Despite playing only three A grade matches for Wynnum-Manly in 1983, fiery front rower, Greg Dowling was chosen in a 21 man Queensland squad named to prepare for an historic tour of England at the end of the season.
Dowling had last played for Queensland in 1981 when he broke his arm, and then to complete a miserable season, broke his leg in the BRL finals.
Redcliffe coach, John Barber was upset at the inclusion of Dowling ahead of Redcliffe’s Richie Poulsen, who he rated the most exciting young prop in the game.
The squad contained only two Sydney based players – Dave Brown and Paul Vautin from Manly-Warringah.
The tour was the brainchild of current QRL History Committee chairman, Kevin Brasch who believed it was a sure fire way of maintaining Queensland’s dominance in the State of Origin arena.
Brasch had extensive playing experience in England, as did Easts president, Ted Verrenkamp who was appointed liaison officer for the tour. Brasch and Dick ‘Tosser’ Turner were named as managers.
The touring squad: Shane Bernardin, Mitch Brennan, Larry Brigginshaw, Dave Brown, Greg Conescu, Greg Dowling, Brett French, Wally Fullerton-Smith, Cavill Heugh, Gavin Jones, Wally Lewis (c), Wayne Lindenberg, Mal Meninga, Gene Miles, Mark Murray, Bryan Niebling, Trevor Paterson, Colin Scott, Steve Stacey, Brad Tessman, Paul Vautin. Coach, Arthur Beetson.
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