When painter and decorator Arthur Hoyle (Gary Olsen), an impassioned rugby league fan and former professional player, hears corrupt manager Reg Walsh (Tony Slattery) boasting about his team, the Cobblers, Arthur bets his life savings that he can train up a side to beat them. Unfortunately, the team Reg chooses for him are the Wheatsheaf Arms, who cannot even field a full side. Terrified of his wife Doreen discovering his gamble, Arthur asks gym owner Hazel Scott (Samantha Janus) to help him whip the Wheatsheafers into shape in time to beat Reg's team.