VALE Len Dittmar

Len Dittmar played all three games for Queensland in the 1971 inter-state series, and was earmarked as a future Australian Test representative forward. But his career came to an abrupt end early in 1973, as a result of a knee injury playing for Brothers in the Brisbane competition.

Brothers’ teammate, and close friend, David Wright said prop forward, Dittmar stood tall in a brutal era for the game, never taking a backward step, and earning the respect of teammates and rivals alike.

“If not for the injury, I reckon Lenny would have played for Australia, maybe for a decade,” said Wright, who represented his country during the 1975 World Series. “He was a great teammate, and an even better mate.

“Where Lenny went, fun went with him. He was a great storyteller, and had a punchline for them all. Lenny endeared himself to thousands and pissed off a few.”

Dittmar, 73, died on Thursday, August 1, 2024, after a battle with cancer. 

“As expected, Lenny fought a hell of a fight, and amazingly, even in the latter weeks (from time to time), his wit and humour shone through. “When he first got diagnosed with cancer last year, his comment was: ‘I’ve had a great life’.”

Dittmar, a former Padua College student, made his first grade debut for Brothers in 1969, and was a one club man during his time in the Brisbane competition, but also had a stint with famous Yorkshire club, Hull FC, in 1972-73, and learnt a lot from the ball playing English forwards, among them future Test prop, Mick Crane.

In 1970, in a Brisbane club match against Norths, Dittmar took on Test forward, Lloyd Weier and shared the honours.

Len and Brisbane Souths’ prop, Jim Murphy were Queensland’s props for the opening match of the 1971 inter-state series, and were given the task of protecting the Maroons’ Test hooker, Brian Fitzsimmons, who was often the target of vicious attacks in scrums. New South Wales’ Test prop, John O’Neill hung one on Fitzsimmons early, and Dittmar responded in kind. There was no more mischief from O’Neill.

I travelled from Murwillumbah to watch that floodlit game, and recall the Bob Bax coached Queenslanders putting up a brave show against the Harry Bath coached Blues, before succumbing 12-3.

In 1972, Dittmar was a member of the Brisbane side which finished undefeated in what proved the last Bulimba Cup (inter-city) competition – against Ipswich and Toowoomba. That side was captained by Test lock, Col Weiss, and coached by Henry Holloway.

Dittmar was a Life Member of Mooloolaba Surf Club, where he forged a reputation as a champion surfboat rower. His father, Len Snr., a former national welterweight champion, was inducted into the Australian Boxing Hall of Fame in 2022.

Len, who lived at Sandgate with his wife, Jenny, was a fireman for much of his working life (our local fireman at Taigum for a time), and also was a staunch supporter of the Family of League Foundation.

I interviewed Len and Jenny for the Foundation’s magazine in 2019, and it was a joy, listening to stories from his career.

Len and David Wright were regarded as a duo – if you saw one, chances were the other wasn’t far behind.

On one occasion they attended a big rugby league match at Suncorp Stadium and shared a lift to one of the upper decks with golf legend, Greg Norman.

Without hesitation, Len stuck out his hand to greet Norman, and with his commanding voice introduced himself: ‘Shark. Len Dittmar.”

Norman was taken aback at first, but was so impressed with Len’s approach and personality, he invited him and David Wright to join him in his corporate box.

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