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Category Archives: International

WELSH HARMONIES

04/11/2018by SteveRicketts Leave a comment

I defy anyone not to get misty eyed listening to the Welsh sing their national anthem before a rugby Test in Cardiff. I haven’t had the privilege of being there […]

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International, The Column
Raymond Forges

FLASHBACK: January 1968

Featuredby SteveRicketts Leave a comment

A letter of complaint about the off-field behavior of the Kangaroos’ touring side was sent by the English Rugby League to their Australian counterparts. The Kangaroos were well into the French […]

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Flashbacks, International, Uncategorized
Max Rousie.

FLASHBACK: January 1938

Featuredby SteveRicketts Leave a comment

France ‘tackled furiously’, but it was not enough to stop the touring Kangaroos wraping up the two Test series with a 16-11 result at Marseilles in front of a crowd […]

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Flashbacks, International, Uncategorized
Australian winger, Johnny Greaves in action against France at Marseilles on the 1967-68 Kangaroo tour.

FLASHBACK: November 1967

Featuredby SteveRicketts Leave a comment

Brisbane Brothers’ legend, Peter Gallagher captained Australia to a memorable 17-11 win over Great Britain at London’s White City Stadium, to keep alive the Ashes series, after the home side won […]

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Flashbacks, International, Uncategorized
Action from the 1967 tour.

FLASHBACK: December 1967

Featuredby SteveRicketts Leave a comment

Snow blasted the Australians as they confronted the old enemy, Great Britain in the Ashes deciding Third Rugby League Test, but the lads from down under handled the conditions better than the […]

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Flashbacks, International, Uncategorized
Joseph Maso

FLASHBACK: December 1947

Featuredby SteveRicketts Leave a comment

The first ever Test between France and New Zealand resulted in disappointment for a courageous home side, three days after Christmas, 1947. The Kiwis had been meant to play France […]

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Flashbacks, International, Uncategorized
Barrow (white jerseys) play Featherstone at Wembley in 1967.

FLASHBACK: December 1937

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Australia’s touring Kangaroos played an extraodinary three matches in four days on their tour of Britain, and not surprisingly finished on the wrong end of the scoreline in two encounters. […]

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Flashbacks, International, Uncategorized

France’s lost opportunity

28/11/2017by SteveRicketts 1 Comment

The rugby league landscape in France would have a vastly different appearance if the code had openly turned professional after the successful 1951 tour of Australia and New Zealand. The […]

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Flashbacks, International, Uncategorized

FLASHBACK: June 1965

18/12/2015by SteveRicketts Leave a comment

AUSTRALIAN selectors handed out one of the biggest shocks in years with the naming of North Queensland centre, Gary Wellington in the Kangaroos’ squad to tour New Zealand. Wellington at first refused […]

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Flashbacks, International, Uncategorized

FLASHBACK: April 1970

04/08/2015by SteveRicketts 3 Comments

‘HAGAN’S HEROES’ they were dubbed after the Toowoomba Clydesdales breathed new life into the Bulimba Cup inter-city competition with a shock 17-13 win over Brisbane at the Athletic Oval, Toowoomba. The […]

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Flashbacks, International, QRL / Intrust Super Cup
Eric Harris (centre) with Leeds' teammates, Welshman, Con Murphy (left) and John Kelly before a match in the 1938-39 English season

FLASHBACK: April 1940

04/08/2015by SteveRicketts Leave a comment

Eric Harris, the man known as ‘the Toowoomba Ghost’, scored four tries in his first match back in Australia after an illustrious career with Leeds in England. A try scoring […]

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Flashbacks, International, QRL / Intrust Super Cup

FLASHBACK: December 1994

02/03/2015by SteveRicketts Leave a comment

MAL Meninga brought down the curtain on his amazing playing career by leading the Kangaroos to a then world record 74-0 Test win over France in the final match of […]

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Flashbacks, International

FLASHBACK: December 1989

02/03/2015by SteveRicketts Leave a comment

Great Britain rugby league skipper, Ellery Hanley is awarded the MBE in the New Year’s honours list. Ellery was playing for Wigan at the time and a few days earlier […]

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Flashbacks, International

FLASHBACK: December 1959

02/03/2015by SteveRicketts Leave a comment

Australia claimed the Test series against France with a 17-2 win in Bordeaux after several setbacks in regional matches. The Kangaroos suffered shock losses to Albi and then Carcassonne/Lezignan after […]

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Flashbacks, International

FLASHBACK: November 1994

02/02/2015by SteveRicketts Leave a comment

Australia defeated Great Britain 23-4 in the Ashes deciding Third Test at Elland Road in Leeds, despite reports the home side had had the dimensions of the field ‘doctored’ to […]

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Flashbacks, International

FLASHBACK: November 1989

02/02/2015by SteveRicketts Leave a comment

Great Britain clinched their first home series against New Zealand in 24 years with a 10-6 win over the Kiwis at Central Park, Wigan in front of a crowd of […]

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Flashbacks, International

FLASHBACK: November 1984

02/02/2015by SteveRicketts Leave a comment

Brisbane Easts’ Queensland State of Origin winger, Steve Stacey stunned officials of Salford in England by walking out on the club and flying back to Australia. Stacey and Englishman, Roby […]

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Flashbacks, International, QRL / Intrust Super Cup

FLASHBACK: November 1959

02/02/2015by SteveRicketts Leave a comment

Yorkshire Cup winners, Featherstone Rovers embarrassed the touring Kangaroos, scoring three tries to one in a stunning 23-15 win at Post Office Road. The Kangaroos had started November with good […]

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Flashbacks, International

FLASHBACK: June 1984

07/08/2014by SteveRicketts 2 Comments

Great Britain forward, David Hobbs was banned for three games and fined $1,000 after he was sent off for a blatant elbow to the head of Australian hooker, Greg Conescu […]

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Flashbacks, International, NRL, QRL / Intrust Super Cup

FLASHBACK: June 1969

07/08/2014by SteveRicketts Leave a comment

New Zealand beat Australia for the first time in 14 Tests, and tarnished a few reputations in the process, as Auckland’s Carlaw Park crowd went mad with delight at the […]

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Flashbacks, International

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IMAGE GALLERY

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