JANUARY 1978
Wynnum-Manly coach, Dennis Ward rated Murwillumbah Brothers’ signing, Brian Walsh a future star, as the Seagulls stepped up preparations for the 1978 Brisbane Rugby League season.
Walsh, who had a brief off-season stint with Brisbane Brothers the previous year, joined another Murwillumbah Brothers’ product, John Dowling at Wynnum.
“I have been impressed by Brian’s approach to training,” said Ward, a former Test halfback. “He looks a definite prospect, either at halfback or five eighth.’
Former North Sydney prop, Roger Lavis was trumpeted as Wynnum’s big off-season gain, after the loss of Test forward, Lew Platz to Penrith. Former Australian forward, Barry McTaggart returned to Wynnum after a stint in North Queensland, and brought with him 107kg Innisfail prop, Bernie Ernst, 19.
Redcliffe secretary, Don McLennan rated Roma signings, Wally Fullerton-Smith and Steve Cherry the best prospects to emerge from the western Queensland town, since Test forwards, Arthur Beetson and Ray Higgs. The Dolphins also signed classy ball playing forward, Darryl Van de Velde from Souths, as well as goal kicking back, Mick Waller from Manly-Warringah.
Redcliffe finished minor premiers in 1977, with Ian ‘Bunny’ Pearce as captain-coach, but were beaten 17-13 by Easts in the Grand Final. Pearce retained the job for the 1978 season. The Dolphins had contracted professional sprinter, Peter McPhee to boost the overall speed of their top grade squad.
Former Queensland centre and Valleys’ skipper, Mick Retchless retained his post as Brisbane’s representative on the QRL selection panel.
FOOTNOTE: Brian Walsh went on to represent Combined Brisbane, and also played in two Grand Final winning sides with Wynnum-Manly – at five eighth in 1982 and fullback in 1984. He undoubtedly would have played for Queensland in the State of Origin arena, except he played his first senior football for Murwillumbah Brothers, and was ineligible. Don McClennan got it right about Fullerton Smith and Cherry. Fullerton Smith followed in the footsteps of Beetson and Higgs by representing Australia, while Cherry represented Brisbane.
About Author
As a primary school kid & Murwillumbah Brothers supporter, Brian Walsh was an amazing talent in the mid 70’s before he ventured north. Unfortunatley he grew up in in the same period as The King. From memory though in the early 2000’s he was selected in the Wynnum side of the century ( ??) as a 5/8 surpassing the King. What a great player and side they were.
G’day Stevo great blog lad.