I sometimes wonder if the Gold Coast actually deserves to have an NRL team.
On my last visit there I called in at the Southport library and noticed a table of “cancelled” books.
I had a quick browse through, hoping to find something a little bit fruity or politically incorrect that the censors had just stumbled upon.
At the bottom of the heap however was a hefty volume entitled, “The History of Rugby League Clubs”. You can imagine my horror.
This beautiful and elaborate record of the greatest game had obviously through some clerical error been cancelled.
I took the book to the counter and was even more shocked when the nice lady said there was no mistake. She informed me no one had ever borrowed the book, and I could purchase it for one dollar, or it would be recycled.
I’m not sure what all those thousands and thousands of people who visit the Gold Coast each year are doing. Sadly reading books on the history of rugby league clearly isn’t high on their holiday bucket list.
On the bright side, that marvellous book is now the centerpiece of my home rugby league library. I occasionally leaf through it, and take great pleasure in stumbling across morsels like the following.
Supercoach Ben Walker scored 18 tries for the Northern Eagles in 2001, although it is not recorded how many were from short restarts.
Foundation club Glebe (1908-1929) were actually called the Dirty Reds, and not the Fruiterers as Roy and HG had always led me to believe.
University (1920-1937) in 1933 defeated St George 42-8, but then ironically strung together 42 successive losses over the following three seasons.
In 1996 the SQ Crushers beat Parramatta to win the U21 premiership.
Michael Maguire played fullback for the Adelaide Rams in their first premiership match.
In 1997 the Hunter Mariners won their first seven home games.
Newtown won their first title in 1910 in a controversial grand final against Souths. Boxer Russel kicked a goal to tie the match 4-4 after a mark was taken late in the game near half way. (In the good old days if you called and took a clean catch you earned a free kick.)
There was no golden point or extra time and minor premiers Newton were awarded the title.
North Sydney won premierships in 1921 and 1922. After that they had a lot of chances but always found ways to miss out until they were shown the door in 1999.
There was a lot of speculation the Western Reds (1995-1997) would be called the Perth Pumas, but thankfully they decided on a more Australian name, honouring the Western Red kangaroo.
The name had to be shortened because I think Kangaroos had already been taken. Don’t get me started on expansion teams being shamelessly given American names such as Broncos, Steelers, Cowboys, Raiders or Rams.
Cumberland only played the initial season of 1908. Sadly they weren’t around long enough to think up a logo. The club try scoring record (two tries in a season) is held by Ted Bellamy, who I’m sure must somehow be related to Craig.
All these defunct teams live on now only in our memories and rugby league libraries. There is little we can do but speculate which current Sydney (or Gold Coast) club will be the next to join them.
Spratey
Roar Rookie
Valleys and Brothers in Brisbane?
Spratey
Roar Rookie
No sheep industry? $2 billion in annual gross state revenue! Just three weeks ago a SA merino ram was sold for the highest price in 30 years. - $115,000.
Spratey
Roar Rookie
From what you've written, it appears the book was a history of NSWRL clubs.
David Roderick
Roar Rookie
Platyhelminth are soft bodied and often flattened … which is how a lot of people described my playing career
Tim Buck 3
Roar Rookie
That's better. The Parramatta Platyhelminthes doesn't work either.
Tim Buck 3
Roar Rookie
In 1928 Western Suburbs officially become known as the "Magpies". Previously the players were unofficially referred to as the Cherry Pickers or Fruit Pickers due to the number of orchards around the Ashfield area. The NSW country town Young are the Cherry Pickers. It is Superb Parrot country.
David Roderick
Roar Rookie
Parramatta Paramecia would appeal to fans of protozoa.
Tim Buck 3
Roar Rookie
Manly Seagulls. Am I right Hard Yards?
Tim Buck 3
Roar Rookie
The Parramatta Paramedics.
Tim Buck 3
Roar Rookie
I'm glad they didn't call themselves the Canberra Brumbies (Canbra Brumbies). The choice of green would've been better if it was a darker green than lime.
Tim Buck 3
Roar Rookie
The Adelaide Pie Floaters.
Run Run Run
Guest
Foundation player John McLeod did look a lot like Hagar the Horrible
Big Daddy
Roar Rookie
I'll drink to that.
Big Daddy
Roar Rookie
Every sèems to forget some of the now extinct bush clubs as well . Some of the old Newcastle and Illawarra teams of years gone past . The country division matches when ever England / Great Britain tours were rough and tumble affairs an if you wanted to have a bet the local unlicensed bookmaker would accommodate you . Most country clubs don't have a licensed club to keep them going and have fallen by or just plain disappeared.
Bernie
Guest
What do the Raiders represent? When someone asked club officials what connection it had to Canberra, they said they would raid Sydney clubs (they ended up Raiding Qld clubs before the Broncos). But they now claim some Viking link (ACT is a long way from Scandanavia) and they have now borrowed the Viking clap and horn from in turn Motherwell, Iceland soccer and Minnestoa Vikings so another borrowing....so how can you say all good??
Bernie
Guest
The Shoremen is correct as they borrowed it from Northern Suburbs Rugby Club
Dwanye
Roar Rookie
I didn’t mind that Hahn. I liked that Fosters Extra also. The clubs had a cheap night for a hour, maybe Thursday, not sure, dollar schooners.
Adam
Roar Guru
Adelaide Barrels. Has an interesting double meaning...
Choppy Zezers
Roar Rookie
I used to go to the ol Newcastle Breakers games. Cold Friday nights but they sold ice cold Hahn Ice Cans and the bar was right there. Like seriously right there! Six or seven of those puppies was like a dream. Apparently after the game we went to the club and had a drink with the players. Not that I recall and I only went to twenty or thirty games...
Tony
Roar Guru
Adelaide Winos