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WAYNE Bennett calls him his "right-hand man", a no-nonsense servant who has rushed to the aid of Brisbane's greatest players such as Allan Langer, Kevin Walters and Darren Lockyer.
But Tony Spencer's 27-year reign as a Broncos trainer is over, with a recent amendment to the NRL's rules effectively sidelining one of the code's longest-serving staffers.
Bennett officially honoured Spencer on Sunday morning in England, where the veteran trainer played an on-field role for the final time in Brisbane's World Club Series clash against Wigan.
As cranky as he is committed, Spencer has been at the coalface of Brisbane's greatest triumphs. He is one of Bennett's pioneers, joining the club in 1988. If a Langer, Walters or Lockyer went down injured, Spencer was invariably there to help in the heat of battle.
Last year, when Brent Tate ruptured his ACL during the State of Origin series, it was Spencer who helped carry him off in what proved to be the Maroons winger's footballing swan song.
Spencer was slated to return to the paddock this year, but beefed-up NRL rules now require trainers to be qualified physiotherapists to further safeguard the welfare of NRL players.
HUNT WAS CLEAN AT BRONCOS: CULLEN
Trainer Tony Spencer has been part of the furniture at the Broncos since their inception. Source: News Limited
Without an official degree, Spencer will shift to a different role at the club, but his days rushing into the fray are over.
"It's a shame because Tony has been with us since day one," Bennett said.
"The rules in the NRL won't allow him to be on the field this year, but in England he is still allowed to operate under the rules, so this is our chance to farewell him properly.
"I just wanted to give him the right send-off and this (last night's clash against Wigan) is a good occasion for him.
"He's been a great servant, he's our Mr Fixit. If we have a problem at Red Hill, Tony Spencer solves it for us."
If he isn't attending to injured players, Spencer can be seen operating the BBQ at training, carrying gear or yelling at Broncos players to stay off the lush lawn he cultivates at Red Hill.
When former Broncos hooker PJ Marsh once asked him for a newspaper while munching on a burger, Spencer shot back: "What am I? A bloody newsagent?"
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"He gets a bit grumpy, but only when people don't do the right thing," Bennett said with a laugh.
"He's a perfectionist. He even orders us off our own ground at training. He's a guy you want to employ in life because he takes ownership. It's all personal with him and I like that quality in him.
"He maintains the whole Broncos facility. He's been a sports trainer since we first commenced at the Broncos. He's one of the originals and he's one of those guys who is invaluable for a football club.
"They give their life to a club and that's how it's been for Tony."
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