awareness for the disease; the book is hard to get in Australia, but any old teammates interested in ordering a copy can contact John Mayhew for more information on 6562-6931. 

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