Doug Laughton bursts into the clear against Australia in 1970
MONDAY, MARCH 17
The much maligned South Queensland Crushers should still be around, says their former skipper, Trevor Gillmeister. “But when they (ARL and Super League) merged, the Broncos wanted Brisbane to themselves,” he says. I have a quick chat with ‘Gilly’ about the match 30 years ago this week when the term Falcon was coined after an errant pass from Crushers’ hooker, Ray Herring hit Mario ‘Falcon’ Fenech in the head at Parramatta Stadium.
Marie and I enjoy St Patrick’s Day Lunch at Samford Grove. Sitting with Russell and Vicki. Vicki is from Herefordshire in England. Russell followed Hereford Town and Liverpool in soccer. He went to a Town v Hull match and couldn’t believe the passion shown by fans from both clubs.
Debate continues to rage in rugby league – and will for some time – about which country certain players should represent with Kaylyn Ponga the latest conundrum – will he represent the Kiwis instead of Australia? (He was born in Port Hedland, Western Australia). On FoxSports, passionate Queenslander, Gorden Tallis says: “It was never a decision for me. I wanted to play for the country I lived in”.
The Roosters’ 2025 Indigenous jersey is dedicated to former utility star, Kevin ‘Stumpy’ Stevens, whose son, Grant plays for South Grafton Rebels. I played against Stumpy’s older brother, Terry at schoolboy level. He was a more naturally gifted player, but didn’t have the dedication of Kevin.
TUESDAY, MARCH 18
Marie and I watch hilarious English movie, ‘Death at a Funeral’.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 19
My good friend, Brian Atherton says he and wife, Carole and son, Jason moved to Taree from Murwillumbah late in 1973 because they were told Taree was a big place. John Mullarkey, like Brian from Widnes in England, had played the 1973 rugby league season with Wingham Tigers in the Manning Valley where Taree is the principal town. “It’s a big place. It has traffic lights,” John told Brian. Brian got a job as a bread delivery man with W R Ruff and Sons Bakers (which no longer exists).
Brian knew former Great Britain lock, Doug Laughton quite well and was saddened by news of his recent passing (see Vale Doug Laughton this website). Brian recalls Doug as being suave, but not big headed. He recalls Laughton, a house painter, cycling through the streets of Widnes with a tin of paint on each handle of his pushbike. In 1990 Brian took a supporters’ tour to the UK to follow the Kangaroos and they spent four nights in Widnes. “Doug was a fine host,” Brian recalls.
THURSDAY, MARCH 20
NICE chat with former Murwillumbah Souths and Sydney Roosters (Easts) utility, Geoff Cahill. I played against Geoff in the Group 18/Gold Coast League before he moved to Sydney where he played with the Roosters in reserve and third grade in 1973, 74 and ’75. A new 13 import rule saw him forced out of the top grades and he played in the Roosters’ district competition for Fitzroys, before moving over to North Sydney to play for Cremorne Strata. Future Dally M winner, Rocky Laurie moved to the Roosters from the bush in 1975, but was forced to play with Paddington Colts because of the import rule.
Former Brisbane detective, Merv Heisner has been admitted to hospital after being bitten by a snake which invaded his Mitchelton home. Merv’s wife, Margaret and my wife, Marie are great mates, from their days playing A grade squash in Brisbane.
FRIDAY, MARCH 21
Would I go to a Lions’ AFL game wearing the full Broncos’ regalia? Not likely. For a start it’s unlikely I would go a game, never mind worry about what to wear. But I raised the point because there are two males in full Hawthorn AFL gear sitting near us at the Broncos v Cowboys rugby league match at Suncorp Stadium. Are they stirrers or just halfwits? Anyway, there was no way I was engaging them in conversation as I’m sure it would go pear shaped. One of my fellow league scribes, Bernie Pramberg is near us, with his son Lachlan.
I can’t believe the pace of Cowboys’ centre, Jaxon Purdue. I love the way Broncos’ forward, Jason Hetherington chops down ball runners with beautifully timed low tackles. An idiot throws a drink container onto the field towards the end of the match and security is nowhere to be seen. The Cowboys represent mining country and they proud of the fact, given the ad in today’s Courier-Mail.
Jo Tartan, wife of my former schoolmate, Tom Tartan, celebrates her 72nd birthday at Little Tree, Samford. Jo has a twin sister who lives in Armidale.
SATURDAY, MARCH 22
There are homeless people sleeping under whatever cover they can find, on both sides of the Brisbane River as I walk the Kurilpa Bridge for the first time. How did it come to this? I don’t recall seeing any homeless people in Brisbane until the last four or five years. Check out of our hotel and head straight for Kalinga to watch our eldest grandson, Ethan play cricket for Wilston Norths against Toombul. He bats extremely well for 22 after having taken two wickets.
SUNDAY, MARCH 23
QRL contributor, Michael Nunn has a nice Q & A with Brisbane Wests Panthers’ stalwart, Wayne Treleavan, including a great photo of Wayne with Kevin Langer. Wayne was a great contact of mind, and ever so trustworthy.
Canterbury Bulldogs’ forward, Josh Curran impersonates the ref and is penalised for an offence against the spirit of the game. He should get a bonus for being so clever, says Marie’s sister, Carolyn Soward, who is visiting us. She is a mad Bulldogs’ fan.
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