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Tag Archives: andrew varley

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 14, 2021

18/12/2021by SteveRicketts 1 Comment

DIARY OF A RETIRED RUGBY LEAGUE WRITER WEEK 14 2021 MONDAY, APRIL 5 Yorkshireman, Ray Knight played rugby league in Christchurch, New Zealand, packing down as a hooker between Kiwi […]

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Diary of a retired Rugby League Journalist, Uncategorized

FLASHBACK: DECEMBER 1986

04/12/2021by SteveRicketts Leave a comment

DECEMBER 1986 Australian Rugby League skipper, Wally Lewis rejected an offer from Wigan to play the remainder of the English season with the Greater Manchester club, after his commitments with […]

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Flashbacks

FLASHBACK: NOVEMBER 1996 (UK)

02/12/2021by SteveRicketts Leave a comment

NOVEMBER 1996 Great Britain’s injury hit squad battled hard before losing 32-12 to New Zealand in the Third Test at Christchurch’s Lancaster Park, the Kiwis completing a clean sweep of […]

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Flashbacks

DIARY UPDATE: Week 9, 2021

17/09/2021by SteveRicketts 1 Comment

DIARY OF A RETIRED RUGBY LEAGUE WRITER WEEK 9 2021 MONDAY, MARCH 1 Tweed Heads Seagulls, a rugby league club which lays claim to being the oldest outside Sydney and […]

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Diary of a retired Rugby League Journalist

WELSH BREATHE FIRE INTO CUP

15/09/2021by SteveRicketts 1 Comment

The much-maligned Welsh team restored some credibility to the 2000 Rugby League World Cup, thanks to a courageous 46-22 loss to Australia in a semi-final at Huddersfield’s McAlpine Stadium. The […]

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Travel

DIARY UPDATE: WEEK 8, 2021

14/09/2021by SteveRicketts Leave a comment

DIARY OF A RETIRED RUGBY LEAGUE WRITER WEEK 8 2021 MONDAY, FEBRUARY 22 The Guineas Room, Eagle Farm is the setting for a wonderful memorial service for Paul Malone, one […]

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Diary of a retired Rugby League Journalist

DIARY UPDATE: Week 33, 2020

25/01/2021by SteveRicketts 1 Comment

DIARY OF A RETIRED RUGBY LEAGUE WRITER WEEK 33 2020 MONDAY, AUGUST 17 My former ‘Telegraph’ and ‘Courier-Mail’ newspaper colleague Mark Oberhardt retires from mainstream journalism after an eternity in […]

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Diary of a retired Rugby League Journalist

DIARY UPDATE: Week 31, 2020

15/01/2021by SteveRicketts 2 Comments

DIARY OF A RETIRED RUGBY LEAGUE WRITER WEEK 31 2020 MONDAY, AUGUST 3 My beautiful, patient, largely understanding wife, Marie (nee Donnelly) turns 70. We enjoy a lovely night at […]

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Diary of a retired Rugby League Journalist

DIARY UPDATE: Week 28, 2020

11/01/2021by SteveRicketts Leave a comment

DIARY OF A RETIRED RUGBY LEAGUE WRITER WEEK 28 2020 TUESDAY, JULY 14 Legendary sports sponsor, Ron McConnell is feted at a lunch at Brisbane’s Pineapple Hotel, with most of […]

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Diary of a retired Rugby League Journalist

RIVER CRUISING AND FRENCH DRIVING

22/11/2020by SteveRicketts Leave a comment

TRAVEL 2019 Recently – well, not that recently – a mate asked how many times I had been to Britain and/or Europe, and when I answered ’20’, he said I […]

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Travel

RUGBY LEAGUE TO CAMOGIE

18/10/2020by SteveRicketts Leave a comment

TRAVEL 2018 Recently a mate asked how many times I had been to Britain and/or Europe, and when I answered ’20’, he said I should write a book. I’m not […]

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Travel

DIARY UPDATE: Week 13, 2020

10/10/2020by SteveRicketts 1 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

THIS WAS NO COMMON RIDING

04/08/2020by SteveRicketts Leave a comment

TRAVEL Recently, a mate asked how many times I had been to Britain and/or Europe, and when I answered ’20, he said I should write a book. I’m not in […]

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Travel

A WEDDING IN THE PARK

31/07/2020by SteveRicketts Leave a comment

TRAVEL Recently, a mate asked how many times I had been to Britain and/or Europe, and when I answered ’20’, he said I should write a book. I’m not in […]

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Travel

ROME TO LONDON VIA TIPPERARY

05/07/2020by SteveRicketts Leave a comment

TRAVEL Recently, a mate asked how many times I had been to Britain and/or Europe, and when I answered ’20’, he said I should write a book. I’m not in […]

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Travel

WILL BRITAIN’S PUBS SURVIVE CORONAVIRUS?

01/07/2020by SteveRicketts Leave a comment

TRAVEL Some reports predict 30,000 pubs and restaurants in the UK, may not re-open at all, even if things return to ‘normal’. Before ‘the virus’, many pubs were closing, despite […]

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Travel

MY THIRD KANGAROO SUPPORTERS’ TOUR

10/05/2020by SteveRicketts Leave a comment

TRAVEL Recently a mate asked how many times I had been to Britain and/or Europe, and when I answered ’20’, he said I should write a book. I’m not in […]

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Travel

DIARY UPDATE: Week 5, 2019

24/12/2019by SteveRicketts Leave a comment

DIARY OF A RETIRED RUGBY LEAGUE WRITER WEEK FIVE 2019 MONDAY, JANUARY 28 Australian rocker, Billy Thorpe’s version of ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’ is played on Ray Hadley’s radio program. […]

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Diary of a retired Rugby League Journalist

IT’S NOT THAT BAD, LADS (AND LASSES)

15/11/2019by SteveRicketts Leave a comment

TRAVEL A week in Leeds! The 44 people who had signed up for my 1994 Kangaroo rugby league supporters’ tour were horrified, when I first raised the prospect. ‘Leeds? It’s […]

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Travel

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IMAGE GALLERY

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