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Tag Archives: jimmy johnson

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, […]

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The Column

DIARY UPDATE: Week 37, 2020 no

18/02/2021by SteveRicketts 1 Comment

DIARY OF A RETIRED RUGBY LEAGUE WRITER WEEK 37 2020 MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 Queensland State of Origin rugby league forward, Gavin Cooper announces his retirement. Murgon product, Cooper was one […]

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Diary of a retired Rugby League Journalist

DIARY UPDATE: Week 16, 2020

24/10/2020by SteveRicketts 2 Comments

DIARY OF A RETIRED RUGBY LEAGUE WRITER WEEK 16 2020 MONDAY, APRIL 20 Legendary Brothers’ rugby league strapper, Jimmy Johnson, 84, is in St Andrews Hospital, Brisbane, after having a second leg […]

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Diary of a retired Rugby League Journalist

DIARY UPDATE: Week 41, 2018

21/10/2019by SteveRicketts Leave a comment

DIARY OF A RETIRED RUGBY LEAGUE WRITER WEEK 41 2018 TUESDAY, OCTOBER 9 A neighbor tells me about wild brawls at Julia Creek, in western Queensland, some years back, involving […]

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Diary of a retired Rugby League Journalist

DIARY UPDATE: Week 39, 2018

20/09/2019by SteveRicketts Leave a comment

DIARY OF A RETIRED RUGBY LEAGUE WRITER WEEK 39 2018 MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 Visit our youngest son, Lliam and wife, Channelle’s new house, a 1912 Federation style building at Auchenflower. […]

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Diary of a retired Rugby League Journalist

DIARY UPDATE: Week 26, 2017

15/04/2019by SteveRicketts Leave a comment

DIARY OF A RETIRED RUGBY LEAGUE WRITER WEEK 46 2017 MONDAY, NOVEMBER 13 After a surf at Noosa’s Main beach, I hear a bloke say: “I know I’m skyting, but….” […]

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Diary of a retired Rugby League Journalist

DIARY UPDATE: Week 37, 2017

21/03/2019by SteveRicketts Leave a comment

DIARY OF A RETIRED RUGBY LEAGUE WRITER WEEK 37 2017 MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 Former Test rugby league centre, Dale Shearer is keen for his biography to be written, and I […]

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Diary of a retired Rugby League Journalist

DIARY UPDATE: Week 17, 2017

08/01/2019by SteveRicketts Leave a comment

DIARY OF A RETIRED RUGBY LEAGUE WRITER WEEK 17 2017 TUESDAY, APRIL 25 ANZAC Day Dawn Service at The Gap, and there is a big turn-out, for the service itself […]

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Diary of a retired Rugby League Journalist

DIARY UPDATE: Week 5, 2017

23/11/2018by SteveRicketts Leave a comment

DIARY OF A RETIRED RUGBY LEAGUE WRITER. WEEK 5 2017 TUESDAY, JANUARY 31 My wife, Marie’s brother-in-law, Neville Soward passes away in Lismore today. Neville, who married Marie’s sister, Carolyne, […]

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Diary of a retired Rugby League Journalist

DIARY UPDATE: Week 52, 2016

09/11/2018by SteveRicketts Leave a comment

DIARY OF A RETIRED RUGBY LEAGUE WRITER. WEEK 52, 2016 MONDAY, DECEMBER 26 Cathryn Cavaney contacts me, wanting information about my late Uncle Tom Dunne, who, with his wife, Ruby […]

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Diary of a retired Rugby League Journalist

DIARY UPDATE: Week 34, 2016

01/09/2018by SteveRicketts 1 Comment

WEEK 34, 2016 TUESDAY, AUGUST 23 AT Wynnum-Manly Leagues I discuss up-coming sportsmen’s lunch, where I will be MC. Chat to Wynnum first grade coach, John Buchanan, who is a nephew […]

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Diary of a retired Rugby League Journalist

DIARY UPDATE: Week 4, 2016

21/11/2017by SteveRicketts Leave a comment

MONDAY, JANUARY 25 Attend Australia Day long weekend festivities at South Bank – more specifically ‘Great Australian Bite’ food tents, where we tuck into calamari, beef cheeks and pork rolls. Live […]

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Diary of a retired Rugby League Journalist, Uncategorized

DIARY UPDATE: Week 51, 2015

03/10/2017by SteveRicketts Leave a comment

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15 Our youngest son, Lliam shouts me to the movie, ‘Creed’ at Indooroopilly, after a meal in Vietnamese restaurant. A couple of young blokes leave the movie early, […]

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Diary of a retired Rugby League Journalist, Uncategorized

DIARY UPDATE: Week 43, 2015

29/06/2017by SteveRicketts Leave a comment

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20 David Smith quits as National Rugby League chief executive and the rumour mill goes into overdrive, re. his replacement, with radio commentator, Ray Hadley mentioning former Queensland […]

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Diary of a retired Rugby League Journalist, Uncategorized

DIARY UPDATE: Week 33, 2015

05/04/2017by SteveRicketts 1 Comment

MONDAY, AUGUST 10 Brisbane Broncos’ Test centre, Justin Hodges announces he will retire at season’s end. I remember saying, the first time I saw Justin at Broncos’ training, that he […]

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Diary of a retired Rugby League Journalist, Uncategorized
Neil Wharton in his Brisbane Wests' days

DIARY ENTRY: Week 7, 2015

08/03/2016by SteveRicketts Leave a comment

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9 Meet with former Brisbane representative rugby league back, Neil Wharton, who is a new addition to the staff at QRL headquarters. Neil, wants me to write prose […]

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Diary of a retired Rugby League Journalist, Uncategorized

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IMAGE GALLERY

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