Brisbane Rugby League Team of the Century members, former Easts Tigers’ teammates, Des Morris (left) and Johnny Lang
MONDAY, AUGUST 15
Australian Rugby League coach, Mal Meninga says he doesn’t want anyone in the national side who is unsure about their allegiance, no matter how good they are. His declaration comes after State of Origin stars, Junior Paulo (NSW) and Josh Papali (Qld) say they will represent Samoa in the World Cup, not the Kangaroos. Samoa look like having a formidable squad, and there are no guarantees of an Australia v England final, the dream outcome for promoters.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 16
Former Melbourne Storm forward, Tim Glasby reckons Manly-Warringah started the wrestle as a tactic in rugby league, not the Storm. He describes Cameron Munster as an ‘air head’, but he means it in the nicest possible way. They played together at Central Queensland Capras, before graduating to the Storm. Glasby and former Redcliffe, Parramatta, Canberra and Catalan Dragons’ back, Adam Mogg are my interview subjects at Men of League dinner at Mooloolaba Surf Club. I had asked Mogg about the wrestle, and he threw to Glasby. Mogg is a great fan of one of his former coaches, Brian Smith. “I would pester him for advice,” Adam says. Glasby, who has Italian heritage, was described as a “NRL nobody”, when he was chosen for Queensland. It didn’t bother him, but upset his parents. Glasby couldn’t believe how well the Storm hung-in against Cronulla, in the 2016 NRL Grand Final, given they were playing ‘badly’. Cronulla won 16-14, and it was two tries each. Glasby came off the bench.
Today is the 45th anniversary of the death of Elvis Presley. My wife, Marie and I were parked, overlooking Redland Bay, during a day trip from Brisbane, when we heard the news on radio.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17
There are various tributes – floral etc – to Paul Green at his State of Origin plaque, in the Suncorp Stadium forecourt. The QRL have a video tribute to Paul, who died last week. Paul was a great family man, and enjoyed a good time. But in Townsville, where he coached North Queensland Cowboys, I understand he was reluctant to let his hair down, in the fish bowl atmosphere of the regional city.
FoxSports NRL 360 host, Braith Anasta says Melbourne Storm five eighth, Cameron Munster will go to the market. Anasta is Munster’s manager, and it seems weird to have him commenting on such a big news story, as host of the show. Anasta asks fellow panel members about their views, but dodges questions when they are fired back at him.
Marie and I watch sad Anthony Hopkins’ movie, ‘The Father’.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 18
Jillaroos’ coach, Brad Donald says rugby union’s Sevens players would be too strong for their league counterparts, in a hybrid game, because the Sevens’ ladies are full time athletes, unlike the league girls. Former Socceroos’ goal keeper, Mark Bosnich recalls English television commentator, St Helens’ born Stuart Pyke, watching rugby league on his screen, while calling darts.
The South Sydney v Penrith match is sensational – love the quick passing. Penrith’s 26-22 win sees them clinch the minor premiership.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 19
The Brisbane Rugby League Team of the Century, as chosen by the QRL History Commitee, which I chair, is named at a function at Victoria Park Golf Course. I make a speech, on behalf of the committee, and make sure to mention our foundation, chairman, Kevin Brasch, who could not be present today. Easts Tigers’ legend, Des Morris is so emotional when he gets his cap, as a member of the side. At my table are the likes of ‘The King’, Wally Lewis; ‘super coach’, Wayne Bennett; QRL Chair, Bruce Hatcher; former top referee, turned politician, Tim Mander; Brisbane City alderman, Andrew Wines and BRL official, Sharon Hickey. Wally was named five eighth and skipper of the side, but the nod for coach went to the late Bob Bax, who mentored Bennett at different stages of his career. Wayne said Mal Meninga played without fire, when Lewis and Gene Miles praised him during games. I was interviewed by radio stations SEN and TAB during the week, about the difficult task of picking the side, which was: Norm Pope (Valleys); Lionel Morgan (Wynnum-Manly), Tom Gorman (Brothers), Mal Meninga (Souths), Cecil Aynsley (Wests); Wally Lewis (Valleys, Wynnum), Barry Muir (Wests); Brian Davies (Brothers), Johnny Lang (Easts), Duncan Hall (Valleys, Wests), Arthur Beetson (Redcliffe), Peter Gallagher (Brothers), Harold ‘Mick’ Crocker’ (Souths). 14 Johnny Gleeson (Brothers) 15 Des Morris (Easts, Wynnum), Gene Miles (Wynnum), Ignatius ‘Bill’ Tyquin (Souths), Greg Veivers (Souths). Coach, Bob Bax (Brothers, Norths); Referee, Eddie Ward; administrator, Peter Scott Snr.
In most cases, the deceased players are represented by family members. For instance, Norm Pope’s son, Wayne (wearing a cowboy hat) is there for his dad, who played for Australia in the 1950s.
The team chosen in a fan’s poll was vastly different. For instance, Mark Murray was halfback ahead of Barry Muir. “The female vote, got me across the line,’ Murray joked.
I walk from Victoria Park to Suncorp Stadium, (via Kelvin Grove High, where there is soccer practice) for the Broncos v Storm match, and I wish I had walked home to Samford, as Brisbane put up the white flag in a 60-12 loss to Melbourne. Former ABC Radio commentator, Gerry Collins – now based in Newcastle – and his daughter, are seated beside Marie and I.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 20
Former Gold Coast Titan, Jordan Rankin has taken over as captain/coach of Parramatta’s New South Wales’ Cup side, after David Kidwell took on a job with Argentine Rugby Union. Fellow Men of League magazine contributor, Barry Ross says former dual rugby international, Stephen Knight was a modest fellow, despite his star status and good looks. “He had no idea how much the girls loved him,” Barry says. Sydney Roosters demolish Wests Tigers 72-6, and Channel 9 commentator, Andrew ‘Joey’ Johns says the Tigers just gave up. It is Roosters’ Old Boys’ day, and former forward, Bryan Fletcher gives his ‘best on ground’ award to Terry Regan – that is best on ground, for having a good time. It is Brisbane Norths’ Old Boys Day at Bishop Park, Nundah, with former forward, Trevor Gillmeister guest speaker, in the Leagues Club. Radio personality, Bill McDonald is MC. Former players in attendance include Mark Murray and Mark Protheroe, as well as noted cricketer, Chris Lynn, a devoted Norths and rugby league man. Former Brisbane Brothers and St George (Sydney) hooker, Trevor Bailey coaches Ashgrove Marists’ Opens Rugby League side, which contains six players from the First XV. Former Redcliffe halfback, Brian Winney emails, re. the BRL Team of the Century. “You chose good,” Brian says.
Engelbert Humperdinck is to appear at Centara Reserve Samui Hotel, on Koh Samui, where our daughter, Melanie Mariotto and husband, Greg live. One of Engelbert’s early hits, ‘The Last Waltz’, was the ‘theme song’ of the 1967 Kangaroos in Britain. Former Test prop, Steve ‘Blocker’ Roach recalls clashing with Queenslander, Will Tarry in a trial match at Cessnock in the Hunter Valley. A youthful ‘Blocker’, who was playing for Balmain, head butted Tarry in a scrum and the Cessnock hard man retaliated with a left hook. “It nearly made take up tennis,” ‘Blocker’ said.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 21
My wife, Marie’s alma mater, Richmond River High in Lismore, is to close for good, following the devastating floods in the region, which left the school severely damaged. Marie (nee Donnelly) used to travel to school by bus, from Bangalow, where her parents had a dairy farm. A fellow from Limpinwood, in the Tweed Valley, phones ‘Macca’ (Ian McNamara) on ABC Radio to publicise his family’s annual salami making event at the locality. Four generations attend. Former Broncos’ forward, Sam Thaiday, a Samford resident, does a live cross from the village on Channel 9, declaring that the ‘big teams’ have made this a ‘statement weekend’ in the NRL.
‘Great Canal Journeys’ on SBS ventures to Wigan, in Greater Manchester, but there is no mention of rugby league. Former Wigan player, Queensland legend, Gene Miles, is a guest on Matt Johns’ show on FoxSports, and admits to being a packet a day smoker in his younger days. Miles set up dashing winger, Martin Offiah for a multitude of tries during his time at Wigan. Also on Matt’s show is Gene’s son-in-law, Broncos’ winger, Corey Oates. ‘Geno’ is a former Broncos’ skipper.
St George Illawarra forward, Francis Molo is sent off for making direct contact with the jaw of Gold Coast’s Patrick Herbert. Despite his absence for nearly 20 minutes, Saints win 46-26.
Marie and I to ‘Little Tree’ in Samford, for the live music, this time provided by a great three piece band. Sam Thaiday and his family are there as part of a pictorial promotion for the venue.
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