VALE PHIL ATTEL

Phil Attel, a member of Wynnum-Manly’s champion teams of the 1980s, has died aged 67.

Attel scored the try which sealed Wynnum’s win in the 1986 Brisbane Rugby League Grand Final against Brothers at Lang Park. But more importantly the Indigenous star was an inspiration, on and off the field, to all those he met during his life’s journey.

Phil’s leadership qualities were identified very early, with his appointment as captain of the Wynnum North Primary team, coached by Nev Rice, who did so much to ensure rugby league thrived in the schools. That was 1969, and Wynnum North won the Metropolitan Schools Final.

The 1969 Final was drawn at fulltime, and five minutes each way extra time was required. The teams were still unable to be separated and the match had to be replayed a few days later, and it went to extra time again, with Wynnum North scoring the winning try (by Mal Clark) in the final minute of the second period.

Raised in a rugby league household, Phil’s Aunty was married to the first Wynnum-Manly coach, Abby Thurlow. Phil played league at Wynnum North, and then Iona College at Lindum, while also playing for Wynnum Juniors at Kitchener Park.

In his senior years at Iona, Phil took a break from club football at weekends, and went surfing. Attel was also a fine athlete, and the record time he set over 100m – on grass – still stands in the Associated Catholic Colleges’ books.

In an interview with Wynnum-Manly historian, Paul Comber – published on the Wynnum Seagulls Forever website – Attel said his favourite position was fullback.

“I loved the freedom associated with the position, but you had to be super fit to cover everything,” Attel said.

Attel played first grade in 1982 – in the inaugural State League, and also in the BRL. Wynnum won their inaugural First Grade (BRL) Grand Final that year, but Phil did not get on the field on that historic day at Lang Park against Souths. He had to wait until 1986 for his chance, and when he came off the bench he made the most of his time.

Wynnum led 10-6 against a tenacious Brothers’ outfit coached by Ross Strudwick, and they were anything but assured of victory. But in the 74^th minute Wynnum captain-coach, Wally Lewis switched play to the left, and found his brother, Scott, who then shot out a quick pass to Phil, who did the rest. Final score 14-6.

With International, Colin Scott Wynnum’s first choice fullback for much of Phil’s time at the club, Phil was selected on the wing by coaches such as Henry Holloway, Des Morris and then Wally Lewis. If he turned out in reserve grade, it was in his preferred fullback role, under the coaching of men such as astute Englishman, Tom Berry from Wigan.

One of the smallest players in the game, Attel was mostly injury free during his time in the seniors, largely due to his speed and natural flair. But he was also able to absorb big hits, and on many occasions surprised teammates and rivals alike by quickly regaining his feet to play-the-ball after being hit with a bell ringer.

On retirement from the game, Attel gained his coaching certificate, sitting in the same class as noted representative forwards, Bryan Niebling and Gary Seaton. Attel worked in fitness centres, then started doing tertiary study, completing a Bachelor in Business and Human Resources and a Masters in Business. He then started administration and management work.

Attel had left the Wynnum area in 1988 and moved to Fortitude Valley, as it was closer to work. In his spare time he still liked to surf, and go fishing at the Southport Spit, or on Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island).

About Author