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Author Archives: SteveRicketts

FLASHBACK: May 1982

28/05/2022by SteveRicketts Leave a comment

MAY 1982 The final round of Winfield State League fixtures in 1982 was full of drama, with the comeback of Test rugby league star, Rod Morris; the sin binning of […]

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Flashbacks

2022 ROSS LIVERMORE MEMORIAL LECTURE

15/05/2022by SteveRicketts Leave a comment

Former Jillaroo, Jo Barrett will deliver the 2022 Ross Livermore Memorial Lecture at QUT, Kelvin Grove on Saturday, May 21. The Channel 9 commentator and Director of Students at Nudgee […]

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The Column

VALE BILL PEARSON

14/05/2022by SteveRicketts 1 Comment

Former Queensland Rugby League centre, Bill Pearson, is best remembered for the leadership qualities which enshrined him as one of the legends of the Norths’ club, in the Brisbane competition. […]

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The Column

DIARY UPDATE: Week 31, 2021

11/05/2022by SteveRicketts Leave a comment

DIARY OF A RETIRED RUGBY LEAGUE WRITER WEEK 31 2021 MONDAY, AUGUST 2 The live streaming of Wally Lewis’s Ross Livermore Memorial Lecture proves a winner, with the Queensland Rugby […]

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Diary of a retired Rugby League Journalist

FLASHBACK: April 1977

09/05/2022by SteveRicketts 1 Comment

APRIL 1977 Norths Devils experienced the highs and lows of rugby league in a three day stretch, courageously winning a Brisbane premiership game, and then being humiliated by a Sydney […]

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Flashbacks

FLASHBACK: APRIL 1982

09/05/2022by SteveRicketts Leave a comment

APRIL 1982 Souths’ coach, Bob McCarthy labelled refereeing in the bush as ‘woeful’, in the fallout from his 1981 Brisbane premiership winning team’s shock 17-16 loss to Wide Bay, in […]

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Flashbacks

DIARY UPDATE: Week 30, 2021

20/04/2022by SteveRicketts Leave a comment

DIARY OF A RETIRED RUGBY LEAGUE WRITER WEEK 30 2021 MONDAY, JULY 26 Former Wynnum-Manly premiership winning halfback, Peter Dawes reckons the Seagulls would have beaten Sydney premiers, Canterbury-Bankstown in […]

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Diary of a retired Rugby League Journalist

FLASHBACK: April 1997

18/04/2022by SteveRicketts Leave a comment

APRIL 1997 Wendell Sailor was sent to the sin bin by referee, Bill Harrigan after a melee in which the Broncos’ winger hit Cowboys’ centre, Paul Bowman with a flurry […]

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Flashbacks

DIARY UPDATE: Week 29, 2021

16/04/2022by SteveRicketts 2 Comments

DIARY OF A RETIRED RUGBY LEAGUE WRITER WEEK 29 2021 MONDAY, JULY 19 St George premiership winning forward, Robin Gourley has died aged 85. In an interview with the ABC’s […]

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Diary of a retired Rugby League Journalist

FLASHBACK: April 1972

14/04/2022by SteveRicketts 1 Comment

APRIL 1972 Souths and Norths put on a spectacular display of attacking football for Channel 7’s first ever telecast of its new ‘Match of the Day’ format, which went on […]

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Flashbacks

DIARY UPDATE: Week 28, 2020

12/04/2022by SteveRicketts Leave a comment

DIARY OF A RETIRED RUGBY LEAGUE WRITER WEEK 28 2021 MONDAY, JULY 12 Sydney Telegraph’s Editor at Large, Phil Rothfield says rugby league in Queensland is in trouble, and if […]

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Diary of a retired Rugby League Journalist

FLASHBACK: March 1997

10/04/2022by SteveRicketts Leave a comment

MARCH 1997 Broncos’ Test prop, Glenn Lazarus was left battered, bruised and angry after an incident involving Auckland Warriors’ fullback, Matthew Ridge at Brisbane’s ANZ Stadium in the first round […]

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Flashbacks

FLASHBACK: March 1982

09/04/2022by SteveRicketts Leave a comment

MARCH 1982 Ipswich Jets and Brisbane Brothers kicked off a new era in Queensland Rugby League when they were given the honour of playing the first match in the 1982 […]

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Flashbacks

FLASHBACK: March 1992

04/04/2022by SteveRicketts 2 Comments

MARCH 1992 Gold Coast Seagulls’ captain-coach, Wally Lewis admitted he didn’t know the rules when he turned down the chance to take a pre-season Challenge Cup quarter final against the […]

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Flashbacks

VALE DAVE HADFIELD

20/03/2022by SteveRicketts 2 Comments

You may remember him as George Dunkerley, but I remember him as Dave Hadfield from Bolton, a magnificent sports journalist and a friend, who was always entertaining company. Dave’s great […]

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The Column

FLASHBACK: March 1987

17/03/2022by SteveRicketts 2 Comments

MARCH 1987 QUEENSLAND lock, Paul ‘Fatty’ Vautin advocated the selection of skipper, Wally Lewis at halfback for the 1987 State of Origin Series following the career ending eye injury to […]

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Flashbacks

DIARY UPDATE: Week 27, 2021

13/03/2022by SteveRicketts 1 Comment

DIARY OF A RETIRED RUGBY LEAGUE WRITER WEEK 27 2021 MONDAY, JULY 5 My former Brisbane Brothers’ rugby league teammate, Graham Quinn, who represented Australia in 1980, lost most of […]

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Diary of a retired Rugby League Journalist

FLASHBACK: February 1982

12/03/2022by SteveRicketts Leave a comment

FEBRUARY 1982 Norths Devils’ skipper, Shane Bernardin was sent off by referee, Harry Dearness just five minutes into a Woolies pre-season match against Easts at Bishop Park, after the Tigers’ […]

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Flashbacks

FLASHBACK: February 1997

28/02/2022by SteveRicketts Leave a comment

FEBRUARY 1997 Parramatta coach, Brian Smith tipped Super League’s much hyped World Club Challenge competition to be a fizzer with Australian fans. Smith, who had coached Bradford in England, said […]

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Flashbacks

DIARY UPDATE: Week 26, 2021

27/02/2022by SteveRicketts 2 Comments

DIARY OF A RETIRED RUGBY LEAGUE WRITER WEEK 26 2021 MONDAY, JUNE 28 THE FIGS (Former International Greats), via secretary, Peter Hogan, seek permission to post my Flashbacks on their […]

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Diary of a retired Rugby League Journalist

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IMAGE GALLERY

'Sister Dorrie' and Tex Morton. Born Dorothy May Ricketts, 'Sister' Dorrie was my great Aunty.
‘Sister Dorrie’ and Tex Morton. Born Dorothy May Ricketts, ‘Sister’ Dorrie was my great Aunty.
Canberra Raiders' winger, John Ferguson
Canberra Raiders’ winger, John Ferguson
Jon and Lola Ricketts on their wedding day, May 12, 1951, outside St Carthages Cathedral, Lismore.
Jon and Lola Ricketts on their wedding day, May 12, 1951, outside St Carthages Cathedral, Lismore.
Reg Gasnier
Reg Gasnier
Western Division coach, Johnny King holds the Amco Cup aloft after the country boys' 6-2 win over Penrith in the final of the knock-out competition's inaugural season in 1974. To King's right is cult hero, 'TV Ted' Ellery.
Western Division coach, Johnny King holds the Amco Cup aloft after the country boys’ 6-2 win over Penrith in the final of the knock-out competition’s inaugural season in 1974. To King’s right is cult hero, ‘TV Ted’ Ellery.
Claude Mantoulan on the attack in a Test against Great Britain
Claude Mantoulan on the attack in a Test against Great Britain
Allan Ayres (second from left in the back row) could have been anything in rugby league. He is pictured here with the 1971 Tweed/Gold Coast premiership winning South Murwillumbah side. The captain-coach was Claude McDermott (third from right in the front row).
Allan Ayres (second from left in the back row) could have been anything in rugby league. He is pictured here with the 1971 Tweed/Gold Coast premiership winning South Murwillumbah side. The captain-coach was Claude McDermott (third from right in the front row).
Peter Gallagher in action for Queensland against New South Wales at the SCG.
Peter Gallagher in action for Queensland against New South Wales at the SCG.
Andrew Ettingshausen
Andrew Ettingshausen
The late, great Harold 'Mick' Crocker.
The late, great Harold ‘Mick’ Crocker.
Referee, Stan Scamp issues a caution to Easts, Greg Holben, one of many the fiery five eighth received in his career
Referee, Stan Scamp issues a caution to Easts, Greg Holben, one of many the fiery five eighth received in his career
Kevin and Mary Donnelly in 1975
Kevin and Mary Donnelly in 1975
Scene from a Brisbane v Toowoomba Bulimba Cup match at the Gabba in the 1950s, with Brisbane on the attack. Photo from the Melit family collection.
Scene from a Brisbane v Toowoomba Bulimba Cup match at the Gabba in the 1950s, with Brisbane on the attack. Photo from the Melit family collection.
Alex Murphy holds the Challenge Cup aloft after leading Leigh to victory over Leeds at Wembley
Alex Murphy holds the Challenge Cup aloft after leading Leigh to victory over Leeds at Wembley
Duncan Thompson
Duncan Thompson
Don Lancashire and his wife, Carol at their Mount Warren home in Queensland
Don Lancashire and his wife, Carol at their Mount Warren home in Queensland
Don Fox scores for Featherstone with referee, Eric Clay on the spot to award the try. Australian defenders are nowhere to be seen.
Don Fox scores for Featherstone with referee, Eric Clay on the spot to award the try. Australian defenders are nowhere to be seen.
Kiwi Test hooker, Duane Mann in action for New Zealand Residents versus Australian Residents at Lang Park in 1994, watched by rival hooker, Shane Christensen.
Kiwi Test hooker, Duane Mann in action for New Zealand Residents versus Australian Residents at Lang Park in 1994, watched by rival hooker, Shane Christensen.
Peter Leis in action for Redcliffe
Peter Leis in action for Redcliffe
Valleys coach, Henry Holloway
Valleys coach, Henry Holloway
Adrian Lam on the attack for Brisbane Wests with Ipswich Jets lock, Jeremy Schloss applying the pressure in defence.
Adrian Lam on the attack for Brisbane Wests with Ipswich Jets lock, Jeremy Schloss applying the pressure in defence.
Wally Lewis, pictured here during his stint with English club, Wakefield, played in five Brisbane grand finals, winning three.
Wally Lewis, pictured here during his stint with English club, Wakefield, played in five Brisbane grand finals, winning three.
DAD
Wayne Lindenberg in action for Easts
Wayne Lindenberg in action for Easts
Manly skipper, Fred Jones celebrates the Sea Eagles' 1972 grand final win over the Roosters. Allan Thompson is behind him and Terry Randall on the right.
Manly skipper, Fred Jones celebrates the Sea Eagles’ 1972 grand final win over the Roosters. Allan Thompson is behind him and Terry Randall on the right.
Ben Ikin (left) with former Broncos' Test prop, Shane Webcke at a Men of League function.
Ben Ikin (left) with former Broncos’ Test prop, Shane Webcke at a Men of League function.
Murwillumbah Brothers' captain-coach, Milton Whybrow (second from left), watches the progress of teammate, Jack Nardi in the play-off for fifth spot in the 1974 Group 18-Gold Coast finals series at Murwillumbah Oval. Prop, Paul 'Porky' Weaver is on Whybrow's left. Surfers Paradise captain-coach, John Chisholm (left knee strapped) sizes up Nardi. The Pirates won, but Tweed Heads Seagulls would go on to beat Mullumbimby in the grand final.
Murwillumbah Brothers’ captain-coach, Milton Whybrow (second from left), watches the progress of teammate, Jack Nardi in the play-off for fifth spot in the 1974 Group 18-Gold Coast finals series at Murwillumbah Oval. Prop, Paul ‘Porky’ Weaver is on Whybrow’s left. Surfers Paradise captain-coach, John Chisholm (left knee strapped) sizes up Nardi. The Pirates won, but Tweed Heads Seagulls would go on to beat Mullumbimby in the grand final.
Clive Churchill (centre back) in the official Easts team photo from 1965. In the centre at the front is skipper, Ben Wall.
Clive Churchill (centre back) in the official Easts team photo from 1965. In the centre at the front is skipper, Ben Wall.
FRL
Tall winger, Darren Plowman. He was one of the Crushers' best in their first top grade hit-out against Manly at Emerald
Tall winger, Darren Plowman. He was one of the Crushers’ best in their first top grade hit-out against Manly at Emerald
Shane Bernardin trains with Redcliffe, the club he joined after leaving Norths
Shane Bernardin trains with Redcliffe, the club he joined after leaving Norths
ARL boss, Ken Arthurson
ARL boss, Ken Arthurson
David Waite (right) when he was Great Britain coach. His assistant at that time, Brian Noble, is the other man in the photo.
David Waite (right) when he was Great Britain coach. His assistant at that time, Brian Noble, is the other man in the photo.
Rodger Kuhn in action for Easts at Lang Park
Rodger Kuhn in action for Easts at Lang Park
Frank Stanton as coach of the New South Wales State of Origin side in 1984. Legendary trainer, Alf Richards is on his right and prop, Peter Tunks on his left.
Frank Stanton as coach of the New South Wales State of Origin side in 1984. Legendary trainer, Alf Richards is on his right and prop, Peter Tunks on his left.
French manager, Antoine Blain receives the symbolic gift of a Kangaroo from Queensland Rugby League president, Vic Jensen during the historic 1951 tour
French manager, Antoine Blain receives the symbolic gift of a Kangaroo from Queensland Rugby League president, Vic Jensen during the historic 1951 tour
Noel Cleal in action for NSW
Noel Cleal in action for NSW
Darren Smith in action for his first club, Brisbane Easts
Darren Smith in action for his first club, Brisbane Easts
Wigan superstar, Ellery Hanley
Wigan superstar, Ellery Hanley
Greg Conescu in a pensive mood
Greg Conescu in a pensive mood
They love their league in the pretty French town of Limoux.
They love their league in the pretty French town of Limoux.
'Smokin' Joe Kilroy and Brett Le Man at Brothers' training.
‘Smokin’ Joe Kilroy and Brett Le Man at Brothers’ training.
Captain, Gary Freeman tries to rally Kiwi teammates after Australia score a try in the series deciding Third Test at Lang Park, Brisbane in 1991. Australia won 40-12
Captain, Gary Freeman tries to rally Kiwi teammates after Australia score a try in the series deciding Third Test at Lang Park, Brisbane in 1991. Australia won 40-12
French captain, Puig Aubert (right) shakes hands with British counterpart, Scotsman, Dave Valentine, ahead of their World Cup clash in Toulouse. Watching on is English referee, Charlie Appleton from Warrington
French captain, Puig Aubert (right) shakes hands with British counterpart, Scotsman, Dave Valentine, ahead of their World Cup clash in Toulouse. Watching on is English referee, Charlie Appleton from Warrington
Lee Crooks in action for Great Britain against Australia
Lee Crooks in action for Great Britain against Australia
Ross Strudwick sells raffle tickets at the Kirra Beach Hotel in the 1980s
Ross Strudwick sells raffle tickets at the Kirra Beach Hotel in the 1980s
Ken Day in his Manly-Warringah gear
Ken Day in his Manly-Warringah gear
Brad Backer in action for Easts
Brad Backer in action for Easts
France rugby league forward, Jean Pambrun in action for Catalans XIII
France rugby league forward, Jean Pambrun in action for Catalans XIII
Gene Miles in action for the Broncos. He started his senior career with Souths in Townsville.
Gene Miles in action for the Broncos. He started his senior career with Souths in Townsville.
Eric Harris (centre) with Leeds' teammates, Welshman, Con Murphy (left) and John Kelly before a match in the 1938-39 English season
Eric Harris (centre) with Leeds’ teammates, Welshman, Con Murphy (left) and John Kelly before a match in the 1938-39 English season
Jack Reardon (right) with former QRL boss, Ron McAuliffe (centre) and noted Brisbane journalist, Paul Sweeney
Jack Reardon (right) with former QRL boss, Ron McAuliffe (centre) and noted Brisbane journalist, Paul Sweeney
Doug Muir in action for Brisbane club, Valleys
Doug Muir in action for Brisbane club, Valleys
Dean Pay in action for Canterbury-Bankstown. Pay scored a try in the 1994 Ashes decider.
Dean Pay in action for Canterbury-Bankstown. Pay scored a try in the 1994 Ashes decider.
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