Graeme Atherton in action for Queensland against New South Wales. Denis Pittard is his opposing five eighth. That’s Jim Murphy in the 9 jersey
Medical student, Robert Morgan made an impressive rugby league debut playing for Valleys in a Brisbane trial match at Neumann Oval, even though the Diehards lost 12-5 to a star studded Wests Panthers outfit.
Morgan joined his older brother, Paul ‘Porky’ Morgan in the 13-man code after playing club rugby union for University. Paul Morgan was contracted to Norths’ Devils. Another brother, ‘Sandy’ Morgan played Sheffield Shield cricket for Queensland.
The Courier-Mail’s Jack Reardon covered Robert Morgan’s debut and praised his tackling and ball play. “Most of all I liked his deep cover defence,” Reardon wrote.
Valleys boasted a second code switcher – fullback, Ray Smith who had defected from Australian rules.
“Smith showed ability, but has to be a more secure handler in league than he showed yesterday,” Reardon wrote. “He might be worth a trial at centre.”
Wests featured a recruit from North Queensland Rugby League, Peter Luppi, and playing at lock, he looked the best of the newcomers.
Norths’ ‘big four’ – Lloyd Weier, Ian Massie, Peter Hall and Peter Stapleton – wreaked havoc in the first half of the Devils’ trial against Souths at Bishop Park with Norths leading 13-0 at the break. The final score was 18-16 after Norths’ ‘big four’ were rested for the second half. Referee, Henry Albert sent off new Norths’ hooker, Bob Wilson late in the match, on a kicking charge.
Souths’ coach, Ray White praised young forward, Alan Rowan for his whole hearted performance and also gave the thumbs up to five eighth, Graeme Atherton.
Easts defeated Wynnum-Manly 24-17 at Langlands Park with Des Morris leading by example in the forwards for the home side. Wynnum coach, Jim Thompson said his halves, Gary Dobrich and Phil Adams were in for a big season.
In the other trial Brothers defeated Redcliffe 16-7 at Corbett Park, Grange with Test prop, Dennis Manteit and lock, Wayne Abdy Brothers’ best forwards while halves, Johnny Smith and Barry ‘Tubby’ Dowling steered the backs around the field. Another rugby union convert, former Wallaby Peter Reilly defended well for Brothers.
There were reports from Sydney linking Balmain’s New South Wales representative forward, John Spencer to the Brisbane competition. Nothing came of it, as Spencer remained with the Tigers.
Footnote: Paul ‘Porky’ Morgan went on to become Chairman of the Brisbane Broncos. Ray Smith won a premiership with Valleys, but then returned to Australian rules and played VFL with Essendon, where he became the club’s top defender, no doubt because of his experience in league.
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