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Tag Archives: johnathan thurston

DIARY UPDATE: Week 26, 2021

27/02/2022by SteveRicketts 2 Comments

DIARY OF A RETIRED RUGBY LEAGUE WRITER WEEK 26 2021 MONDAY, JUNE 28 THE FIGS (Former International Greats), via secretary, Peter Hogan, seek permission to post my Flashbacks on their […]

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Diary of a retired Rugby League Journalist

FLASHBACK: JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2012

05/02/2022by SteveRicketts 2 Comments

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2012 After having covered the funeral of the great Arthur Beetson, in December, 2011, it was somehow fitting that my first big task in 2012 was to cover the […]

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Flashbacks

FLASHBACK: November, 2006

30/12/2021by SteveRicketts 1 Comment

NOVEMBER 2006 This post is different from the ‘classic’ Flashbacks on my website, in that is largely an extract from my diary. It is meant to give readers a look […]

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Flashbacks

DIARY UPDATE: WEEK 7, 2021

12/09/2021by SteveRicketts Leave a comment

DIARY OF A RETIRED RUGBY LEAGUE WRITER WEEK 7 2021 MONDAY, FEBRUARY 15 There was no-one more competitive than Brisbane Easts’ fullback, Rodger ‘The Dodger’ Kuhn, back in 1970s Brisbane […]

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Diary of a retired Rugby League Journalist

DIARY UPDATE: Week 3, 2021

22/08/2021by SteveRicketts 2 Comments

DIARY OF A RETIRED RUGBY LEAGUE WRITERWEEK 3 2021 MONDAY, JANUARY 18 Former Broncos’ rugby league hooker, John Driscoll is keen to be part of our Brisbane Men of League […]

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Diary of a retired Rugby League Journalist

DIARY UPDATE: Week 38, 2020

01/03/2021by SteveRicketts Leave a comment

DIARY OF A RETIRED RUGBY LEAGUE WRITER WEEK 38 2020 MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 21 Former Australian rugby league hooker, John Lang tells me of his love of biographies. John will deliver […]

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Diary of a retired Rugby League Journalist

DIARY UPDATE: Week 30, 2020

05/01/2021by SteveRicketts Leave a comment

DIARY OF A RETIRED RUGBY LEAGUE WRITER WEEK 30 2020 MONDAY, JULY 27 The Courier-Mail’s chief sports writer, Robert Craddock speculates on whether the Broncos will drop young forward, Andrew […]

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Diary of a retired Rugby League Journalist

DIARY UPDATE: Week 11, 2020

29/09/2020by SteveRicketts Leave a comment

DIARY OF A RETIRED RUGBY LEAGUE WRITER WEEK 11 2020 MONDAY, MARCH 16 Some of the regulars at Stafford Tavern are sceptical about the ‘Chinese flu’, despite the fact non-essential […]

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Diary of a retired Rugby League Journalist

A CHANGE OF MIND ABOUT FREDDY

24/07/2020by SteveRicketts Leave a comment

I must confess to having under-estimated Brad Fittler, when he was thrown into a leadership role during the Super League War in the 1990s. To me, he wasn’t a great […]

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The Column

DIARY UPDATE: Week 39, 201

04/07/2020by SteveRicketts Leave a comment

DIARY OF A RETIRED RUGBY LEAGUE WRITER WEEK 39 2019. MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 30 Our train from Bergerac to Paris reaches speeds of 320km, as song ‘Hold Tight’ by Dave Dee, […]

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Diary of a retired Rugby League Journalist

FLASHBACK: February 2010

13/03/2020by SteveRicketts Leave a comment

FEBRUARY 2010. The likes of Northern Rivers’ Indigenous heroes, Lionel Morgan, Walter Slockee, Stokel Currie, Alan Lena, Billy McDermott, Claude McDermott and Gerald Chadburn came to mind as I covered […]

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Flashbacks

ORIGIN FOOTBALL AT CROSSROADS

07/11/2019by SteveRicketts 1 Comment

COMMENT by Steve Ricketts, former Chief Rugby League Writer, The Courier-Mail Good luck to rugby league administrators next year, as they try to promote State of Origin as ‘The Best […]

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The Column

DIARY UPDATE: Week 15, 2017

16/06/2019by SteveRicketts Leave a comment

DIARY OF A RETIRED RUGBY LEAGUE WRITER WEEK 15 2018 WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11 Valleys’ rugby league legend, Ray Edwards, has passed away. His daughter is 4KQ Breakfast host, Laurel Edwards. […]

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Diary of a retired Rugby League Journalist

DIARY UPDATE: Week 39, 2018

25/03/2019by SteveRicketts Leave a comment

DIARY OF A RETIRED RUGBY LEAGUE WRITER WEEK 39 2017 MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 25 Our daughter, Melanie phones at 4 a.m. Her flight back to Hong Kong (from Brisbane) has been cancelled […]

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Diary of a retired Rugby League Journalist

OUR FIELDS OF DREAMS

04/11/2018by SteveRicketts Leave a comment

By Steve Ricketts. Secretary, Queensland Rugby League History Committee. The history of our rugby league fields across Queensland is a project waiting to be tackled. With that in mind, Kevin […]

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QRL / Intrust Super Cup, The Column

COMMENT

27/10/2018by SteveRicketts Leave a comment

COMMENT by Steve Ricketts, former Chief Rugby League Writer, The Courier-Mail. ANTHONY SEIBOLD. IS HE THE MAN? Kevin Walters remains my first choice to take over from Wayne Bennett as […]

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The Column

FLASHBACK: October 2008

26/10/2018by SteveRicketts Leave a comment

OCTOBER 2008 On October 26, 2008 I covered the Australia v New Zealand first round Rugby League World Cup match at the Sydney Football Stadium. My memories are not so much […]

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Flashbacks
Steve Ricketts (right) with Brent Saddler.

DIARY UPDATE: Week 20, 2016

Featuredby SteveRicketts 2 Comments

MONDAY, MAY 16. A minute’s silence is observed for former international centre, Rod Saddler ahead of the Titans v Roosters’ NRL match at Robina. That was my doing, I am proud […]

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Diary of a retired Rugby League Journalist, Uncategorized

DIARY UPDATE: Week 8, 2016

04/02/2018by SteveRicketts Leave a comment

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 22 Up at 4.45 a.m. to watch live telecast of Leeds v North Queensland Cowboys World Club Challenge match. It was only 4-4 at halftime, but the Cowboys […]

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Diary of a retired Rugby League Journalist, Uncategorized

DIARY UPDATE: Week 5, 2016

02/01/2018by SteveRicketts 1 Comment

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 1 To BUPA Retirement home, Tugun, to interview former Brisbane Souths prop, Jim Murdoch for Men of League magazine. Jim was instrumental in the formation of the Souths […]

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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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