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Category Archives: Uncategorized

DIARY UPDATE: Week 13, 2020

10/10/2020by SteveRicketts Leave a comment

DIARY OF A RETIRED RUGBY LEAGUE WRITER WEEK 13 2020 MONDAY, MARCH 30 Former Balmain rugby league prop, Steve ‘Blocker’ Roach recalls his time at Warrington in England, in particular […]

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Diary of a retired Rugby League Journalist, Uncategorized

DIARY UPDATE: Week 8, 2020

23/09/2020by SteveRicketts Leave a comment

DIARY OF A RETIRED RUGBY LEAGUE WRITER Week 8, 2020 TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25 Erica Elizabeth O’Neale (nee Clear) was one of the unsung heroes of the Queensland Performing Arts scene. […]

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Diary of a retired Rugby League Journalist, Uncategorized

DIARY UPDATE: Week 20, 2019

11/04/2020by SteveRicketts Leave a comment

DIARY OF A RETIRED RUGBY LEAGUE WRITER WEEK 20 2019. MONDAY, MAY 20 Luke Howard’s funeral at Buderim is proof, if any is needed, there is a lot that is […]

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Uncategorized

VALE ROBERT ORCHARD

17/03/2020by SteveRicketts Leave a comment

New Zealand Test representative, Robert Orchard made Queensland his home in 1973, and played for his adopted State from the Redcliffe Dolphins. Orchard, who died on March 10 aged 74, […]

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FIRED FOR EFFECT

07/01/2020by SteveRicketts Leave a comment

BOOK REVIEW Jasper Samuel Creagh, from Wingham in New South Wales, was one of the ‘old originals’, who sailed to Europe with 13 Battery in 1915. Two years later, Creagh’s war […]

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DIARY UPDATE: Week 51, 2018

24/11/2019by SteveRicketts Leave a comment

DIARY OF A RETIRED RUGBY LEAGUE WRITER WEEK 51 2018 WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19 Nate Searle, the son of former Gold Coast Titans’ rugby league chief executive, Michael Searle, almost drowns […]

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Diary of a retired Rugby League Journalist, Uncategorized

DIARY UPDATE: Week 33, 2018

16/08/2019by SteveRicketts Leave a comment

DIARY OF A RETIRED RUGBY LEAGUE WRITER WEEK 33 2018 MONDAY, AUGUST 13 It is day five of our UK/Ireland trip and I am hanging out for a coffee, in […]

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Diary of a retired Rugby League Journalist, Uncategorized

VALE HUGH O’DOHERTY

03/08/2019by SteveRicketts 1 Comment

Former Queensland hooker, Hugh O’Doherty, an iconic personality of Brisbane Rugby League in the 1970s, has passed away aged 71. O’Doherty, a product of Ipswich Christian Brothers’ College, won BRL […]

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Uncategorized

RIGHT TO THE HEART OF THE MATTER

30/07/2019by SteveRicketts Leave a comment

‘How Rugby League Explains Queensland’ It’s an interesting discussion point, and one that is explored by independent journalist and author, Joe Gorman in his latest book, ‘Heartland’. Brisbane born, but […]

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DIARY UPDATE: Week 18, 2018

25/06/2019by SteveRicketts 1 Comment

DIARY OF A RETIRED RUGBY LEAGUE WRITER WEEK 18 2018 MONDAY, APRIL 30 Two blokes in a van, try to sell me a surround sound system, as I leave bottle […]

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Diary of a retired Rugby League Journalist, Uncategorized

DIARY UPDATE: Week 12, 2018

08/06/2019by SteveRicketts 1 Comment

DIARY OF A RETIRED RUGBY LEAGUE WRITER WEEK 12 2018 MONDAY, MARCH 19 A fire engine stops, and the firemen wave as I take our grandsons, Ethan and Connor to […]

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DIARY UPDATE: Week 35, 2017

17/03/2019by SteveRicketts Leave a comment

DIARY OF A RETIRED RUGBY LEAGUE WRITER WEEK 35 2017 MONDAY, AUGUST 28 The family of the late, Reg ‘Bubbles Pegg, have donated his State jersey to the Queensland Rugby […]

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Diary of a retired Rugby League Journalist, Uncategorized

THORNETT BOYS WERE PRODUCTS OF A GOLDEN AGE.

18/01/2019by SteveRicketts Leave a comment

The Burgess Brothers. As much as I love them, they are not in the same class as the Thornett brothers. Let me explain. The reason I love the Burgess boys […]

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Flashbacks, Uncategorized

WHAT A PUT DOWN

31/12/2018by SteveRicketts 2 Comments

It was the ultimate put down, and is now part of rugby league folklore. The setting was Brisbane’s Lang Park, and the occasion the First Test of Great Britain’s tour […]

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GAVIN COOPER – BETTER WITH AGE

24/12/2018by SteveRicketts Leave a comment

It was a Gold Coast Titans’ training session at Runaway Bay in 2007 when former Queensland State of Origin forward, Scott Sattler told me Gavin Cooper reminded him of Gorden […]

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BETH

11/11/2018by SteveRicketts Leave a comment

‘See you at Kevin and Beth’s’. How many times did members of our extended family say that over the years, and we still say it, even though Beth is gone. […]

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IT’S A GREAT SPORTING LIFE

19/10/2018by SteveRicketts Leave a comment

Max Ford, an indigenous gentleman who lives at Mt Gravatt in Brisbane, recently gave me a collection of Sporting Life magazines from the late 1940s, early 1950s. They are absolute […]

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Uncategorized

JEKYLL AND HYDE TYPES

14/10/2018by SteveRicketts Leave a comment

For many years I contributed to, or edited, rugby league programs in Brisbane. So, it always gives me a thrill to look back through old programs, ones that I call […]

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DIARY UPDATE: Week 22, 2016

Featuredby SteveRicketts Leave a comment

MONDAY, MAY 30 Watch quirky New Zealand movie, ‘Hunt for the Wilderpeople’. Very good. Love the line about the ‘Bloody Warriors’ (rugby league side). Bump into former Courier-Mail workmate, Darryl […]

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Uncategorized
Craig McAlpine (left) and Tony Jones. (Photo Stewart Ricketts).

FLASHBACK: January 1988

Featuredby SteveRicketts 1 Comment

The 10 Brisbane Rugby League Clubs were looking towards a season without State of Origin stars and Internationals, with all players of that calibre having signed with New South Wales […]

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Flashbacks, QRL / Intrust Super Cup, Uncategorized

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IMAGE GALLERY

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