Thirty years ago this month, Brothers beat Redcliffe in the last Brisbane Rugby League grand final played in the pre-Broncos’ era.
It was the last time that many local stars played in the competition. Many went on to play for new clubs entering the expanded NSWRL (as it was then known) in 1988 – the Broncos, the Gold Coast Giants and the Newcastle Knights, as well as for other established Sydney clubs.
Support for the Brisbane clubs back in the pre-Broncos’ era ran along tribal, geographic lines. Most matches attracted parochial crowds.
Sadly, Brothers went broke in 1987, the year they claimed that last premiership. They battled on gamely for a few more years, trying to stay afloat, but eventually the senior club in Brisbane was axed.
Their Corbett Park home ground is now just a memory, having disappeared to make way for townhouses, and their iconic clubhouse has battled on for the next 30 years under a variety of owners, but is about to be demolished.
In 1987, it was a glorious day for Brothers supporters, but also a sad one in many ways for Brisbane rugby league. Everything inevitably changed.
The Brothers starting line-up that beat Redcliffe 26-8 that day features many familiar names.
Fullback: Clinton Mohr
Wingers: ‘Smokin’ Joe Kilroy, Mark Coyne
Centres: Rob Grogan, Jeff Burns
Five-eighth: Peter Gill
Halfback: Greg Smith
Lock: Brett Le Man
Second-rowers: Tony Rea, Gary Smith
Props: Steve Carter, Jim Stafford
Hooker: Trevor Bailey (captain)
The Ross Strudwick-coached team scored five tries to one in brilliant attacking display. Trevor Bailey, Joe Kilroy, Mark Coyne, Tony Rea and Clinton Mohr all scored tries.
The modern-day Queensland Cup has its grand final on Sunday afternoon, with the Papua New Guinea Hunters taking on the Sunshine Coast Falcons.
The Hunters were the minor premiers and are the sentimental favourites, trying to make history by winning their first premiership in just their fourth year in the competition.
It would be great to see a big crowd there to cheer them (and the Falcons) on, just like there used to be in the old days.
John Coomer
Roar Guru
Yea it was great that a lot of the old Valleys blokes did that for him. He was a regular on the hill at the Gabba too when the cricket was on.
Paul Chapman
Guest
John, Happy Jack was a character wearing his straw hat with the chin strap. HJ was always at the Valleys games & at the end of the day he was worse for wear but nobody was upset. Poor old bloke, HJ wasn't claimed by anyone after he passed away & a group of footballers on hearing he had been in the morgue for 2 years paid for & gave him a send off, much delayed.
Paul Chapman
Guest
I was there for that Grand final in 1987 & unfortunately in 1988 Brisbane & Qld League went through some very tough times but the Qld cup came into being & has Teams from Cairns to the Tweed. The Qld cup is great for a decentralised state. I would like to point out that about 12 of the Brothers side took up contracts with Sydney clubs in 1988 (mainly St. George & North Sydney). The exodus of quality players from Qld to Sydney clubs was almost the death of the Brisbane competition. Wests, Brothers & Valleys soon were history. It is all history now & League is alive & well in Qld with the Q cup GF between PNG & Falcons.
John Coomer
Roar Guru
Yea Happy Jack was part of the furniture at both Lang Park and Neumann Oval. Amazing to think that what was Valleys home ground is now Allan Border Field.
Blubber
Guest
I remember sitting next to my Dad and Happy Jack cheering on our beloved Valleys. As much as I have enjoyed supporting the Broncos it's never quite the same.
matth
Guest
I cried that day in 81. And Trevor took it all in good fun.
John Coomer
Roar Guru
Youch, that must have been an insult to Trevor Bailey! I remember a lot of those close calls for Redcliffe, probably the one that must have really broken your heart was that 81 grand final when Mick Reardon scored on the bell in the corner to win it for Souths.
John Coomer
Roar Guru
I didn't know that Brothers league formed out of Brothers union Wag, interesting. Great to see that Brothers rugby is still around at least.
John Coomer
Roar Guru
Wynnum were still pretty strong though Rellum (Lewis, Miles etc), though I agree that Souths were weakened by the loss of Meninga, Belcher, Jackson after their great win in 85. Good to see Souths and Wynnum still around in the Q Cup though, wish Brothers (and Valleys) were too.
John Coomer
Roar Guru
I can't remember the stubby holders, but I do remember he was a big Brothers fan.
John Coomer
Roar Guru
Corbett Park was a great venue Andy, sad that it's a bunch of townhouses now.
matth
Guest
They were great years the 80's in Brisbane. Funnily enough as the financial pressures grew and the competition was on its last legs, there was an influx of talent that made the Brisbane club sides of that era high quality. There were times when Wynnum and Souths were sending out sides that some Sydney clubs would have envied. As a Redcliffe supporter, however I have different memories of that 1987 grand final. Redcliffe had only ever won one grand final, in 1965, but had gone agonisingly close on many occasions. This was our last chance and we were soundly beaten. Redcliffe has since won a number of premierships, but it was never the same. My business recently had Trevor Bailey over to do some building work for us as he is a mate of my CEO. We had a photo of Trevor and Wally Lewis from around that era. My CEO says to Trevor "we would like to get this signed". Trevor starts to say "sure, no problem", but before he could my boss added, "do you think you get Wally to do that for us?".
Rellum
Roar Guru
Souths are basically back at Davis park which is closer to the CBD and Lang park than any other club.
wag
Guest
I remember those times well, John. Regarding the Brothers League Club, many do not know that Brothers League was formed by Brothers Rugby Union players who could not get a game when Union was disbanded in Queensland during the First World War, with so many players away in the forces. Union was not restored until the very late 1920s, when Brothers Union re-formed. Brothers Union was formed in 1905, and is the oldest surviving club of any code in Queensland, retaining its original title, badge and jersey colours to this day ! Just thought that a bit of history could be of interest? {In 2016, Brothers Rugby Club had 1,800 registered players -- 8 Senior Teams, 4 Colts (under 19 teams), Many Age-Teams from Under 5s right through to Under 17s), Teams in the Modified Rugby Program (for youngsters with a disability), Girls Rugby, Touch Teams, Viva Rugby etc.} Many oldies like me were saddened when the formation of the Broncos caused so many problems for the existing, traditional League Clubs, --- with Brothers, Valleys (Brothers Union's neighbours at Crosby Park, Albion), and Wests folding. I think that the only Clubs remaining today in the BRISBANE CITY COUNCIL AREA are Norths, and Easts.? Well do I remember such titanic clashes as Valleys v Norths at "Bash-up" Park, and the Lang Park Finals.! "Them woz the days!!" -- Sadly missed !
Nat
Roar Guru
I'll be there this weekend but as a neutral. Valleys are my BRL team and they got the chocolates last weekend. My preference and head thinks PNG will get there but having watched the Falcons they are very good disposing of both powerhouse clubs Redcliffe and Easts quite easily. PNG are pure heart and the fans' enthusiasm is sensational. 15,000 will sound like 40,000. While I don't bet on 2 horse races, If Broncos, Cowboys and PNG get up that'll be a nice little trifecta.
BigJ
Roar Guru
Go the Hunters for the premiership, they have been contenders from day one and it would be only a good thing that they win the cup. All the more reason for the Qld Cup to expand into the NT.
Rellum
Roar Guru
I kind of felt that the 85 grand final was the last real one as the player exodus in 86 really weakened the comp. I don't really like either team in the grand final so just want a good attacking game. I guess I would rather the sunny coast win as they are a QLD team and them winning the State playoff game on grand final day would be more satisfying. Still wanting a Souths Wynnum GF myself soon.
tv owns league
Guest
Does anyone remember the free waynee poo stubbie holders
Andy
Guest
Ah the memories, the end result of that game was great, but Brothers first set of 6 from the kickoff not so much, I'll never forget how aggressive the Dolphins defence were in absolutely hammering Brothers to keep us on our own line. Fortunately things improved from there. As a family we went to many games at Corbett Park and Lang Park for match of the round, but being at that Grand Final to see Bothers win will always be a fond childhood memory!
League fan
Guest
It would be a great day and would mean a lot to a lot of people if PNG could win the premiership. Their fans deserve it and it would be a huge boost for them heading into the world cup.