QRL Sets Record Straight On Commission

THE QRL Members of the ARL Board take offence to published statements and comments that link them to moves to stop the creation of an Independent Body/Commission.

At the ARL Meeting held in Brisbane on Tuesday, QRL Members advanced the accepted motion that News Limited be advised that the ARL agrees to the creation of a structure that gives a single Body control over the efficient administration of Rugby League in Australia.

It must be realised that the ARL Board Members had not seen the document detailing the Proposal until it was tabled at the Meeting by the Chairman.

“Directors would be derelict in their duty if they did not apply due diligence and examine the various matters of the Proposal in detail,” QRL Managing Director Ross Livermore said today.

Under the Proposal published in News Limited papers, ownership vests in the 16 NRL Clubs, a number of which are privately owned.

The QRL Members firmly believe the game should be representative of all Stakeholders and have suggested that the NSWRL, QRL and NRL Clubs comprise the membership.

“Rugby League is a lot more than just 16 NRL clubs,” Livermore said.

“They wouldn't be there without grassroots, just as the grassroots benefit from the NRL.”

The QRL Members would also like to clarify the continued perception that it is against the Proposal because of revenue it generates from its conducting State of Origin matches in Queensland.

Revenue obtained from these matches is paid into the NRL Partnership. This would continue to be done under an Independent Body/Commission.

Source: www.qrl.com.au

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Devils Recruit Welcomes Challenge

Courtesy of the Northside Chronicle - By Michael Whiting

NEW Norths rugby league signing Shane Perry said moving to Bishop Park was the change he needed to revitalise his career.

The former Brisbane Broncos premiership halfback, now 32, had a disappointing stint at French Super League Club Catalans Dragons this year and wanted to continue his career in the Queensland Cup.

While many thought he would return to his old club Redcliffe, the Dolphins did not offer the experienced half a position and Norths chief executive Mark Murray pounced.

"I gave Redcliffe the first option but it dragged on a bit too long," Perry said.
 
"They would have been my first option. I live only 500m from the club, but it didn’t work out, which was disappointing.

"There was no offer from them at that stage which made the decision easy at the time.

"When they showed a bit of interest it was too late."

But Perry said he could not be happier with the move.

Along with fellow new halves Jacob Fauid and Matt Smith, Perry has three weeks’ training under his belt with Devils coach Kevin Carmichael in a new-look Norths backline.

He said the "challenge" of a new club was something he looked forward to.

"It’s pretty exciting," he said.
 
"I haven’t worked with any player or coach at the club, and not playing a full season in the Queensland Cup for a couple of years it’s a challenge.

"But it’s one I needed at this stage of my career.

"From a football view, it was a bit disappointing this year overseas.

"Norths are a club on the up with a lot of youngsters, a lot of exciting backs who have speed.

"They said they were missing some experience in the halves last season and I definitely needed the challenge."

Source: www.qrl.com.au

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QLD Cup Career Leaders 

DO you know who is the most capped player in Queensland Cup history? And do you know who the top three try-scorers and points scorers are after 14 wonderful seasons?

Find out by reading on ....

CAREER LEADERS 1996-2009

MOST GAMES

LINDSAY, Troy (Red) 270
COBURN, Danny (Ips) 239
ROBERTS, Michael (Red) 221
BURKE, Danny (Bro/Red) 219
O'FLANAGAN, Shane (Wes/Bur) 210
McPHERSON, Brett (Eas/Wyn) 202
SIPPLE, Scott (Easts) 196
DURNFORD, Cameron (GC/Log/Wyn/Eas) 190
LOCKYER, Matt (Sou/Eas) 188
JENSEN, Marcus (Bun/Eas/Ips) 184
LINDSAY, Brendon (Log/GC/Ips) 179
FLUGGE, Grant (Red) 175
GUNDRY, Ryan (Nor/Bur) 173
PERRY, Shane (Bro/Log/Red) 173
SHILVOCK, Phil (Log/Red) 166
MAHER, Clayton (Wyn) 165
DURNFORD, Damian (Log/Wyn/Eas) 164
LIDDELL, Wade (Eas) 163
McCARTHY, Brian (Sou/Ips) 159
BROWN, Ali (Bur) 157
 
MOST POINTS

PARFITT, Nick (Too/Bur) 1187
BOURKE, Greg (Cns/Bur/Wyn/Red) 1150
CRESSBROOK, Reggie (Tvl/Bur/Ips) 1089
RICHTERS, Damian (SC/Red) 1030
WILSHERE, John (Nor/Eas) 896
QUINN, Damian (Too/Wyn) 750
THORBURN, Scott (GC/Eas) 736
DAVIS, Brad (TH) 677
TURNER, Marty (Nor/Red) 658
LOCKYER, Matt (Sou/Eas) 630
WEST, Steven (Too/Ips) 594
ROBERTS, Michael (Red) 552
BOWEN, Brenton (NQ) 534
BOWMAN, Nat (Cen/NQ/SL) 492
VAN DIJK, Jace (Too/SL/Wyn) 480
MAGUIRE, Scott (Bro/Log/BV) 435
McCONNELL, Brent (Bur/NQ/Asp) 430
IRWIN, Steve (Too/Nor/Wyn) 418
GEORGETOWN, Liam (Red) 408
EGGLESTONE, Heath (Cen) 398
 
MOST TRIES

PARFITT, Nick (Too/Bur) 101
EGGLESTONE, Heath (Cen) 99
CULLEN, Ryan (Cen/Red) 94
CRESSBROOK, Reggie (Tvl/Bur/Ips) 89
PERRY, Shane (Bro/Log/Red) 88
McPHERSON, Brett (Eas/Wyn) 86
BOURKE, Greg (Cns/Bur/Wyn/Red) 86
LAING, Aseri (Nor/Eas/Bur) 85
SHILVOCK, Phil (Log/Red) 84
BOWEN, Brenton (NQ) 79
SEAGE, David (Wyn) 78
PHILLIPS, Simon (NQ/WM) 77
PURDON, Trent (Red/Bur) 75
DOUGLAS, Aaron (Red/Bur) 74
LAULU-TOGAGAE, Quentin (Sou/Nor/SL) 74
BARNES, Nathanael (TH) 73
McCONNELL, Brent (Bur/NQ/Asp) 72
ROBERTS, Michael (Red) 71
LEIS, Trent (Red/Bur) 70
BARBA, Aaron (Red/Too/MC) 70

Source: www.qrl.com.au

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QLD Cup Player Gains & Losses

HOW is your team shaping up for the 2010 Queensland Cup season? Find out by following all the player 'gains and losses'.

EASTS TIGERS
Gains:  Tim Smith (Wigan), Sione Faumuina (Castleford), Jace Van Dijk (Celtic), Jason Williams (Wynnum Manly), Matthew McPhee (Ipswich), David Georgiou (Wynnum Manly), Scott Ireland (Ipswich), Paoa Faamita (Ipswich), Leon Panapa (Wynnum Manly), Daniel Fullarton (Ipswich), Adam Breen (Wests Panthers), Dean Sheppard (Wests Panthers), Matt Lindsay (Tweed Heads), Brent Williams (Broncos 20s), John O’Sullivan (Cairns Brothers), Cameron Durnford (Year Off).

Losses: Isaak Ah Mau (Cowboys), Arana Taumata (Wests Tigers), Ryan Cullen (Redcliffe), Daniel Bell (Souths Logan), Mathew Cameron (Ipswich Brothers), Matthew Gruszka (Sydney), Rhys Jacks (Titans 20s), Trent Young (Retired), Marcus Jensen (Retired), Wade Liddell (Retired), Trent Henrick (Retired), Luke Wright (Retired), Wallace Solomona (Townsville), Rickie Dodd (Ormeau), James Tutuila (Souths Logan), Lachlan Hall (Souths Logan), Tyson Brooks (Wynnum Manly), Brock Davies (Wynnum Manly), Albert Talipeau.

IPSWICH JETS
Gains:  Marshall Chalk (Celtic), AJ Gilbert (Qld Reds), Fred Tila (Titans/Tweed), Junior Seumanutafa (South Sydney), Junior Sovala (ACT Brumbies), Leigh Coghill (Returning from injury), Moses Manu (Newtown Jets), Paul Mennell (Batley Bulldogs), Sam Bowie (Cowboys), Smith Samau (Newtown Jets), Cameron Woo (Manly), Geoff Holcombe (Tweed Heads).

Losses: Jeremy Golf (Released), Scott Ireland (Easts), Paoa Faamita (Easts), Matt McPhee (Easts), Dan Fullarton (Easts), Troy O’Sullivan (Released), Chris Vaefaga (Released), Tamati Talanoa (Released), Chris Afamasaga (Released).

CENTRAL COMETS
Gains: Darren Mapp (Celtic), Chris Beasley (Celtic), Guy Ford (Broncos 20s), Tim Glasby (Penrith 20s), Nathan Barraclough (Yeppoon), Tom Kingston (Tweed Heads), Bradley Commins (Central Coast),

Losses: Todd Titmus (Mackay Cutters), Luke Fatnowna (Mackay Cutters), Matt Sing (Retired), Daniel Grevsmul (Townsville Brothers).

SUNSHINE COAST
Gains: Wiremu Ratana (Norths), Jon Platt (Norths), Martin Cordwell (Souths Logan), Kyle Lodge (Newtown).

Losses: Jon Grieve (Wynnum Manly), Jake Lingard (Redcliffe), Steve McPhee (Redcliffe).

NORTHS DEVILS
Gains: Shane Perry (Catalans), Matt Smith (Souths Logan), Jacob Fauid (Burleigh), Jack Reed (Souths Logan), Rohan Ahern (Sydney Roosters), Troyden Watene (North Queensland), Jarvarn White (Balmain), Bladen Baird (North Sydney), Jared de Thierry (Byron Bay), Brad Lees (Byron Bay), Brad McKee (Western Districts), Dan Murphy (Warwick), Reece Watton (Bundaberg Brothers).

Losses: Jay Aston (Northern Pride), Matt Geyer (Retired), James Api-Ulugia (Newcastle), Jason Connors (Retired).

NORTHERN PRIDE
Gains:  Jaiman Lowe (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Brett Anderson (Melbourne Storm), Jay Aston (Norths), Brenton Bowen (Titans), Freddie Fauid (Cairns Brothers), Ben Fitzpatrick (Cairns Brothers), Kaine Manihera (Burleigh), Nick Obodin (Cairns Brothers), Taputoa Rea (Kangaroos), Ben Spina (Herbert River), Ryan Stig (Newcastle 20s).

Losses: Rod Jensen (Retired), Tom Humble (Parramatta Eels), Germaine Paulson (Burleigh), Luke Harlen (Released), Greg Byrnes (Redcliffe), Luke Millwood (Released), Josh Vaughan (Released), Callan Myles (Released), Adam Mills (Released), Richie Masters (Tully), Gordon Rattler (Souths Mackay).

REDCLIFFE DOLPHINS
Gains: Jake Lingard (Sunshine Coast), Ryan Cullen (Easts), Grant Giess (Wests Panthers), Nick Read (Cronulla Sharks), Steve McPhee (Sunshine Coast), Ben Jones (Retirement), Greg Byrnes (Northern Pride), Mick Roberts (Villeneuve France), William Raston (Banyo), Liufau Hala (Wests Panthers), Hayden Topliss (Batemans Bay).

Losses: Jon Broad (Retired), Dane Campbell (Noosa Pirates), Alwyn Simpson (Retired), Nathan Black (Retired).

BURLEIGH BEARS
Gains:  Germaine Paulson (Northern Pride), Nathan Ross (Tweed Heads), Jimmy Anderson (Newtown), Luke Harlen (Northern Pride), Mark Lennon (Celtic), James Cameron (Penrith Brothers), Seb Davies (Titans), Dayne Weston (Cowboys), Chad Grintell (Tweed Heads), Wade Grintell (Tweed Heads).

Losses:  Joel Rapana (Western Force), Jacob Fauid (Norths), Kaine Manihera (Northern Pride), Dan Isaac (Newcastle Local League), Ryan Wilson (Chinchilla), Pele Peletelese (Parramatta), Aaron Sweeney.

WYNNUM MANLY SEAGULLS
Gains: Jon Grieve (Sunshine Coast), Matt Grieve (Manly), Shea Moylan (Souths Logan), Tim Natusch (Newcastle Knights), Ben Shea (Canterbury), Mitchell Dodds (Broncos 20s), Tyson Brooks (Easts), Brock Davies (Easts), Ben Cronin (NQ Cowboys).

Losses: Adam Brideson (Retired), Jason Williams (Easts), David Georgiou (Easts), Leon Panapa (Easts), Sam Crabb (Souths Logan), Shaun Daylight (Souths Logan).

SOUTHS LOGAN MAGPIES
Gains: Matt Pittman (Easts), Sam Crabb (Wynnum Manly), Lachlan Hall (Easts), James Tutuila (Easts), Shaun Daylight (Wynnum Manly), Andrew McCronin (Wests Panthers).

Losses: Shae Moylan (Wynnum Manly), Matt Smith (Norths), Liam McDonald (Mackay), Jack Reed (Norths), Sean McBride (England).

TWEED HEADS
Gains: TBA

Losses: Matt Lindsay (Easts Tigers), Tom Kingston (Central Comets), Nathan Ross (Burleigh Bears), Fred Tila (Ipswich Jets), Geoff Holcombe (Ipswich Jets), Wade Grintell (Burleigh), Chad Grintell (Burleigh).

MACKAY CUTTERS
Gains: Josh Hannay (Celtic), Justin Hunt (North Sydney), Liam McDonald (Souths Logan), Todd Titmus (Central Comets), Luke Fatnowna (Central Comets), Zac Dalton (Central Coast Storm), Shane Muspratt (Coaching), Jamie McIvor (Wests Mackay), Kahn Ahwang (Brothers Mackay), Ross Tury (Souths Mackay), Peter Quinn (Canberra).

Losses: Daniel Abraham (Released), Chance Bunce (Released), Sam Granville (Released), Quentin Fielder (Work), Peter Hassell (Toowoomba), Royston Lightning (Sarina), Quentin Mitchell (Townsville), Kerrod Toby (Retired).

Source: www.qrl.com.au

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Gifted Inglis Wins Golden Boot

QUEENSLAND and Australian centre Greg Inglis has capped a fine season by taking out rugby league's Golden Boot award for the world's best player.

Fresh off winning the man-of-the-series award in the Kangaroos' triumphant Four Nations campaign, Inglis became the third straight Storm player to claim the prestigious Golden Boot.

He also starred in Melbourne's run to the NRL premiership, and follows Storm full-back Billy Slater and captain Cameron Smith as a Golden Boot winner.

No team has previously had three winners on its books.

Slater and Smith were also nominated, but ultimately Inglis was declared a unanimous winner of an award which has been presented by Rugby League World magazine since 1985.

It is voted on by past greats including former Australian captain Wally Lewis and England's Garry Schofield.

"It (winning the Four Nations) was a perfect end to a great tournament and to the season as well," Inglis told NRL.com.au.

"To come over here, we had high expectations of the blokes who put the Australian jumper on and they've done extremely well.

"It's always hard to come over here and walk away with a win, as boys like Darren Lockyer and Petero (Civoniceva) will tell you."

Inglis said he was now looking forward to a break.

"It's been a long tournament and I just can't wait to get back home and into my own bed."

Courtesy of ABC Grandstand

Source: www.qrl.com.au

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Tales From The Bishop Park Hill

With Steve Ricketts of the The Courier-Mail

MANY tall tales and true were told on the hill at Bishop Park last Saturday after the Brisbane Rugby League Centenary match between Norths and Souths-Logan.

And in between the yarn telling plenty of attention was paid to a quality game of football televised live by the ABC and which ultimately resulted in Souths Logan’s demise as Queensland Cup competition leaders.

But Norths had to withstand a mighty comeback from the Magpies who trailed 26-0 at one stage before going down 26-20.

The day began with tired Test stars Greg Inglis, Cameron Smith, Billy Slater, Justin Hodges and Israel Folau signing autographs for hundreds of juniors who were there before noon to see their heroes who had helped Australia to a 38-10 win over the Kiwis the night before.

Then a lunch was held at the Leagues Club where the Australian quintet joined other invited guests for a tribute to club football in Brisbane which kicked off on May 8, 1909 with a double header at the Gabba.

Multi-media personality Rupert McCall was MC and did a great job as did former top grade referee, now respected journalist, Bernie Pramberg who interviewed Cameron Smith (a former Norths player), Fonda Metassa, Harold (Mick) Crocker and Greg Veivers.

Metassa, known as ‘’The Golden Greek’’ for his flamboyant ways, on and off the field, for Norths and South Sydney in the 1960s, has not been in good health and it was a great effort just to make the function never mind entertain the guests with some great stories.

Crocker was Australia’s Test lock in the 1950s and except for a two year stint with Parramatta towards the end of his career, played all his football for Souths.

Beaudesert boy Veivers captained Australia in a 1977 World Cup match in Auckland and played for Souths right through his senior career.

As the interviews took place highlights of games dating back as far as the late 1950s were played on the big screen and there were some marvellous moments.

I’m sure the young Test players would have been enthralled by the muddy scenes from a Test match in England with former Brisbane Wests halfback Barry Muir prominent.

They were positively glued to the screen when they saw Allan “Alfie’ Langer playing for the Ipswich Jets in 1987 with his leg first tackling style the subject of much mirth.

Alfie, who was on the coaching staff of the Australian side, was also captured engaging in a fierce one-on-one fight with Wynnum-Manly rival Peter Dawes in a match at Lang Park.

The Kiwi support staff included Chris “Compass” Kallis who earned his nickname courtesy of the fact he played for Norths, Souths, Easts and Wests in Brisbane.

Kallis played for Norths in 1979 when Kiwi Graham Lowe was coach and when Lowe was appointed NZ Test coach in 1983 he made sure “Compass’’ was one of his trainers whenever the Kiwis came to Australia, a connection that remains to this day.

"Compass’’ didn’t make it to Bishop Park last Saturday but on the hill I caught up with the likes of Ron Raper, Allan Nunan, Ziggy Strasser, Mark Murray, Rob ”Bertie’’ Campbell, Sam Smith, Brian Pease, Ron Atkins, Bruce Crosby, Neil Wharton, Henry Hegarty and Gavin Payne.

Bernie Pramberg was seen in deep discussion with former referees, Ian Smith and Harry Dearness and the ABC’s David Wright found his way to the can bar in time for one or two Golds after his commentary duties.

This Saturday the ABC cameras will be at Kawana on the Sunshine Coast for the match between the local Sea Eagles and the Burleigh Bears with both sides coming off losses.

The Bears are in sixth spot on 10 points with the Sea Eagles second last on six points, giving an indication of how wide open things are for a place in the top six at the end of the season.

Easts and Wynnum-Manly meet in what shapes as an intense derby clash at Langlands Park on Saturday afternoon with last placed Easts (four points) coming off a shock 18-4 win over Burleigh.

There have been all sorts of reports of unrest at Easts with experienced players Matt Lockyer and Charlie Tonga retiring and naturally Darren Smith’s coaching has come under the spotlight as well.

Source: www.qrl.com.au

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Slater Wins Golden Boot

For the second successive year a former Norths Devils player has won the most prestigous individual prize in Rugby League, with Billy Slater winning the Golden Boot.

Slater, adds the Golden Boot to his World Cup Player of the Tournament and the RLIF's World Player of the Year accolades.  Slater joined the Norths Devils as an 18 year old trialist, going on to star for the Melbourne Storm and representing his state and country.

Slater was named Fullback of the Year in the World Team of the Year, and was joined in team by three other former Norths Devils players. Israel Folau, Greg Inglis and last year's Golden Boot winner Cameron Smith.

Both Smith and Inglis were chosen in the Norths Devils Greatest Team earlier in the year, with Slater being selected in the list of Greatest 75 Devils.

The World Team selection is as follows:

Fullback: Billy Slater - Melbourne, Queensland and Australia
Winger: Manu Vatuvei - Warriors and New Zealand
Centre: Israel Folau - Melbourne, Queensland and Australia
Five-eighth: Greg Inglis - Melbourne, Queensland and Australia
Halfback: Scott Prince - Gold Coast, Queensland and Australia
Lock: Paul Gallen - Cronulla, NSW and Australia
Second rower: Gareth Ellis (tied vote) - Leeds and England
Anthony Laffranchi (tie) - Gold Coast, NSW and Australia
Front Rower: James Graham - St Helens and England
Hooker: Cameron Smith - Melbourne, Queensland and Australia

Source: www.qrl.com.au

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Norths Devils Greatest Team

The Norths Devils announced their Greatest Team at a Gala Dinner held at Norths Leagues & Services Club on the 16th of August.

The Team was announced by Life Member and Chairman of the Selection Committee Kevin Brasch, along with Rupert McCall.

1. Harry Bates
Premiership Player - 1960, 1961, 1962 and 1963

2. Fonda Metassa
Queensland, Premiership Player - 1959, 1962, 1963,1964 and 1969, 177 1st Grade Games

3. Jack Reardon
Australia, Kangaroos Vice Captain, NSW - 1934, Queensland - 1936 to 1941, QLD Captain - 1939, Premiership Player - 1938 and 1940, Premiership Captain - 1938

4. Henry Hegarty
Premiership Player - 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964 and 1966, Player of the Year - 1962 and 1966

5. Joe Kilroy
Queensland, Premiership Player - 1980

6. Bill Pearson
Queensland - 1957 to 1958, Premiership Player - 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, and 1963, Premiership Captain - 1960, 1961, 1962, and 1963, Player of the Year - 1959 and 1960

7. Jack Stapleton
Foundation Player, Premiership Player - 1934, 1938 and 1940, Queensland, Brisbane (Played 53 Bulimba Cup Games), 189 1st Grade and over 300 Club Games 

8. Vic Rudd
Queensland, Premiership Player - 1934, 1938 and 1940

9. Cameron Smith
2007 Golden Boot (World Player of the Year 2007), Australian Captain, Queensland Captain, Player of the Year – 2002, NRL Premiership

10. Lloyd Weier
Australia - 1965, Queensland - 1962, Premiership Player - 1960, 1961, 1962 and 1963

11. Trevor Gillmeister
Australia, Queensland Captain, NRL Premierships

12. Mark Graham
New Zealand Player of the Century, New Zealand Captain, Premiership Player - 1980

13. Edward “Babe” Collins
Australia, Queensland Captain - 1940 to 1941, Premiership Player - 1934, 1938 and 1940, Premiership Captain - 1940, Scored 76 tries in 1939 and 1940

14. Mark Murray
Australia, Queensland, Premiership Captain - 1980, Premiership Coach - 1998

15. Greg Inglis
Australia, QLD, Courier Mail Best & Fairest – 2005, Clive Churchill Medallist – 2007, NRL Premiership

16. Greg Conescu
Australia, Queensland, Premiership Player - 1980

17. Ian Massie
Queensland - 1968 to 1970, Premiership Player - 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963 and 1969, Player of the Year - 1961
 
Coach: Bob Bax
Premiership Coach - 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1966 and 1969, Queensland Coach - 1971 to 1973, Club President, Life Member

Manager: Albert Bishop
Team Manager - Australia, Foundation Member, President, Life Member

Source: www.northsdevils.com

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Rupert McCall Poem

THE GHOSTS OF BISHOP PARK

It was silent and dark when a blue and gold spark
Caught the eye of a groundsman one night
The hour was late, he was locking the gate
And it gave him a fair dinkum fright

For the feeling condensed in a presence he sensed
Like a spirit or ghost that he knew
And the smell of a pie was alive in the sky
With a good dose of Dencorub too

The flags on the posts came alive with the ghosts
And the turf was aglow with the spell
And then stepping forth from a shed in the north
Came the men that he knew oh so well!

The team from his dream in the fog and the steam
In the light of the moon, stood abreast
They were different in style still they carried one smile
And a Devilish brand on their chest

They were hard as old nails with a wind in their sails
That rekindled the brilliance they shared
But their chemistry stirred when a whistle was heard
And the roar of a crowd fairly blared!

Jack Stapleton caught and he fed his support
There was class in the way that he did
With a thump and a thud it was big Victor Rudd
In the brunt of a barnstorming skid

Good metres were found before going to ground
Then continued the regime of fear
The next ten ton truck smashing one off the ruck
Was the kid from Kilkivan Lloyd Weier!

His courage immense as he drew the defence
Then off-loaded a gem of a seed
To the mountain Mark Graham preparing to slay em!
The Kiwi colossus at speed

The best of his nation with pure inspiration
And that was the way that it went
The skilful incisions and brutal collisions
No place for the soft of intent

More magic than myth was the wiz Cameron Smith
A true revelation at nine
As with talent uncharted, he scooped and he darted
Then beautifully kicked down the line

And monstered the winger – his hit a humdinger!
His back-rowers followed in suit
They hunted in packs namely Babe and The Axe
Like assassins with bad guys to shoot

Defenders at random – they picked off in tandem
Both mighty men in maroon
Collins from Grammars with try-scoring glamours
And Gilly with shoulders of stone

Another caboose! and the ball jolted loose
The gentleman halfback was there
And Stapleton passed with an action so fast
That the great coach stood up in his chair!

From Bob Bax’s flock - Billy Pearson took stock
With a sidestep, the show and the go!
And as you’ve assumed, Henry Hegarty loomed
With the whole town of Cherbourg in tow!

Pearson to Hegas belief hardly beggars
The fullback was chiming inside
From the bloodline of Bates Harry flew from the gates!
Then he looked for his wingman out wide

And have a guess who? With his comb in his shoe
And a golden persuasion to guide him!
With his foot on the gasser young Fonda Metassa
The ambulance revved up beside him!

Ah Fonda was flying! The cover complying
He centred a kick on the arc
The crowd fever grew and Albert rose too
Neath the sign that proclaimed ‘Bishop Park’!

Doug Duncan as well – he was cheering like hell
As Reardon was blessed with the bounce!
“Supremely exciting!” the journos were writing
The lightning Lismorian pounced!

But the last tackler came from the left of the frame
And he threatened to spoil the whole show
So Jack looked to the right and behold! What a sight!
The moustaka of old Smokin Joe!

Giddy up matey! Just like Nineteen Eighty
The Harley was now in full cry
With no one to match him! They won’t bloody catch him!
Joe Kilroy! You beaut! Scored the try!

It was brilliantly raw but the crowd wanted more
So then Baxie came good with some changes
There was nothing too sassy from big Ian Massie
For hard work and he were no strangers

And Turtle ran out for a cameo bout
He was brave and as busy as ever
And in linking with Muppet decided to up it!
For one final thrilling endeavour

Murray at half went the blind for a laugh
He sliced his way through them with cheek
The clock counted down there in old Banyo town
His pass found a genuine freak

‘Greg Inglis Unplugged’ – three defenders were mugged!
With a fend then he sprinted away!
And in crossing the line it was hard to define
But the colours all faded to grey?

The atmosphere cleared…the crowd disappeared
And the fog and the darkness returned
Just the groundsman alone with the wind that had blown
Though the pride of his vision still burned…

And that’s what remains in the rugby league veins
Of the men who have answered the call
Every player that played – every coach through the grade
Every loyal supporter and all

From the Oxenham days to the modern day gaze
That exists without hint of a failure
In a young Devils’ eye – to be scoring that try
For Norths, Queensland…maybe Australia

And sometimes at night when the feeling is right
And the light of the moon shimmers forth
Well if you’re around on that most sacred ground
You might see a spark in the north

For the story is true of the blue, gold and blue
When those wonderful ghosts reappear
On a glorious tide and with Devilish pride
You too will stand up and cheer!

Rupert McCall 2008

Source: www.northsdevils.com

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Norths Devils 7 Legends

The Norths Devils announced the inaugural seven Devils Legends at a Gala Dinner held at Norths Leagues & Services Club on the 16th of August.

The 7 Legends of the Norths Devils announced are those individuals whose dedication to the Club epitomise the spirit of the Devils, both on and off the field. They are true Legends and their contributions will long be remembered at this great Club.

The 7 Legends are:

• Bill Pearson
• Jack Stapleton
• Doug Duncan
• Edward “Babe” Collins
• Albert Bishop
• Jack Reardon
• Bob Bax

It is the intention to add other Norths Devils players, coaches and officials to this group in the future, and to mark their contribution at Bishop Park.

Source: www.northsdevils.com

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Greatest 75 Devils

The Norths Devils announced their Greatest 75 Devils at a Gala Dinner held at Norths Leagues & Services Club on the 16th of August.

The Greatest 75 include players, coaches, adminastrators, volunteers and supporters who's contributions have established and continued to build the Norths Devils club over it's first 75 years.

David Adams
Jimmy Adams
Vic Armbruster
Geoff Bagnall
Harry Bates
Jack Bates
John Bates
Bob Bax
Steven Bell
Tommy Bishop
Albert Bishop
Kevin Brasch
Neville Broadfoot
Darryl Brohman
John Brown
Bill Burrup
Steve Calder
Kevin Carmichael
Gordon Carneige
Ray Cattanach
Bill Champion
Dave Christison
Clive Churchill
Edward "Babe" Collins
Greg Conescu
Bobby Cook
Brian Cook
R Cooper
Cooper Cronk
Neville Draper
Doug Duncan
Bob Duncan
Peter Fraser
Les Geeves
Nick Geiger
Trevor Gillmeister
Mark Graham
Peter Hall
Don Hamilton
Jim Hannam
Glen Harrison
Henry Hegarty
Ross Henrick
Lee Hutchinson
Greg Inglis
Dallas Johnson
Reg Kay
Joe Kilroy
Stewie Lane
Peter Lobegeiger
George Lockie
Graham Lowe
Bluey Martin
Ian Massie
Paul McCabe
Allan McLean
Barry McTaggart
Hugh Melrose
Fonda Metassa
Mark Murray
Bill Norris
Bill Pearson
Hillary Pocock
Jack Reardon
Vic Rudd
Don Simpson
Billy Slater
Cameron Smith
Jack Stapleton
Ron Stewart
Clarrie Thomas
Ellice Thomas
Elwyn Walters
Steve Walters
Lloyd Weier

Source: www.northsdevils.com

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