State of Origin
Lunch Bender
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Friday 6th June 2025
12.00pm - 4.30pm
'The Shed' at the
Banana Bender Pub
73 Frizzo Road, Palmview QLD 4553
$200 per ticket
(for Bronze Tables)
Dress code:
State of Origin
Buy A Ticket!
Sponsored By
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Special Guests
Greg Ritchie
Event MC
One of the true characters and raconteurs of Australian Sport, and affectionately known as “Fat Cat”, the burly Ritchie has been entertaining audiences on and off the pitch since 1982.
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As a Test Cricketer, Greg Ritchie headed both test and tour averages in his first international tour, and was the only Australian to reach three figures in the 1982 Test series in Pakistan.
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Greg Ritchie is regarded as one of Australia’s most hilarious and in demand after dinner speakers and is often called upon to MC and speak at events throughout Australia and around the world.
Glenn Lazarus
Special Guest
Lazzo is the only player in the history of rugby league to win five grand finals with three NRL clubs and then go on win a Senate seat in the Australian Parliament.
From Paddock to Parliament - Glenn Lazarus tells of his remarkable career in rugby league as one of the game's most capped players and his extraordinary entry into politics as Australia's first rugby league international to win a Senate seat and his role in Australia's influential crossbench.
Kevin Walters
Special Guest
Kevin Walters has achieved nearly everything there is to achieve in rugby league. The Head Coach of the Queensland Maroons State of Origin team, as a player he won six premierships and represented Queensland and Australia. He was an assistant to Wayne Bennett and Craig Bellamy, reaching grand finals alongside the two coaches regarded as the greatest of the NRL era.
He was the third Queensland coach – along with Arthur Beetson and Mal Meninga – in State of Origin history to win their first two series in charge.
With such an extraordinary background, Kevin Walters is an exceptional speaker who intertwines messages about leadership and teamwork with anecdotes of his playing and coaching career. His insights both entertain and inspire.
Sam Kekervich
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Comedian
Australian media personality and former AFL player, “Slammin’” Sam Kekovich, is a naturally gifted entertainer.
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Known for his sharp wit and irreverent humor, Sam delivers lively, satirical presentations packed with unforgettable stories from his 30+ years in football and media. His engaging style guarantees laughs and captivates audiences.
Beyond his larger-than-life persona, Sam was a formidable footballer. He debuted with the Kangaroos in 1968, leading the club’s goal tally the following year with 56 goals and winning the best and fairest award. A pivotal player in North Melbourne’s 1975 premiership win, he outplayed Hawthorn’s Don Scott in boundary throw-ins.
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Sam’s flamboyance extended into media, earning him recognition for his bold monologues and entertaining rants on The Fat, SEN 1116, Triple M, ESPN’s PTI Australia, The Footy Shows, and Warnie’s Show. His deadpan delivery and cultural references, ending with his signature “You know it makes sense. I’m Sam Kekovich,” made him a household name.
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His Australia Day lamb commercials became legendary, urging Aussies to celebrate with tradition. But where Sam truly shines is on stage—as a keynote speaker or MC. With a reputation for delivering unforgettable performances, he remains in high demand, with clients inviting him back year after year.
Book your table now for the biggest lunch of the year!
Ticket Price - Starting from $200.00 per person
Book a Table of 5 or 10
Address: Banana Bender Pub,
73 Frizzo Road, Palmview QLD, Australia
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Covid Restaurant Cancellation Policy – If the event is cancelled due to Qld Health Covid lockdown on the Sunshine Coast, 100% of ticket cost will be refunded to the registered purchaser within 7 days confirmation.
