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Author Archives: SteveRicketts

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

FLASHBACK: FEBRUARY 1992

17/02/2022by SteveRicketts 1 Comment

FEBRUARY 1992 After a 10-year absence from the code, former rugby league star, Gary Seaton gave an interview about his return as coach of Wynnum-Manly Seagulls in the Brisbane competition. […]

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Flashbacks

FLASHBACK: FEBRUARY 1977

12/02/2022by SteveRicketts 3 Comments

FEBRUARY 1977 In what surely were unprecedented scenes in Brisbane Rugby League, players from the Valleys and Easts’ clubs did an emu bob of Langlands Park, looking for part of […]

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Flashbacks

JOHNNY RAPER – ‘PRINCE OF LOCKS’

10/02/2022by SteveRicketts 1 Comment

Everyone had a Johnny Raper story at the pub, on the day the legendary rugby league lock passed away – February 9, 2022. Jim Gannon remembered his dad driving him […]

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The Column

DIARY UPDATE: Week 25, 2021

07/02/2022by SteveRicketts Leave a comment

DIARY OF A RETIRED RUGBY LEAGUE WRITER WEEK 25 2021 MONDAY, JUNE 21 Former Wallabies’ hooker, Mark McBain rates French halfback, Antoine Dupont the best player in the world. McBain, […]

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Diary of a retired Rugby League Journalist

FLASHBACK: JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2012

05/02/2022by SteveRicketts 2 Comments

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2012 After having covered the funeral of the great Arthur Beetson, in December, 2011, it was somehow fitting that my first big task in 2012 was to cover the […]

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Flashbacks

DIARY UPDATE: Week 24, 2021

01/02/2022by SteveRicketts 1 Comment

DIARY OF A RETIRED RUGBY LEAGUE WRITER WEEK 24 2021 MONDAY, JUNE14  Rugby league people feature prominently in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List, which is par for the course. We […]

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Diary of a retired Rugby League Journalist

FLASHBACK: January, 1982

30/01/2022by SteveRicketts 1 Comment

JANUARY 1982 Test rugby league fullback, Garry Dowling signed for the Burleigh Bears in what shaped as a major coup for the inaugural Winfield State League, in which the eight […]

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Flashbacks

DIARY UPDATE: Week 23, 2021

28/01/2022by SteveRicketts Leave a comment

DIARY OF A RETIRED RUGBY LEAGUE WRITER WEEK 23 2021 MONDAY, JUNE 7 WHEN I think of Tim Pickup, the 1972 Second Test between Australia and New Zealand at Lang […]

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Diary of a retired Rugby League Journalist

FLASHBACK: November 1986

26/01/2022by SteveRicketts Leave a comment

NOVEMBER 1986 The Kangaroos survived a combination of English skill and aggression to beat Oldham 22-16 at the ‘ancient’ Watersheddings Ground, to maintain their undefeated record on the tour of […]

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Flashbacks

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IMAGE GALLERY

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
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.
They love their league in the pretty French town of Limoux.
They love their league in the pretty French town of Limoux.
Peter Leis in action for Redcliffe
Peter Leis in action for Redcliffe
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.
Wayne Lindenberg in action for Easts
Wayne Lindenberg in action for Easts
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
Ken Day in his Manly-Warringah gear
Ken Day in his Manly-Warringah gear
'Smokin' Joe Kilroy and Brett Le Man at Brothers' training.
‘Smokin’ Joe Kilroy and Brett Le Man at Brothers’ training.
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.
Brad Backer in action for Easts
Brad Backer in action for Easts
Greg Conescu in a pensive mood
Greg Conescu in a pensive mood
Noel Cleal in action for NSW
Noel Cleal in action for NSW
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).
FRL
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.
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.
Duncan Thompson
Duncan Thompson
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
Doug Muir in action for Brisbane club, Valleys
Doug Muir in action for Brisbane club, Valleys
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
Canberra Raiders' winger, John Ferguson
Canberra Raiders’ winger, John Ferguson
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.
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.
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.
Darren Smith in action for his first club, Brisbane Easts
Darren Smith in action for his first club, Brisbane Easts
ARL boss, Ken Arthurson
ARL boss, Ken Arthurson
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.
Andrew Ettingshausen
Andrew Ettingshausen
Kevin and Mary Donnelly in 1975
Kevin and Mary Donnelly in 1975
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.
DAD
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.
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.
'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.
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
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.
Lee Crooks in action for Great Britain against Australia
Lee Crooks in action for Great Britain against Australia
Wigan superstar, Ellery Hanley
Wigan superstar, Ellery Hanley
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.
France rugby league forward, Jean Pambrun in action for Catalans XIII
France rugby league forward, Jean Pambrun in action for Catalans XIII
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
The late, great Harold 'Mick' Crocker.
The late, great Harold ‘Mick’ Crocker.
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
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.
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
Reg Gasnier
Reg Gasnier
Claude Mantoulan on the attack in a Test against Great Britain
Claude Mantoulan on the attack in a Test against Great Britain
Rodger Kuhn in action for Easts at Lang Park
Rodger Kuhn in action for Easts at Lang Park
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.
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
Shane Bernardin trains with Redcliffe, the club he joined after leaving Norths
Shane Bernardin trains with Redcliffe, the club he joined after leaving Norths
Valleys coach, Henry Holloway
Valleys coach, Henry Holloway
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
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