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Club Details
Club Name: Northern Suburbs Rugby League Football Club
Nickname: Norths Devils
Past Names: Past Grammars and Grammar Norths (1923 - 1932); Northern Districts RLC (1933).
Colours: Sky Blue, Navy and Gold
Home Grounds: Oxenham Park 1934 to 1970, Bishop Park 1971 to Present
First Season: 1923 (Reserve Grade) 1924 (A Grade) - Past Grammars. 1933 - Northern Districts.
Chief Executive: Mark Murray
QLD Cup Coach: Kevin Carmichael
Assistant Coach: Trevor Bailey
Assistant Coach: Michael Whalley
A Grade Coach: Don Gailer
Under 20 Coach: Jon Buchanan
Under 18 Coach: Jason Carroll
Under 16 Coach: Steve Hegarty
Club Captain: Mark Leafa
Principal Sponsor: Carmichael Builders
NRL Club Affiliate: 2008 to Present: Brisbane Broncos; 1998 to 2007: Melbourne Storm
The Norths Devils are one of the oldest Rugby League Clubs in Australia, possibly laying claim to being the oldest given the history that follows. The Club has a proud record of success having been crowned Club Champions fourteen (14) times, along with thirteen (13) A Grade, seventeen (17) Reserve Grade and fourteen (14) Colts/3rd Grade Premierships. In addition to this the Devils have been runners-up in nine (9) A Grade, eight (8) Reserve Grade and twelve (12) Colts/3rd Grade Grand Finals.
Links to Rugby Union
The first incarnation of Northern Suburbs was as the Past Grammars Rugby Union Club, which was formed in 1887 as an Old Boys club for Brisbane Boys Grammar School. The club was successful in it's early years, winning Brisbane Rugby Union Premierships in 1892, 1898, 1899 and 1914.
With the Brisbane club rugby union competitions disbanding towards the end of the First World War, Past Grammars joined the Brisbane Rugby League in the 1923 Reserve Grade competition and then competed in the A Grade competition from 1924. Past Grammars, also known as Grammar Norths, won their first premiership in 1927, before becoming Northern Districts, and later Northern Suburbs, following the introduction of District Football by the Brisbane Rugby League in 1933.
Following the closure of Rugby Union in Queensland for approximately ten years, the sport nearly disappeared forever. The effect of rugby league developing, compounded with the First World War, was immediate and strong with major clubs, Past Grammars, Christian Brothers and University and the entire GPS schools competitions all converting to rugby league, which effectively lead to the disbandment of the Queensland Rugby Union in 1919 through until 1928.
An apparent faction within Past Grammars took the opportunity to return to Rugby Union with the return of a Rugby Union competition in 1928. This Club continued to be named Past Grammars, however they extended the participation to the old boys of Ipswich and Toowoomba Grammar. This Club ultimately broadened further, when in 1931 it became GPS Old Boys, a club with a proud history that continues to compete until this day. The University club returned to Rugby Union in 1934, with the Christian Brothers (Past Brothers) remaining in rugby league.
First Rugby League Club Game in Brisbane
Whilst having no direct link to the Northern Suburbs or Norths Devils of today, the north-side of Brisbane holds a special link in the history and development of Rugby League in Queensland. The first club season of Rugby League began with the founding clubs being North Brisbane, Toombul, Valley, South Brisbane and later on Milton. The first club match in Brisbane was between North Brisbane and Toomul (a suburb directly neighbouring Nundah the traditional home of Norths).
Club rugby league officially began on the 8th of May in 1909, with W. Evans scoring two tries as North Brisbane beat Toombul 8-0 at the Brisbane Cricket Ground (now known as the Gabba, the home of Cricket and Australian Rules Football in this state).
Toombul played the first two seasons of the competition, making the Grand Final in 1910 before linking with Valley for the 1911 season. The combined entity played as Valley-Toombul in 1911 winning the Premiership that season. How long the relationship lasted is not clear, however by 1914 when they next won a Premiership their name was Valleys, later Valleys Diehards the most successful club of their time, winning 24 premierships in their 86 season before the demise of the club in the mid 1990’s.
The North Brisbane club merged in 1915, with Toowong who entered the competition in 1914, with the club’s combining their colours, North Brisbane (black and red) and Toowong (black and blue), and became known as Western Suburbs and won the Premiership the following season. In fact the colours of the team had been agreed as black and Blue, however due to the lack of blue dye available during World War 1 the club elected to use red a more available colour at the time.
Past Grammars and Grammar Norths
To Follow
District Football – The Birth of Northern Districts (1933 to 1960)
District football, which meant that players had to reside in the club's defined geographical area, was another issue that confronted the new administration. Two positive arguments were promoted for district football, those being firstly that it provided a community base and secondly it made a more equitable competition. Brisbane was to be divided into Eastern suburbs, South Brisbane, Western suburbs, North Brisbane and Fortitude Valley. The Past Brothers club, by their very nature defied the district concept, however proof had to be obtained that the players had been to or have attended a Christian Brothers College.
In 1933 district football became a reality when Carltons became Southern Suburbs, Coorparoo and Wynnum (formerly Wynnum Rugby Union) became Eastern Suburbs and Grammars became Northern Suburbs. According to Ryan the 'district scheme' introduced strict residential provisions for players and "the BRFL hoped to insure the true identity of the club teams by enforcing a 'locals only' team make-up". In 1934 University returned to Rugby Union, the South Coast was in the competition for a brief time between 1952-5. As stated previously Wynnum-Manly joined in 1952 and Redcliffe in 1960. An interesting point about district football was that until the 1960s, a lot of the district clubs did not control their home grounds.
Albert Bishop (MBE) –
To Follow
1960’s – The Golden Era
The Norths Devils had a golden era from 1959 through until 1970. Highlights included:
-
A-Grade Premierships (8): 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1966 and 1969
-
A-Grade Grand Finalists (2): 1967 and 1970
-
Minor Premiers (7): 1959, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1966, 1969 and 1970
-
Club Championships (11): 1959, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1966, 1967, 1969, 1971, 1972, 1973 and 1974.
Bob Bax – The King of Coaches
To Follow
Bishop Park – The Home of the Norths Devils
For many years Norths played out of Oxenham Park in Nundah, but they moved to Albert Bishop Park, in 1969. Commonley reffered to simply as 'Bishop Park', it borders the Schulz Canal in Nundah, and is named after club stalwart Albert Bishop (MBE). The Norths Devils remain at Bishop Park to this day, where the Leagues Club and fields are still located.
Melbourne Storm Era (1998 to 2007)
In 1998 the Norths Devils became the feeder system for the Melbourne Storm NRL team. With almost immediate success the Norths Devils won the 1998 QLD Cup defeating the West Panthers. The Melbourne Storm went on to win the 1999 NRL Premiership the following year. Charged with the development of youngsters for the Storm and offering dual registration for Melbourne based players, the system proved a highly successful one for both parties.
In the 2006 NRL Grand Final Melbourne's 17 man team had 13 players who had played with the Norths Devils previously, including Matt Geyer who won a Premiership with the Devils in 1998 and Melbourne in 1999. On top of that in the 2006 Tri Nations series four Norths players graduated to the Australian Kangaroo's squad and two players representing New Zealand. Many North's players have played both Representative State and State of Origin Rugby League for Queensland Maroons and the NSW Blues over the years.
The 2007 season marked the tenth and final year of the association, with Norths joining forces with the Brisbane Broncos from a development program perspective in 2007 and with the seniors in 2008.
2007 Test Match - 10 Former Norths Devils Players
One of the Norths Devils proudest days in it's history came when ten former players were selected in the Australia v New Zealand Test Match, on Sunday 14 October 2007, at Wellington's Westpac Stadium. The Australian Kangaroos were Captained by former Norths Devils Captain Cameron Smith, who followed on his success from captaining the Melbourne Storm to the 2008 NRL Premiership.
The Australian side contained the following former Norths Devils players:
- Cameron Smith (c)
- Greg Inglis
- Israel Folau
- Dallas Johnson
- Cooper Cronk
- Ryan Hoffman
- Michael Crocker.
The New Zealand side contained the following former Norths Devils players:
- Jeremy Smith
- Jeff Lima
- Paul Whatuira.
An interesting point from this is that three of these players; Jeff Lima, Jeremy Smith and Michael Crocker all played games for the Norths Devils in the 2008 season. Further to this whilst all were Melbourne Storm contracted, the greater majority were either North's juniors or player's originally developed by the Norths Devils, later being contracted by the Melbourne Storm, in fact only five were brought to the Norths Devils by the Melbourne Storm.
For the record, Australia gave New Zealand their worst ever result in their 100th test match, with Australia winning 58 to 0, and the former Norths Devils player's contributing 36 points through Greg Ingliss (3 tries), Israel Folau (2 tries) and Cameron Smith (1 try and 6 goals).
Brisbane Broncos and the Future
From the end of the 2007 season, the Norths Devils will be associated with the Brisbane Broncos after a ten year association with the Melbourne Storm.
The future is bright for the once financially struggling Norths Devils. With support from gaming operations Norths Leagues & Services Club (260 EGM's) and the recently renovated Norths Devils Leagues Club (60 EGM's) the club has a strong base to work from into the future. The combined resources of these Clubs makes the Norths Devils one of the strongest in QLD Rugby League.
**The information within this section has been gathered from a wide variety of sources, including the Norths Devils records and it's published articles, and also other resources available from the following websites:
Trophies & Premierships
QLD Cup & First Grade
Premierships (14): 1927 (as Past Grammars), 1934, 1938, 1940, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1966, 1969, 1980 and 1998.
Grand Finalists (9): 1931, 1932 (as Past Grammars), 1939, 1941, 1944, 1945, 1967, 1970 and 1990.
Minor Premiers (10): 1939, 1940, 1959, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1966, 1969, 1970 and 1998.
Presidents Cup (10): 1937. 1938, 1940, 1946, 1951, 1961, 1962,1963, 1965 and 1967.
Vic Jensen Cup & Penant (10): 1934, 1938, 1939, 1940, 1954, 1959, 1961, 1962, 1963 and 1964.
Pike Cup (7): 1935, 1938, 1940, 1941, 1944, 1945 and 1951.
Truth & Sunday Sun Craven A Trophy (6): 1967, 1968, 1970, 1973,1974 and 1977.
F Fullerton Trophy (6): 1952, 1959, 1961, 1962, 1963 and 1964.
Peter Scott Memorial Shield (5): 1959, 1961, 1963, 1966 and 1975.
Woolworths Trophy (2): 1975 and 1987.
Taudevin Cup (2): 1945 and 1954.
Peters Ice Cream Cup (1): 1974.
Special Competition (1): 1946.
John Sivyer Trophy (1): 1974.
Borthwicks Cup (1): 1967.
Liberty Cup (1): 1943.
BP Shield (1): 1974.
Club Championship
Championships (15): 1945, 1954, 1959, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1966, 1967, 1969, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 2005 and 2010.
Reserve Grade
Premierships (17): 1923, 1927 (as Past Grammars), 1937, 1938, 1950, 1951, 1952, 1953, 1956, 1963, 1964, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1971, 1972 and 1989.
Grand Finalists (8): 1970, 1974, 1975, 1991, 1994, 1998, 1999 and 2001.
Minor Premiers (15): 1937, 1954, 1956, 1961, 1963, 1964, 1967, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1975, 1989, 2001 and 2002.
Presidents Cup (9): 1937, 1946, 1949, 1952, 1954, 1961, 1971, 1972 and 1982.
C Kahler Cup (2): 1951 and 1952.
John Sivyer Trophy (1): 1974.
H Hunter Cup (1): 1949.
Colts
Premierships (6): 1970, 1998, 2000, 2004, 2005 and 2006.
Grand Finalists (5): 1999, 2001, 2003, 2007 and 2008.
Minor Premierships (10): 1970, 1989, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2010.
Presidents Cup (1): 1989.
Mal Meninga Cup (Under 18)
QLD State Champions (1): 2009.
QLD State Grand Finalists (1): 2010.
National Semi Finals (1): 2009.
Southern Conference Champions (1): 2009.
Cyril Connell Cup (Under 16)
QLD State Champions (2): 2009 and 2010.
National Quarter Finals (1): 2009.
Southern Conference Champions (1): 2009.
3rd Grade
Premierships (8): 1939, 1952, 1954, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1971 and 1973.
Grand Finalists (9): 1963, 1964, 1969, 1972, 1974, 1978, 1980, 1981 and 1990.
Minor Premierships (12): 1951, 1952, 1963, 1964, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974 and 1981.
Presidents Cup (12): 1938, 1939, 1951, 1952, 1964, 1965, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1980 and 1981.
R Huxham Trophy (1): 1952.
4th Grade
Premierships (4): 1960, 1967, 1968 and 1970.
Minor Premierships (2): 1966 and 1970.
Presidents Cup (5): 1950, 1960, 1961, 1970 and 1971.
Under 21
Premierships (1): 1979.
Minor Premierships (1): 1979.
Under 20
Premierships (2): 1949 and 1950.
Minor Premierships (1): 1949.
Presidents Cup (1): 1979.
Players
Many famous names have played at Norths over the decades. Names such as Clive Churchill, Bill Pearson, Lloyd Weir, Fonda Metassa, Johnny Brown, Elywn Walters, Steve Calder, Darryl Brohman, John Sattler, Nev Draper, Glen Harrison, Peter Hall, Nick Geiger, Mark Graham, John Payne, Greg Conescu, Mark Murray, Paul Khan, Greg Dowling, Steve Walters, Joe Kilroy, Paul McCabe, Trevor Gillmeister and Ross Henrick to name a few.
In recent years Norths Devils have produced many fine young players who have progressed to the NRL Level. These include: Peter Robinson, Steven Bell, Cameron Smith, Billy Slater, Dallas Johnson, Matt King, Cooper Cronk, Jake Webster and Greg Ingliss.
Norths Devils Player of the Year Winners
2007 - Marc Brentnall
2006 - Aaron Bulow
2005 - Aaron Bulow & Nathan Friend
2004 - Jeremy Smith
2003 - Cooper Cronk
2002 - Cameron Smith
2001 - Kevin Carmichael
2000 - Steven Bell
1999 - Kevin Carmichael
1998 - Kevin Carmichael
1997 - Neil Stanley
1996 - M Brown
1995 - J Webber
1994 - T Evans
1993 - Kevin Carmichael
1992 - Craig Grauf
1991 - P Cleary
1990 - Neil Wharton
1989 - Neil Wharton
1988 - M Booth
1987 - Geoff Bagnall
1986 - Geoff Bagnall
1985 - TW Lucas
1984 - Geoff Bagnall
1983 - M Pocock
1982 - D Cook
1981 - Ross Henrick
1980 - Ross Henrick
1979 - Shane Bernardin
1978 - GL Seaton
1977 - GL Seaton
1976 - Darryl Brohman
1975 - Steve Calder
1974 - G Harrison
1973 - H Rolph
1972 - P Hall
1971 - P Hall
1970 - P Lobegeiger
1969 - Johnny Brown
1968 - P Stapleton
1967 - Johnny Brown
1966 - H Hegarty
1965 - JR Hannam
1964 - A McLean
1963 - R Cook
1962 - H Hegarty
1961 - I Massie
1960 - W Pearson
1959 - W Pearson
1958 - W Thomas
1957 - W Thomas
1956 - A Ricardi
1955 - A Ricardi & T Rolls
1954 - S Hassum
1953 - D Davey
Courier Mail Best & Fairest Winners (1): 2005 - Greg Inglis.
QRL Representative Player of the Year (1): 2005 - Nathan Friend.
Rothman's Medal Winners (5):
1991 - Darryl Duncan, 1979 - Neville Draper, 1976 - Darryl Brohman, 1975 - Steve Calder and 1969 - Johnny Brown.
Golden Boot Winners (World Player of the Year) (3): 2009 - Greg Inglis*, 2008 - Billy Slater* and 2007 - Cameron Smith*.
New Zealand Player of the Century (1): 2007 - Mark Graham
Representative Players
Australian Representatives (28): Vic Armbruster (Past Grammars), Neville Broadfoot (Past Grammars), John Brown, Clive Churchill (Kangaroos Coach), Edward Collins, Greg Conescu, Michael Crocker*, Cooper Cronk*, Greg Dowling#, Israel Folau*, Nick Geiger, Trevor Gillmeister#, Ryan Hoffman*, Greg Inglis*, Dallas Johnson*, Antonio Kaufusi*, Matt King*, Reg Kay, Paul McCabe#, Barry McTaggart, Mark Murray#, John Payne, Jack Reardon (Kangaroos Vice Captain), Billy Slater*, Cameron Smith*, Lloyd Weier, Elwyn Walters and Steve Walters#.
Australian Captains (1): Cameron Smith
Australian Coaches (1): Clive Churchill
Australian Managers (1): Albert Bishop
New Zealand Representatives (8): Adam Blair*, Mark Graham, Jeff Lima*, Sika Manu*, Matt Rua*, Jeremy Smith*, Jake Webster* and Paul Whatuira#.
New Zealand Coaches (1): Graham Lowe
Great Britain Representatives (1): Tommy Bishop*
Great Britain Captains (1): Tommy Bishop*
Papua New Guinea Representatives (3): Jay Aston, Joe Bond and George Kepa
Queensland (Prior to Origin) (47): Vic Armbuster (Past Grammars), B Adams, J Adams, Jack Bates, John Bates, Bob Bax (Coach), Neville Broadfoot (Past Grammars), D Brohman, J Brown, W Callinan, R Cattanach, C Churchill (Captain and Coach), Edward "Babe" Collins (Captain), Greg Conescu, R Cook, Brian Cook, R Cooper, D Dobson, R Duncan, Les Geeves, N Geiger, R Hagan, P Hall, G Harrison, R Henrick, L Hutchinson, R Kay, B Kenning, Paul Khan, L Little, P Lobegeiger, G Lockie (Captain), I Massie, H Melrose (Captain), F Metassa, Mark Murray, W Norris, J Payne, W Pearson, R Peut, Jack Reardon (Captain), V Rudd, Des Simpson, J Stapleton, R Stewart, R Tollhurst and L Weier.
Queensland State of Origin (15): Steve Bell#, Darryl Brohman#, Greg Conescu, Michael Crocker* ,Greg Dowling#, Trevor Gillmeister#, Ross Henrick, Greg Inglis*, Dallas Johnson*, Antonio Kafusi*, Paul McCabe#, Mark Murray, Billy Slater*, Cameron Smith* and Steve Walters#.
NSW State of Origin (3): Matt Geyer*, Ryan Hoffman* and Matt King*.
Queensland Residents (20): Clint Amos, Scott Anderson, Steven Bell, Anthony Bonus, Anthony Boyd, Kevin Carmichael, Wade Fenton, Daniel Frame, Nathan Friend, Craig Grauf, Guy Harvey, Matt King, Ian McKenzie, Jackson Nicolau, Jeremy Smith, Billy Slater, Rob Tanielu, Jake Webster, Jason Webber and Dale Williams.
*Whilst playing with Melbourne Storm
#Whilst playing for another QRL, NRL or Super League Club
Coaches
Some of the great coaches of Norths over the years include Clive Churchill, Bob Bax, Bob Hagan, Tommy Bishop, Barry Muir, John Barber, Greg Oliphant, Graham Lowe, Tom Raudonikis and Dave Brown. The victorious 1980 premiership side was coached by Graham Lowe, who went on to coach Manly Sea Eagles, NQ Cowboys, Wigan and
Norths Devils Premiership Coaches
QLD Cup & First Grade: 1998 - Mark Murray, 1980 - Graham Lowe, 1969 - Bob Bax, 1966 - Bob Bax, 1964 - Bob Bax, 1963 - Bob Bax, 1962 - Bob Bax, 1961 - Bob Bax, 1960 - Bob Bax, 1959 - Clive Churchill and J. Coyne, 1940 - C. Webster, 1938 - T. Dolan and 1934 - B. Williams.
Reserve Grade: 1989 - R. Berka, 1972 - B. Larkin, 1971 - J. Hannam, 1969 - J. Hannam, 1968 - J. Hannam, 1967 - Kevin Brasch, 1964 - K. Mulgrew, 1963 - S. Holdsworth, 1956 - R. Waldon, 1953 - J. Bayada, 1952 - J. Bayada, 1951 - J. Gardner, 1950 - J. Hay, 1938 - J. Hay and 1937 - J. Hay & J. Bayada.
Third Grade: 1973 - R. Poulsen, 1971 - B. Larkin, 1968 - D. Smith, 1967 - J. Ryan, 1966 - J. Ryan, 1954 - S. Edwards, 1952 - C. Brazel and 1939 - C. Gordon.
Colts Grade: 2006 - Trevor Bailey, 2005 - Michael Woods,
2004 - Michael Woods, 2000 - Anthony Griffin and 1998 - Anthony Griffin.
QRL South East Division Coach of the Year (1): 2005 - Wayne Treleaven.
Norths Devils 75th Anniversary Celebrations
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
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
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.
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
QLD Cup Records
Premierships (1): 1998.
Largest Win: 92-2 Logan City at Bishop Park, 2002.
Worst Loss: 60-10 Burleigh Bears at Bishop Park, 2005.
Most QLD Cup Appearances: Wade Fenton - 114
Kevin Carmichael - 107
Marc Brentnall - 83
Pat Gardner - 81
Aaron Bulow - 71.
Most Points: John Wilshere - 538
Marty Turner - 518
Greg Inglis - 194
Cameron Smith - 188
Kevin Carmichael - 182.
Most Tries: Steven Bell - 45
Kevin Carmichael - 45
Derek Fletcher - 38
Cooper Cronk - 37
Quentin Laulu-Togagae - 34
Games Played: 242 - 144 Wins, 9 Draws and 89 Losses.
Record Since 1988:
2007: 8th
2006: 7th
2005: Semi Finalists (2nd Minor Premiership)
2004: Semi Finalists (2nd Minor Premiership)
2003: 8th
2002: Preliminary Finalists
2001: Preliminary Semi-Finalists
2000: Preliminary Semi-Finalists
1999: Preliminary Finalists
1998: PREMIERS
1997: Preliminary Finalists
1996: Eliminated in Preliminary Rounds
1995: 11th
1994: 12th
1993: 7th
1992: Preliminary Finalists
1991: Preliminary Finalists
1990: GRAND FINALISTS
1989: Semi-Finalists
1988: 6th
Head to Head Records:
Brothers (5): W - 3, D - 0, L - 2
Brothers - Valleys (2): W - 2, D - 0, L - 0
Bundaberg (2): W - 1, D - 0, L - 1
Burleigh (20): W - 8, D - 0, L - 12
Cairns (9): W - 7, D - 0, L - 2
Central (18): W - 14, D - 2, L - 2
Easts (22): W - 10, D - 1, L - 11
Gold Coast (2): W - 1, D - 0, L - 1
Ipswich (18): W - 14, D - 0, L - 4
Logan City (11): W - 11, D - 0, L - 0
Mackay (1): W - 1, D - 0, L - 0
North Qld (9): W - 2, D - 1, L - 6
Port Moresby (2): W - 1, D - 0, L - 1
Redcliffe (21): W - 8, D - 0, L - 13
Souths Logan (18): W - 13, D - 0, L - 5
Sunshine Coast (1): W - 1, D - 0, L - 0
Toowoomba (19): W - 11, D - 1, L - 7
Tweed Heads (6): W - 4, D - 1, L - 1
Wests (15): W - 12, D - 0, L - 3
Wynnum (19): W - 10, D - 2, L - 7
Source: www.rleague.com
Queensland Rugby League History
The Beginnings
AN organisation that now administers rugby league in an area seven times larger than the United Kingdom began with the humble amount of five pence.
That was the amount which one of the founders, Sinan Boland, borrowed from his railways workmate Carl Swenson to pay for the postage to call the first meeting of what is now the Queensland Rugby League.
Esteemed league writer Jack Reardon penned “Swenson obliged further by typing the letters and addressing the envelopes to Boland’s fellow executives of the new body – George Watson, Jack O’Connor, Mickey Dore, E.L. ‘Buck’ Buchanan, Jack Fihelly and Alf Faulkner.”
The group was borne of a discontented band of Brisbane Rugby Union footballers who would meet regularly at Queen Street. At first they conducted their breakaway under great secrecy.
Labor Party identity Fihelly was the most prominent of the seven rebels, being a Member for Parliament and Deputy State Premier. He is believed to have first discussed the concept of a professional game as early as 1905.
Early meetings were held in the homes of the men before a tiny inner city office was rented as their headquarters.
Primary factors in establishing the new organisation were a desire to compensate players who needed to travel or miss work through injury, to give players a greater voice in the running of the game and to free up the on-field rules for more attractive and open play.
It followed similar revolts in the north of England and New South Wales. Indeed legendary sporting icon Victor Trumper was said to have been a major supporter of the cause.
Also revealed many years later was the role played by two key figures – Phil Dwyer and Tom Hennessy – in helping to establish the rules of the new code.
The first mention of the breakaway group in the media was on March 14, 1908 and a fortnight later on March 28 the official announcement of the Queensland Rugby Association was made.
In less than two months a Queensland representative team took on the New Zealand All Golds in Brisbane (May 16), following which was a one-off match against the Maori and a three-match series against New South Wales.
Laying the foundations of the current State of Origin concept, Queensland was well beaten 43-0, 37-8 and 12-3 against their interstate rivals.
League's popularity led to outrage from many sectors, alleging a ‘Ruination to Rugby’.
While several star players began to emerge, the figure of W.H. Beattie could not be overlooked. A well-known businessman, he crossed over from rugby union to referee the first major league games in Queensland, even assisting players with preparations before matches.
Not even a year into existence, the new body changed its name to the Queensland Amateur Rugby League (QARL), eventually becoming the Queensland Rugby League (QRL) in 1911.
The early popularity of league came despite several mitigating factors including poor finances, unrelenting domination by New South Wales and the continued opposition of rugby union.
Regardless, club rugby league officially began in Brisbane in 1909, with W. Evans scoring two tries as North Brisbane beat Toombul 8-0 at the Brisbane Cricket Ground.
However the game was far from confined to the capital city and early Queensland teams contained players from the likes of Maryborough, Bundaberg, Childers, Ipswich and Warwick.
Ipswich had a team in the Brisbane competition by 1910 and an exhibition game was played between Valley and Pirate FC at Gympie during the same season.
Such was the success of the game around Maryborough, there were soon 14 teams playing in that particular area.
Alongside Queensland’s fist Australian representatives – Doug McLean, Micky Dore and Bob Tubman – was another player of note in those early years.
Mick Bolewski, another to wear the Kangaroo jersey during his career, became the first Queenslander to sign with a British club (Leigh), earning vastly greater pay than was available at home.
As the code endeared itself with the public, two newspaper articles relayed widespread impressions of of the time.
“The feature of the game was the exceptional vigour with which it was played. Neither side spared the other when it was a question of tackling.” – The Bulletin, 1907
“The game was fast and open and play shifted from one end of the ground to the other with amazing rapidity.” – The Brisbane Courier, 1908.
Typically, the wondrous feats performed on the field took precedence over persistent detractors.
Source: www.qrl.com.au
Queensland and Brisbane Rugby League Premiers
QRL Premierships
1909: Valley 22 defeated South Brisbane 4
1910: Ipswich 17 defeated Toombul 2
1911: Valley-Toombul 13 defeated Ipswich 2
1912: Natives 10 defeated South Brisbane 0
1913: West End 5 defeated Natives 3
1914: Valleys 18 defeated West End 8
1915: Valleys 10 defeated Western Suburbs 9
1916: Western Suburbs 4 defeated Valleys 2
1917: Valleys 13 defeated Merthyrs 5
1918: Valleys 16 defeated Merthyrs 12
1919: Valleys 28 defeated Coorparoo 2
1920: Western Suburbs 16 defeated Christian Brothers 8 (Western Suburbs undefeated)
1921: Carltons 12 defeated Coorparoo 10
BRL Premierships
1922: Western Suburbs 20 defeated Coorparoo 9 (Western Suburbs undefeated)
1923: Coorparoo 13 defeated Valleys 2
1924: Valleys 11 defeated Christian Brothers 8
1925: Carltons 24 defeated Coorparoo 5
1926: Past Brothers 6 defeated Coorparoo 5
1927: Past Grammars 13 defeated Western Suburbs 11
1928: University 10 defeated Carltons 7
1929: University 12 defeated Coorparoo 11
1930: Carltons 19 defeated Valleys 8
1931: Valleys 27 defeated Past Grammars 9
1932: Western Suburbs 8 defeated Past Grammars 7
1933: Valleys 9 defeated Western Suburbs 3
1934: Northern Suburbs 7 defeated Western Suburbs 4
1935: Past Brothers 11 defeated Valleys 9 (extra time required - 6-all)
1936: Western Suburbs 13 defeated Valleys 12
1937: Valleys 9 defeated Western Suburbs 7
1938: Northern Suburbs 16 defeated Valleys 10
1939: Past Brothers 11 defeated Northern Suburbs 9
1940: Northern Suburbs 17 defeated Past Brothers 11
1941: Valleys 13 defeated Northern Suburbs 7
1942: Past Brothers 20 defeated Southern Suburbs 11
1943: Past Brothers 13 defeated Valleys 7
1944: Valleys 16 defeated Northern Suburbs 12
1945: Southern Suburbs 21 defeated Northern Suburbs 11
1946: Valleys 5 defeated Eastern Suburbs 2
1947: Eastern Suburbs 15 defeated Southern Suburbs 2
1948: Western Suburbs 14 defeated Eastern Suburbs 8
1949: Southern Suburbs 22 defeated Eastern Suburbs 8
1950: Eastern Suburbs 14 defeated Western Suburbs 10
1951: Southern Suburbs 20 defeated Eastern Suburbs 10
1952: Western Suburbs 15 defeated Past Brothers 14
1953: Southern Suburbs 21 defeated Eastern Suburbs 4
1954: Western Suburbs 35 defeated Past Brothers 18
1955: Valleys 17 defeated Past Brothers 7 (Valleys undefeated)
1956: Past Brothers 17 defeated Western Suburbs 10
1957: Valleys 18 defeated Past Brothers 17
1958: Past Brothers 22 defeated Valleys 7
1959: Northern Suburbs 24 defeated Past Brothers 18
1960: Northern Suburbs 18 defeated Valleys 15
1961: Northern Suburbs 29 defeated Valleys 5
1962: Northern Suburbs 22 defeated Valleys 0
1963: Northern Suburbs 18 defeated Southern Suburbs 8
1964: Northern Suburbs 13 defeated Past Brothers 4
1965: Redcliffe 15 defeated Valleys 2
1966: Northern Suburbs 9 defeated Past Brothers 6
1967: Past Brothers 6 defeated Northern Suburbs 2
1968: Past Brothers 21 defeated Eastern Suburbs 4
1969: Northern Suburbs 14 defeated Valleys 2
1970: Valleys 13 defeated Northern Suburbs 11 (extra-time required - 8-all)
1971: Valleys 18 defeated Eastern Suburbs 10
1972: Eastern Suburbs 16 defeated Valleys 15
1973: Valleys 15 defeated Redcliffe 7
1974: Valleys 9 defeated Past Brothers 2
1975: Western Suburbs 26 defeated Redcliffe 24
1976: Western Suburbs 16 defeated Eastern Suburbs 1
1977: Eastern Suburbs 17 defeated Redcliffe 13
1978: Eastern Suburbs 14 defeated Valleys 10
1979: Valleys 26 defeated Southern Suburbs 0
1980: Northern Suburbs 17 defeated Southern Suburbs 15
1981: Southern Suburbs 13 defeated Redcliffe 9
1982: Wynnum-Manly 17 defeated Southern Suburbs 3
1983: Eastern Suburbs 14 defeated Redcliffe 6
1984: Wynnum-Manly 42 defeated Southern Suburbs 8
1985: Southern Suburbs 10 defeated Wynnum-Manly 8
1986: Wynnum-Manly 14 defeated Past Brothers 6
1987: Past Brothers 26 defeated Redcliffe 8
1988: Seagulls-Diehards 17 defeated Ipswich 14
1989: Valleys 28 defeated Ipswich 4
1990: Valleys 17 defeated Northern Suburbs 16
1991: Eastern Suburbs 25 defeated Western Suburbs 10
1992: Western Suburbs 40 defeated Eastern Suburbs 10
1993: Western Suburbs 18 defeated Eastern Suburbs 12
1994: Redcliffe 24 defeated Western Suburbs 18
1995: Wynnum 32 defeated Eastern Suburbs 24
1996: Redcliffe 16 defeated Southern Suburbs 12
1997: Redcliffe 35 defeated Eastern Suburbs 6
QUEENSLAND Cup Competitions
1998: Norths Devils 35 defeated Wests 16
1999: Burleigh 12 defeated Redcliffe 10
2000: Redcliffe 14 defeated Toowoomba 6
2001: Toowoomba 28 defeated Redcliffe 26
2002:
2003:
2004:
2005:
2006:
2007:
Source: Michael Higgison
Key Dates in QRL History
1908: League football played in Brisbane for first time in an effort to start the code in Queensland (Representative games only).
1909: Four team premiership comp controlled by QRL commences. North Brisbane play Toombul in the first ever club game in QLD, on the 8th of May at the Brisbane Cricket Ground, with W. Evans scoring two tries as North Brisbane won 8-0.
1910-1921: Various clubs merge, join and leave.
1922: Formation of BRL controlling body.
1923: Past Grammars join competition.
1933: Introduction of District Comp (6 teams - Norths, Souths, Easts, Wests, Past Brothers and Valleys). Past Grammars change their name to Northern Districts.
1934: University Club returns to Rugby Union.
1951: Wynnum-Manly join comp.
1960: Redcliffe join comp.
1980: Birth of State of Origin, Queensland win opening match 20-10 at Lang Park.
1982: Winfield State League commences (played over seven weeks).
1986: Ipswich joins Brisbane comp which includes Allan Langer.
1987: Valleys merge with Tweed Seagulls to become Seagulls-Diehards.
1988: Logan City joins the BRL premiership and also formation of the Brisbane Broncos and Gold Coast-Tweed Giants into the NSWRL premiership.
1989: Seagulls-Diehards merger ends, team returns to Valleys
1991: Winfield state league played under representative format. Wynnum- Manly changes to Wynnum Seagulls.
1993: Winfield state league reverts back to club format
1994: Broncos and Crushers join local comp.
1995: Valleys relocate to Caboolture and become Caboolture/Valleys. North Queensland Cowboys and South Queensland Crushers enter the Sydney/ARL premiership.
1996: State-wide comp changes name to Queensland Cup and is wholly played as home & away comp, with playoffs afterwards for the BRL premiers. Broncos, Crushers and Caboolture/Valleys omitted. Past Brothers relocate and become Pine Rivers-Brothers.
1997: Bundaberg, Mackay & Sunshine Coast omitted from Queensland Cup; Burleigh Bears join competition.
1998: Queensland Cup takes over as premiership. Pine Rivers-Brothers bought by the Broncos and becomes Brisbane Brothers. Bundaberg re-join comp, Townsville & Gold Coast Vikings enter in for the first time & Port Moresby is omitted.
1999: Brisbane Brothers, Townsville, Bundaberg & Gold Coast Vikings all omitted from comp. Broncos development squad plays under the auspices of the Toowoomba Clydesdales.
2001: Cairns omitted from the Queensland Cup.
2002: North Queensland Young Guns join Queensland Cup. Brothers-Valleys, an amalgamation between Brisbane Brothers and Valleys, forms and plays in the Brisbane Rugby League.
Source: Michael Higgison
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