Steve Ricketts

A site covering all things rugby league

Main Menu

Skip to content
  • Home
  • About
  • Contact
  • The Column
  • Diary of a retired Rugby League writer
  • New item

Category Archives: The Column

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 […]

Read Article →
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. […]

Read Article →
The Column

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 […]

Read Article →
The Column

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 […]

Read Article →
The Column

A TRUE QUEENSLAND GREAT – JOHNNY GLEESON.

26/12/2021by SteveRicketts 3 Comments

By Steve Ricketts. Johnny Gleeson was a quiet, humble man, who largely retreated from the spotlight after a stellar rugby league playing career at International, State and Club level. Gleeson, […]

Read Article →
The Column

VALE JOHNNY GLEESON

25/12/2021by SteveRicketts 2 Comments

One of Australia’s greatest rugby league players, Johnny Gleeson, died today just four days short of his 83rd birthday. Gleeson, a brilliant five eighth, toured Britain and France with the […]

Read Article →
The Column

VALE JIM FENWICK

02/12/2021by SteveRicketts 1 Comment

Jim Fenwick was one of Queensland’s finest news photographers, with a special feel for events on the rugby league field. He won several awards for his photographs of matches at […]

Read Article →
The Column

‘BROTHERS CLOSE AND FAR’

15/11/2021by SteveRicketts 3 Comments

Five Star Cinemas at New Farm hosted a World Movie Premiere with a difference on November 4, with the ‘A Listers’ all broken down, old footballers. It was the first […]

Read Article →
The Column

BRISBANE BEER AND BEEF CLUB

30/09/2021by SteveRicketts Leave a comment

When I retired from Queensland Newspapers in October, 2012, aged 60, I wondered how I would keep myself busy in the coming years. I needn’t have worried because, like many […]

Read Article →
The Column

FROM WATFORD TO WIDNES FOR THE WORLD CUP

28/08/2021by SteveRicketts Leave a comment

My decision to have an early night before a Rugby League World Cup quarter final, meant I missed a spectacular bar room brawl, with women the main participants. The fact the […]

Read Article →
The Column, Travel

GIVE US A WAVE, GORDIE

24/08/2021by SteveRicketts Leave a comment

Spectators in ‘The Threepenny Stand’ at The Boulevard, Hull were regarded as some of the most knowledgeable and quick witted in the game of rugby league. They could make life miserable […]

Read Article →
The Column

GREEN AND GOLD COMES FIRST

19/07/2021by SteveRicketts 1 Comment

Good on you Benji Marshall. It took a Kiwi to remind Australians that inter-state football should be a trial for Test selection. And you know what? If State of Origin […]

Read Article →
The Column

SPECIAL K REVISITED

24/06/2021by SteveRicketts Leave a comment

By Steve Ricketts, former Courier-Mail chief rugby league writer. ‘Touched’, a Broncos’ fan yelled sarcastically, as Karmichael Hunt barely got a hand to rampaging South Sydney centre, Campbell Graham, in […]

Read Article →
The Column

VALE HARRY CAMERON

23/06/2021by SteveRicketts 4 Comments

Harry Cameron won club premierships in Sydney, Brisbane and Ipswich and represented his adopted State of Queensland five times in the 1970s. A crowd favourite in a star-studded Brisbane Wests’ […]

Read Article →
The Column

VALE DES LEE

13/05/2021by SteveRicketts 4 Comments

To say Des Lee played above his weight is an understatement. The feisty rugby league halfback never tipped the scales at anything over 10 stone (63.5kg), but never let his […]

Read Article →
The Column

SOUTHS MAGPIES HALL OF FAME

02/05/2021by SteveRicketts 5 Comments

Super coach, Wayne Bennett describes the South Sydney Rabbitohs and Brisbane’s Souths Magpies as kindred spirits, in that they are working class clubs, with a never-say-die ethos. And the embodiment […]

Read Article →
The Column

VALE BOB DUNCAN

16/04/2021by SteveRicketts 1 Comment

by Steve Ricketts, Chairman, Queensland Rugby League History Committee. Bob Duncan was tipped as a future State star when he first burst onto the representative scene with Toowoomba in 1960. […]

Read Article →
The Column

TOM TERRIFIC COULD NOT BE CAGED

09/04/2021by SteveRicketts 2 Comments

by Steve Ricketts. Tom Raudonikis took the wheel of his car, after a long lunch at the Breakfast Creek Hotel, and invited the passengers to help themselves to a beer, […]

Read Article →
The Column

START OF A NEW ERA

01/04/2021by SteveRicketts Leave a comment

April 1, 2021 marks the 60th anniversary of the opening of Lang Park’s new Frank Burke Stand, by the Governor of Queensland, Sir Henry Abel-Smith. The completion of the stand, […]

Read Article →
The Column

VALE KEN MCCAFFERY

16/02/2021by SteveRicketts 4 Comments

By Greg Shannon, QRL History Committee The QRL would like to pass on sincere condolences to the family of a truly remarkable rugby league identity, former Queensland and Australian player Ken McCaffery who passed away on February 6 at 91 years of age. Ken had a long and […]

Read Article →
The Column

Post navigation

1 2 … 4 Next →
  • Flashbacks
  • The Column
  • Diary of a retired Rugby League writer
  • The TOUR Diary: France in Australia, 1955
  • All articles (inc Flashbacks)

Connect

  • View steve-ricketts-a15b3765’s profile on LinkedIn

Enter your email address to follow this website and receive notifications of new stories by email.

Join 244 other followers

IMAGE GALLERY

Doug Muir in action for Brisbane club, Valleys
Doug Muir in action for Brisbane club, Valleys
Wayne Lindenberg in action for Easts
Wayne Lindenberg in action for Easts
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.
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.
FRL
Shane Bernardin trains with Redcliffe, the club he joined after leaving Norths
Shane Bernardin trains with Redcliffe, the club he joined after leaving Norths
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.
DAD
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).
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
Andrew Ettingshausen
Andrew Ettingshausen
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
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.
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.
Lee Crooks in action for Great Britain against Australia
Lee Crooks in action for Great Britain against Australia
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
'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.
Greg Conescu in a pensive mood
Greg Conescu in a pensive mood
Wigan superstar, Ellery Hanley
Wigan superstar, Ellery Hanley
Valleys coach, Henry Holloway
Valleys coach, Henry Holloway
'Smokin' Joe Kilroy and Brett Le Man at Brothers' training.
‘Smokin’ Joe Kilroy and Brett Le Man at Brothers’ training.
Rodger Kuhn in action for Easts at Lang Park
Rodger Kuhn in action for Easts at Lang Park
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.
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.
Duncan Thompson
Duncan Thompson
ARL boss, Ken Arthurson
ARL boss, Ken Arthurson
France rugby league forward, Jean Pambrun in action for Catalans XIII
France rugby league forward, Jean Pambrun in action for Catalans XIII
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
Brad Backer in action for Easts
Brad Backer in action for Easts
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.
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
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
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.
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.
Canberra Raiders' winger, John Ferguson
Canberra Raiders’ winger, John Ferguson
Claude Mantoulan on the attack in a Test against Great Britain
Claude Mantoulan on the attack in a Test against Great Britain
Darren Smith in action for his first club, Brisbane Easts
Darren Smith in action for his first club, Brisbane Easts
Ken Day in his Manly-Warringah gear
Ken Day in his Manly-Warringah gear
Reg Gasnier
Reg Gasnier
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.
They love their league in the pretty French town of Limoux.
They love their league in the pretty French town of Limoux.
Noel Cleal in action for NSW
Noel Cleal in action for NSW
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.
The late, great Harold 'Mick' Crocker.
The late, great Harold ‘Mick’ Crocker.
Kevin and Mary Donnelly in 1975
Kevin and Mary Donnelly in 1975
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.
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
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
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.
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.
Peter Leis in action for Redcliffe
Peter Leis in action for Redcliffe
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.
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
Blog at WordPress.com.
  • Follow Following
    • Steve Ricketts
    • Join 244 other followers
    • Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
    • Steve Ricketts
    • Customize
    • Follow Following
    • Sign up
    • Log in
    • Report this content
    • View site in Reader
    • Manage subscriptions
    • Collapse this bar
 

Loading Comments...