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Tag Archives: Norm Pope

FLASHBACK: June, 1956

25/06/2021by SteveRicketts 1 Comment

JUNE 1956 Australian Rugby League faced a new challenge in 1956, with captain and fullback, Clive Churchill unavailable for his country for the first time in 32 Tests, with the then […]

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Flashbacks

FLASHBACK: September, 1955

16/10/2020by SteveRicketts Leave a comment

FLASHBACK SEPTEMBER 1955 Valleys were Brisbane’s best team in 1955 and Brothers the cleanest. So reported the ‘Sunday Truth’ newspaper after Valleys beat Brothers 17-7 in the grand final at […]

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Flashbacks

FLASHBACK: August, 1950

09/08/2020by SteveRicketts Leave a comment

FLASHBACK AUGUST 1950 Great Britain’s unhappy Southern Hemisphere tour finished with a 20-13 loss to New Zealand in the Second Test at Auckland’s Carlaw Park, giving the Kiwis a 2-0 […]

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Flashbacks

THE GUNSYND BAR

05/08/2020by SteveRicketts Leave a comment

Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium boasts many fine hospitality suites, but there is nothing to compare with the ‘Gunsynd Bar’ in the old Frank Burke Stand, at what was called Lang Park […]

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The Column

FLASHBACK: July, 1950

21/07/2020by SteveRicketts Leave a comment

July 1950 Things turned ugly on Great Britain’s tour of Australia, with Queensland, in particular, accused of being poor hosts, after a controversial Second Test at the Gabba. It even […]

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Flashbacks

FLASHBACK: April, 1960

11/04/2020by SteveRicketts Leave a comment

APRIL 1960 Kangaroo tour co-manager, Jack Argent was fined 50 pounds by the Australian Rugby League Board of Control, for allegedly inducing one of the players, Ron Boden, to sign […]

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Flashbacks

FLASHBACK: March 1960

31/03/2020by SteveRicketts Leave a comment

MARCH 1960 There was a ‘new look’ about Wests’ halfback, Barry Muir on his return to Brisbane club football following the five month Kangaroo tour of Britain, France and Italy. […]

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Flashbacks

DIARY UPDATE: Week 10, 2019

06/02/2020by SteveRicketts Leave a comment

DIARY OF A RETIRED RUGBY LEAGUE WRITER WEEK 10 2019 TUESDAY, MARCH 19 Former Welsh rugby league player, Mike Murphy (I know, he should have played for Ireland) has died, aged […]

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Diary of a retired Rugby League Journalist

FLASHBACK: SEPTEMBER 1959

02/10/2019by SteveRicketts Leave a comment

SEPTEMBER 1959 Norths moved for Redcliffe to be admitted to the Brisbane Rugby League first grade competition in 1960, even though it would mean ceding some of their territory to […]

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Flashbacks

FLASHBACK: July 1959

09/08/2019by SteveRicketts Leave a comment

JULY 1959 A halftime oxygen boost may have played a roll in North Queensland’s come-from-behind, 41-33 win over South Queensland in a State rugby league ‘trial’ in Townsville, watched by […]

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Flashbacks

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 3, 2018

10/05/2019by SteveRicketts Leave a comment

DIARY OF A RETIRED RUGBY LEAGUE WRITER WEEK 3 2018 TUESDAY, JANUARY 16 Former Australian rugby union skipper, Tony Shaw walks by, with his two dogs, as I walk along […]

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Diary of a retired Rugby League Journalist

FLASHBACK: August 1958

29/09/2018by SteveRicketts Leave a comment

AUGUST 1958 Australian captain-coach, Brian Davies scored a try and kicked four goals in Brothers’ 23-11 win over Easts at Lang Park in a Brisbane Rugby League fixture. With Davies at […]

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Flashbacks

FLASHBACK: April 1958

10/08/2018by SteveRicketts Leave a comment

APRIL 1958 Young winger, Des Hendry scored two fine tries for Brisbane in their 25-14 win over 1957 Bulimba Cup winners, Ipswich at the Exhibition Grounds, his electric speed often bringing […]

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Flashbacks

FLASHBACK: March 1958

03/08/2018by SteveRicketts 1 Comment

A wild trial match at riverside Hamilton in Brisbane saw Test fullback, Norm Pope (Valleys) and Ossie Hardy (Souths) sent off by referee, Nev Kelly. The match looked like getting out of […]

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Flashbacks

FLASHBACK: February 1958

Featuredby SteveRicketts Leave a comment

FLASHBACK: FEBRUARY 1958 The Great Britain rugby league team to tour Australia was sparing no expense to retain the Ashes, and to restore pride after the Lions lost 2-1 in […]

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Flashbacks

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

FLASHBACK: MAY 1957

03/12/2017by SteveRicketts 1 Comment

Debutant winger, Eddie Lumsden scored four tries in New South Wales’ 49-11  thrashing of Queensland in the first match of the 1957 inter-state series at the Brisbane Exhibition Grounds. Lumsden, […]

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Flashbacks, Uncategorized

FLASHBACK: February 1981

09/02/2017by SteveRicketts 1 Comment

Former ballboy, Ross Livermore was appointed general manager of the Queensland Rugby League, a new position created for the re-constituted governing body of the code in the Sunshine State. Livermore, […]

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Flashbacks, Uncategorized

FLASHBACK: March 1954

21/03/2014by SteveRicketts Leave a comment

MUCH was made of the State Teacher’s College decision to enter a team in the 1954 Brisbane Rugby League C grade competition. Previously the college only played rugby union, but […]

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Flashbacks, International, QRL / Intrust Super Cup

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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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