“When I retired I started a coffee shop with my wife who was a graphic designer and we built it up over the years, then Coles approached me to do a personalised coffee range and I have had a great response in many country towns as well as at home in Dee Why,’’ he said during a visit to show off his new coffee range in Wellington at Coles.

The former Penrith and Illawarra player met with many people in Wellington including two up-and-coming junior league players Rylee Blackhall and Brock Naden who were asked about their favourite teams.

“Who do you like?” Ryan asked Rylee and Brock.

“The Broncos,’’ Rylee told the new barista while Brock favoured the Knights.

“They should go ok with Wayne Bennett doing the job,’’ Girdler said.

People chatted and tasted the blend, made organically from beans from Bolivia, Peru, Papua New Guinea (where Girdler has undoubtedly played) and East Timor. The locals, some probably not even aware of Girlder’s football status, talked with the ex- league star and Tom Morris gave the coffee the thumbs up.

“Quite smooth, absolutely lovely. Don’t get coffee like this at home,’’ he said.