Wynnum-Manly president, Brian Phillips offered superstar, Wally Lewis a new three year contract, backed by bayside businessmen.
Several rival Brisbane clubs were interested in Lewis, who began his senior career with Valleys.
Lewis ultimately re-signed with Wynnum and played the next three years with the Seagulls, before becoming an inaugural Broncos signing, and skipper.
– ‘Favourite sons’, Ian ‘Bunny’ Pearce (Redcliffe) and Wayne Lindenberg (Easts) were appointed coaches of their respective clubs for the 1985 season.
Lindenberg was granted leave by Easts’ president, Ted Verrenkamp to continue to live and work in his home town of Toowoomba, where he was employed by the Endeavour Foundation.
Pearce had been secretary manager of Redcliffe Leagues Club, but with his appointment as coach, took on a new role promoting the code in the district.
Only one other coach had been appointed for 1985 – John Barber at Norths – although Des Morris was a certainty to retain the Wynnum job, given they had thrashed Souths in the grand final.
– At Murgon, in Queensland’s South Burnett region, home town hero, Bryan Niebling was honoured at a dinner to acknowledge him as the first local to represent his country in rugby league.
Niebling, who played all three Tests against Great Britain in 1984, was given the ‘This is your Life’ treatment, with Wally Lewis a special guest.
<Photo>Wayne Lindenberg in action for Easts.
Wayne Lindenberg in action for Easts
