Mark Hogan in action for Taree United against Easts from Sydney in 1975. That’s Johnny Peard in the background
Mark Hogan was a block busting centre who played first grade rugby league for Wests in Brisbane but is best remembered as a legend of the game in the Manning District of Northern New South Wales.
Hogan, who died on October 18 aged 70, represented North Coast against Great Britain at Grafton in 1974 and held his own against dual Welsh rugby International, John Bevan in a 19-9 loss. The following year Hogan kicked three goals in North Coast’s 12-3 win over New Zealand’s World Series side at Tweed Heads.
He also played for North Coast against Manly-Warringah and for Wests against Parramatta in the Amco Cup and represented Country Seconds against City Seconds in 1974.
But it goes without saying he took most pride in being inducted into the Group 3 Hall off Fame in 2023, a tribute to his deeds with Taree United. Mark made his First-Grade debut for United in 1973 aged 17. A centre for most of his club career, he mainly played on the wing at representative level, and was more than a handy goal kicker.
He moved to Brisbane in 1977 to play for Wests, with the Panthers the reigning Premiers. In 1977 they were eliminated by eventual premiers, Easts in the preliminary final in front of a 20,000 plus crowd at Lang Park. Hogan played in the centres outside international five eighth, Steve Crear.
Hogan was handed the goal kicking job the following year by coach, Don Oxenham after first choice kicker, future International, Paul ‘Fatty’ Vautin was stripped of the role. In one match against Brothers at Lang Park Hogan was man of the match after scoring a try and kicking four goals in a memorable win. Wests were eliminated by Valleys in the knock-out semi-final on this occasion. While in Brisbane Mark caught up with former Taree United teammate, Paddy Hart from Widnes, who was working for Brisbane City Council. In 1979 Mark returned to Taree to finished his career in Group 3.
There was a huge turnout for Mark’s funeral in Taree on October 29, with the Hogan family well known in the Manning District for their football and a long-standing plumbing business. The Catholic Church was packed to overflowing and there were was a queue extending a hundred metres outside Group 3 Leagues Club where the wake was held.
Mark was remembered with a period of silence at a Family of League Foundation lunch at the Avon Valley Inn in Gloucester on October 31 where former Group 3 stars, Garry McQuillan and John Parish were among those interviewed by former State of Origin referee, Mick Stone, and recently retired Manning River Times sports writer, Mick McDonald.
I attended the lunch with former Wingham and Taree United prop, Brian ‘Blakie’ Atherton and that night Brian and I caught up with Mark’s younger brother, Greg at Group 3 Leagues. Greg, a fine halfback for Taree United, was consoled by patrons who had not had a chance to pass on their condolences at the funeral and wake.
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