John Ribot (left) and Wally Lewis ahead of the 1997 Super League Grand Final
The ‘Super League War’ that raged from 1995 to 1997 and led to the establishment of the NRL, polarised opinions and divided supporters, and in some cases, families.
The Legacy of Super League is the topic of this year’s annual Ross Livermore Memorial Lecture, and the guest speakers are former Super League CEO, John Ribot and current QRL CEO, Ben Ikin, a player aligned with the rival ARL competition.
Noted Queensland broadcaster, John McCoy, who called Super League games for FoxSports in 1997, will be MC at the Lecture. The official welcome will be given by QRL History Committee Chairman, Steve Ricketts, who reported on the ‘SL War’ for the News Ltd press.
The Livermore Lecture was previously known as the Harry Sunderland Address, and began in 2010 with noted Rugby historian, Professor Max Howell delivering the inaugural lecture. Since then guest speakers have been Steve Ricketts, John McCoy, Greg Shannon, Geoff Mines, Adrian McGregor, Hugh Lunn, Wayne Bennett, Michael Hagan, Steve Haddan, Jo Barrett, Johnny Lang, Tony Currie, Wally Lewis and John Grant.
John Grant, the inaugural ARLC Chairman, delivered last year’s lecture. He had attended a meeting of the QRL History Committee in the build-up to the event, and John Ribot and Ben Ikin did the same leading up to this year’s event. The lecture is the committee’s marquee event.
The Committee members are Steve Ricketts, John McCoy, Greg Shannon, Steve Haddan, Paul Hayes, Greg Adermann, Colleen Edwards, Bec Trimble and Michael Pease. Former QRL Chairman, Peter Betros was also a member up until January, 2025, when he tendered his resignation. Peter is heavily involved with charities and other committees and felt he did not have the time to contribute as he should to the History Committee.
This will be the first time the Lecture has featured a ‘panel’, and aside from their experiences in the ‘War’, both men went to the top as players, representing Queensland in the State of Origin arena and playing for Australia.
Entry to the lecture is free, but those interested in attending are asked to contact the QRL, via rugbyleague@qrl.com.au or by telephoning 07-3367 6000, for catering purposes.
The event will be live streamed via www.qrl.com.au
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Steve, I have emailed the QRL re attending the Ross Livermore lecture. Be good to catch up. Have just left Tully