Peter Gallagher in action for Queensland against New South Wales at the SCG.
TEST forward, Peter Gallagher ended negotiations with Sydney clubs and announced he would remain with the Past Brothers club in Brisbane.
While on tour with the Kangaroos in Britain and France in 1963-64 Gallagher wrote to Brothers’ official, Frank Melit expressing a desire to give Sydney a go.
Gallagher had a mixed start to the 1965 domestic season but hit form mid-year, before a shoulder injury sidelined him.
Brothers’ teammate, Noel Cavanagh was being chased by Sydney Wests, but also decided to remain in Queensland.
But Wests did land Brothers trio, halfback, Peter Hannah; centre, Dick Pickett and hooker, Noel Thornton.
A brothers’ official told The Courier-Mail’s Jack Reardon he was flattered Wests were chasing the young talent at the Brisbane club.
“But we could not win a Brisbane premiership with those players last year, so how do Wests hope to beat St George with them?” he said.
St George had won nine premierships in a row at that stage, and went on to win two more for a world record (at the elite level of team sport) 11 straight titles.
Former Australian captain-coach, Brian Davies was non-playing coach of Brothers in 1965 and expressed his delight at Gallagher’s professional approach to training.
Brothers’ president, Jack Corbett announced plans for the flood lighting of Brothers’ home ground, Corbett Park, Grange.
Four poles of 20 metres were to be erected immediately to give light for night training, and other brackets of flood lights were to be installed later for night matches.
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HI Steve, I really enjoy your posts of the past great days of Brisbane and Queensland Rugby League. I was eleven years old in 1965 when finally Northern Suburbs 6 year run of premierships were ended by Brothers. In that year, I saw Redcliffe beat Brothers in the preliminary final and go on to win the premiership against Valleys. It looks like you are enjoying your retirement. Kind Regards, Vic Mellors
Thanks Vic. Loving retirement and plenty to do. All the best.
Ah the days of Henry Holloway!