Bowen in NQ Team of the Century

[Retread]

Hunt on for QRL Northern team of century
RAY ANDERSEN

NORTH Queensland rugby league fans have been invited to put their thinking caps on.
As part of the game's celebration of its centenary, the QRL Northern Division has begun the unenviable task of naming a 17-man North Queensland team of the century.
Northern Division Manager Bob Newsome admitted the team was sure to generate plenty of debate.
"Given the huge numbers of players from North Queensland who have gone on to achieve great heights in the game, coming up with one team is going to be a very difficult task," Newsome said.
The division has formed a committee to start short-listing candidates, however the public will also be given an opportunity to vote for their favourites during April and May.
Keep your eye on the Townsville Bulletin for more details.
Newsome said to be eligible players must have played for North Queensland at a junior or senior level.
He said apart from their feats on the playing field, the committee would also be considering the contribution the players made to the overall game.
The team will be announced at the Foley Shield final in Townsville on June 21.

[Retread]

Honour for league greats

HISTORIC MOMENT ... Laurie Spina leads the Cowboys on to the field for their first game in 1995


WE'VE had Australia's team of the century – now it's North Queensland's turn.
Household names like Kerry Boustead, Matt Bowen, Greg Dowling and Dale Shearer are among the players in the running to be named in a team of North Queensland `greats' in Australian rugby league's centenary year.
The calibre of players up for selection shows why the North has come to be regarded as an outstanding rugby league breeding ground.
A final shortlist of 47 players includes no less than 27 Australia representatives.
The daunting task of arriving at a final 17 rests with a five-man selection panel made up of QRL northern division director Ron Read, former Townsville Foley Shield selector Terry Feeney, former Mackay Foley Shield coach Col Grosskreutz, rugby league historian Greg Shannon, former North Queensland and Queensland representative Stan Williams and former Mount Isa and North Queensland representative Mel Brosnan.
Shannon said the team chosen would recognise those players who had contributed most to North Queensland rugby league.
"How do you pick between the best players of different eras, it's virtually impossible," he said.
"We'll be saying these are the guys who contributed most to the North Queensland jersey."
Wing is just one position where selectors face a headache, with Kangaroos Lionel Williamson, Boustead and Shearer some of those in contention.
To be eligible for selection, players must have represented North Queensland at senior (under-19 and above) level.
In the case of North Queensland Cowboys players, they must be local juniors or have spent the majority of their NRL careers with the Cowboys.
Contributions to rugby league in retirement also will be considered.
Players such as Gene Miles, Gorden Tallis and Billy Slater have been recognised but are ineligible for selection, having not represented North Queensland at senior level.
The Townsville Bulletin, over the next two Saturdays will feature the candidates, beginning today with the backs.

The North Queensland Team of the Century is due to be announced at next month's Good Guys Foley Shield grand final in Townsville.


BACKS

Fullback

Ray Laird (Mackay, St George Dragons, Toowoomba, Tully, Rockhampton, North Queensland, Queensland 1963-70, Australia 1970): Long-serving Queensland player from Mackay who played mostly in the bush except for a brief stint with St George. Ray was a regular in Queensland sides from 1963-70 and in 1970 was selected for Australia to play Great Britain while playing in Mackay. After retiring as a player he turned to coaching and was the Queensland Country coach in the 1970s.

Matt Bowen (Abergowrie College, Townsville Souths, North Queensland Cowboys, Queensland 2003-07, Australia 2004): Hope Vale junior who was part of a champion 1999 Abergowrie College team before joining the Cowboys and becoming one of the most devastating players in the game. Bowen played in the first Cowboys side to make a final in a major competition – the reserve grade Cowboys of 2000. He made his NRL first-grade debut in 2001 before making the Queensland State of Origin side in 2003. He was a member of the Australian Tri-Nations squad in 2004.

Henry `Mucka' Fewin (Townsville, Brisbane Carltons, Brisbane Wests, Queensland, Australia 1920): The first North Queensland junior to represent Australia, `Mucka' was playing in Brisbane when selected though. He was playing for the Carlton club – a forerunner of today's Souths Logan – when selected at fullback for Australia against Great Britain in 1920. He later played for Brisbane Wests before returning home to play out his career in the North.


Wingers

Kerry Boustead (Innisfail Souths, Sydney Easts, Manly, North Sydney, Hull Kingston Rovers, Queensland 1978, NSW 1979, Queensland State of Origin 1980-84, Australia 1978-84): Boustead burst on to the scene as an 18-year-old while playing with Innisfail Souths in 1978. In the space of a few months he went from the Innisfail Foley Shield side to North Queensland and Queensland selection before making his Test debut against New Zealand. A member of the 1978 Kangaroos squad, he signed with Sydney Easts before moving to Manly in 1983. Boustead represented NSW under residency rules in 1979 but was back in the maroon for the inaugural 1980 State of Origin clash. He had two stints with Hull KR in the UK during the 1980s before finishing his career with North Sydney. In 1991 he returned to North Queensland to coach the Townsville representative side and led the consortium to start the North Queensland Cowboys, becoming the club's first CEO. He also coached the North Queensland State League side which won the final for the first time in 1991.

Dale Shearer (Sarina, North Queensland, Manly, Brisbane Broncos, Sydney Roosters, Gold Coast, South Queensland Crushers, North Queensland Cowboys, Centrals , Queensland 1985-96, Australia 1986-93): The Sarina product made his North Queensland and Queensland debut in 1984. He played for Queensland against New Zealand at Lang Park in 1984 and moved to Sydney in 1985 to play for Manly. He made his Queensland State of Origin debut in 1985 from Manly and played a total of 26 Origin games for Queensland until 1996. In 1986 he was selected for his first Kangaroo tour and between 1985 and 1993 he played 20 Test matches for Australia. His last season in the top grade was for the North Queensland Cowboys in 1998, but he continued to play in Townsville with Centrals and also on the Sunshine Coast.

Lionel Williamson (Innisfail, North Queensland, Newtown, Halifax UK, Queensland 1968, NSW 1969-72, Australia 1968-72): The brilliant Innisfail winger who rose through the ranks of Innisfail Foley Shield and North Queensland selection to represent Queensland in 1968. A stint in the UK with Halifax furthered his reputation and he joined Newtown in Sydney for the 1969 season. In 1970 he played for New South Wales against his brother Henry who was in the Queensland side. He was superb for Australia in the 1970 World Cup and continues to contribute to the game today as a coach at schoolboy level in Cairns.

Ray Miguel (Herbert River, North Queensland, Queensland 1963-66): Miguel was in his teens when first selected to play Foley Shield for Herbert River. He went on to represent North Queensland, Queensland Country and Queensland between 1963-67, all from his native Herbert River. Miguel was a member of the famous North Queensland side that defeated Great Britain for the first time in 1966. He has also served as a North Queensland and Queensland Country selector for many years.

Pat McMahon (Mount Isa, Toowoomba, Babinda, North Queensland, Queensland 1946-51, Australia 1948-49): Pat McMahon represented North West Queensland against Darwin in 1944 as a 17-year-old. After moving to Toowoomba he represented Queensland in 1946 and only injury ruled him out of the Australian side that year. In 1948 he represented Australia against New Zealand then toured with the 1948 Kangaroos. A tour to New Zealand followed in 1949 before he moved to Babinda to captain-coach the Foley Shield side. McMahon represented North Queensland against Great Britain in 1950. He also coached throughout western Queensland in the 1950s.

Bob Hagan (Brisbane Easts, Townsville, Canterbury, North Queensland, Queensland, Australia 1961): Hagan was an established Brisbane player when a transfer in the police force bought him to North Queensland in 1962. Playing in Townsville, he made the North Queensland side and from there made Queensland and Australian sides. After some time playing in Sydney with Canterbury, Hagan returned to Brisbane to coach in the 1970s. He was one of the original owners of the Gold Coast Giants in 1988 and later ran the Canterbury Bulldogs club. His younger brother Michael is a former Queensland player/coach and is the current Parramatta coach.


Centres

Alan Gil (Cairns, Toowoomba, North Queensland, Queensland 1958-62, Australia 1961-62): From a famous Cairns rugby league family who formed a dangerous North Queensland centre combination with Ron Tait. Gil played Foley Shield for Cairns before moving to Toowoomba to play under legendary coach Duncan Thompson. He captained Toowoomba to Bulimba Cup victory in 1960 and represented Queensland between 1958 and 1962. In 1961 he was selected to tour New Zealand with the Australian side and made his Test debut in 1962 against Great Britain from his native Cairns. He led Cairns to Foley Shield victory in 1966 and has managed Foley Shield sides as recently as 2006.

Ron Tait (Innisfail, Rockhampton, North Queensland, Queensland 1959-1963): Tait and Gil were the famous North Queensland and Queensland centre pairing for some of the 1960s. Tait played for Innisfail and represented Queensland from both Innisfail and Rockhampton where he played for several seasons. He captained Innisfail in the 1967 Foley Shield final.

Gary Wellington (Burdekin, Herbert River, North Queensland, Queensland 1965-67, Australia 1965-66): Wellington rose through the ranks of the Burdekin rugby league to represent Queensland and was selected for the 1965 Australian tour of New Zealand. He played for Herbert River in 1966-67 from where he was selected as a non-playing reserve for Australia against Great Britain in 1966. He was a member of the North Queensland side to defeat Great Britain that year.

Ned Andrews (Newcastle, NSW Country, NSW 1948, Brisbane Souths, Mackay, North Queensland, Queensland Country, Queensland 1950, Australia 1950): Andrews was from the Hunter Valley but he became the first Mackay-based player to represent Australia in 1950. Like many of his generation Andrews' playing career was interrupted by World War II .After serving in the army he played for New South Wales country and New South Wales in 1948. Moving to Mackay to captain-coach the Foley Shield side, he had a magnificent 1950 season when he played for Mackay, North Queensland and Queensland before making his Australian debut in the second Test of the 1950 Ashes series against Great Britain. Andrews later returned to the Hunter Valley and became a well-known union organiser.

Paul Bowman (Proserpine, North Queensland Cowboys, Queensland 2000-2005): The Proserpine junior joined the North Queensland Cowboys midway though the club's first season, 1995. Initially a lock forward, Bowman blossomed into one of the best defensive centers in the NRL and after making his Queensland debut in 2000 he became a regular State of Origin representative. Although known for his solid defence, Bowman scored two tries in the famous third 2001 Origin match in which Allan Langer returned to State of Origin football from England. He retired after the 2007 season as the Cowboys' most experienced NRL player and continues his involvement with rugby league in a support role for the Cowboys under-20 Toyota Cup squad.

Danny Moore (Townsville, Manly, Wigan, North Queensland Cowboys, Queensland 1995, Australia 1995): The 1995 State of Origin series allowed many players aligned to the ARL to be `discovered' at representative level and Townsville product Moore was certainly one such player. Having left Townsville to play for Manly, the long-striding centre made a huge impression in the Paul Vautin-coached Queensland side that defeated New South Wales during the 1995 series. Selection for Australia followed. After several seasons in the English Super League, Moore returned to Townsville and had a brief stint with the Cowboys in 2000.

[Retread]

Five-eighth

Graham Laird (Mackay, Toowoomba, Parramatta, North Queensland, Queensland 1955, Australia 1955): The Mackay player, older brother of Ray, came to the attention of State selectors when he played for North Queensland against Great Britain from Mackay in 1954. He moved to Toowoomba to play under Duncan Thompson in 1955 and made the Queensland side before making his Test debut against France that year. He played two Tests for Australia against the French in 1955 before transferring to Sydney's Parramatta club in 1956. He was tragically killed in a tractor accident after returning home for the 1958 season.

Bob Banks (Newcastle, East Sydney, Charters Towers, Toowoomba, Cunnamulla, Tully, Cairns, North Queensland, Queensland 1952-62, Australia 1953-62): A Newcastle junior who was playing for Sydney Easts when Charters Towers offered him a captain-coach role in 1951. He joined Charters Towers and had an immediate impact on North Queensland rugby league. He then moved to Toowoomba and represented Queensland and Australia before moving to Cunnamulla from where his representative career continued. Moving back to North Queensland in 1961 his international career continued while playing for Cairns with selection in the Australian side for 1962. Banks also led Tully to Foley Shield victory and after retiring was awarded a special plaque in recognition of his services to rugby league in the North.

Lou Litster (Townsville Estates, North Queensland 1928-30): A Townsville player who represented North Queensland and Townsville for many years in the 1920-30s era. Litster was a member of the very first North Queensland side to play Great Britain in 1928.

Jasper Feeney (Townsville Brothers, North Queensland 1938-40, Combined Central Queensland/North Queensland 1940, Queensland 1940): A Townsville player who was just starting to make his mark in interstate football when World War II interrupted.


Halfback

Laurie Spina (Lower Herbert, Ingham Brothers, North Sydney, Sydney Easts, Cronulla, North Queensland, North Queensland Cowboys, Queensland trial 1987): Spina represented Herbert River in the 1982 Foley Shield final from where he was scouted by North Sydney where he played the 1983-84 seasons before joining Sydney Easts. He was a triallist for the Queensland State of Origin side in 1987 and finished his Sydney career with Cronulla before returning home to play for Ingham Brothers, from where he once again played Foley Shield. In 1991 he led North Queensland, coached by Kerry Boustead, to a historical first State League victory. In 1995, Spina returned to the national league as inaugural captain of the North Queensland Cowboys. He continues to contribute to the game through the Laurie Spina Shield junior competition and as an ABC commentator.

Arch Foley (Townsville Souths, Queensland 1915): A Townsville Souths player who was one of nine Townsville players to make the 1915 Queensland squad. His representative career was cut short by World War I. After retiring as a player, Foley became famous as an administrator and was a force behind the building of the first grandstand at the Townsville Sports Reserve. He also helped maintain North Queensland's relationship with the Queensland Rugby League during the often turbulent early years of the game's administration in Queensland. He was influential in securing the first match between North Queensland and Great Britain in 1928, a game that did so much to promote rugby league in the region. The Foley Shield was named in his honour.

Brian Beven (Townsville, Ayr, Queensland 1968): A Townsville Estates player who also played in the Burdekin and represented North Queensland many times. His best year for representative football was 1968 when he represented Queensland against New South Wales from the North.

– profiles compiled by Greg Shannon
> Next Saturday we look at the forwards

[Retread]

North's legends revealed


GOLDEN DAYS ... Bill Bradstreet and Tully's Angelo Crema, right, after representing Australia in 1966

NORTH Queensland's biggest rugby league names are being considered for a team of greats to be chosen as part of the game's centenary celebrations.
The task of choosing a final 17 rests with a five-man selection panel made up of Queensland Rugby League northern division director Ron Read, former Townsville Foley Shield selector Terry Feeney, former Mackay Foley Shield coach Col Grosskreutz, rugby league historian Greg Shannon, former North Queensland and Queensland representative Stan Williams and former Mount Isa and North Queensland representative Mel Brosnan.
The team chosen will recognise those players who had contributed most to North Queensland rugby league.
To be eligible for selection, players must have represented North Queensland at senior (under-19 and above) level.
In the case of North Queensland Cowboys players, they must be local juniors or have spent the majority of their NRL careers with the Cowboys.
Contributions to rugby league in retirement also will be considered.
The team will be announced at next month's Good Guys Foley Shield grand final in Townsville.
Last week we looked at the backs and this week we publish the nominations from forwards, utilities and those who made a major contribution to the game in the North.

FORWARDS

Lock

Kel O'Shea (Ayr Colts, Brisbane Souths, Sydney Wests, Qld 1954-55, NSW 1956-58, Australia 1954-58): North Queensland's very first home-grown, home-based international (Mick Glasheen and Henry Benton made Kangaroo tours, so played for Australia overseas). O'Shea was first selected for the Burdekin Foley Shield side in 1952 and the following year made his North Queensland and Queensland debut. The year 1954 was a great one for O'Shea as he was selected from Ayr Colts to play for the Burdekin, North Queensland, Queensland and Australia in the 1954 World Cup which was staged in Sydney and Brisbane. In 1955 O'Shea completed national service at Wacol and played for Brisbane Souths for some of the season. He signed with Sydney Wests for the 1956 season and formed a brilliant second-row partnership for Australia with St George's Norm Provan. O'Shea returned to Queensland in the 1960s after playing for Australia until 1958.

Stan Williams (Cairns, Innisfail, Brisbane Wests, Queensland 1962): Tough Cairns second-rower who won Foley Shields with both Cairns (1960) and Innisfail (1966). Williams represented North Queensland between 1961 and 1968 and was in the 1964 North Queensland side that defeated France 35-21. He also represented North Queensland against New Zealand in 1963. He had a stint in Brisbane playing for Wests, and represented Queensland in 1962.

Don Meehan (Mackay, Sydney Wests, Herbert River, Qld 1959-62): Ipswich player who played Bulimba Cup and was selected as a reserve for Queensland in 1955 before playing a season for Sydney Wests. It was after he moved to Mackay in 1957 that his career really took off though, leading Mackay to the 1959 Foley Shield premiership and playing a leading role in North Queensland and Queensland dominance. Amazingly he missed out on Australian selection despite being part of the Queensland side that defeated NSW 3-1. Meehan later led Herbert River to a Foley Shield title in 1965 and played club football for Townsville Souths at the end of his career.

Peter Luppi (Cairns, Brisbane Wests, North Queensland, Queensland Country, Queensland Colts 1972, Queensland 1976): Cairns player who made his Foley Shield debut in 1967. Moving to Brisbane Wests in 1970 he became an integral part of the side for several seasons. In 1972 he was selected in the Queensland Colts side to play Cronulla. After returning to Cairns in 1974 he continued to play Foley Shield and represented North Queensland many times until 1978, including against the 1974 and 1977 Great Britain touring sides and the 1978 New Zealand side. Luppi was also a member of the 1976 North Queensland side which defeated Queensland in a warm-up match in Townsville, after which he was included in the Queensland squad for the 1976 interstate series. After retiring as a player he turned to coaching the Cairns Foley Shield side in the 1980s.

Second row

Jim Paterson (Townsville Souths, Toowoomba, Innisfail, Townsville Centrals, Townsville, Herbert River, North Queensland, Queensland 1958-66, Australia 1959-61): A household name during his playing days, Paterson was a Townsville Souths junior and one of the first North Queensland-based players to become a regular in Australian Test sides. He spent two seasons in Toowoomba under legendary coach Duncan Thompson before returning to Townsville in 1956. Paterson made his Queensland debut in 1958 from Townsville and the following year made his Australian debut against NZ. Touring with the 1959 Kangaroos, he was the only North Queensland-based player in the Australian squad and the following year was in the Australian World Cup squad while captain-coach of Innisfail. Paterson led North Queensland to the historic victory over Great Britain in 1966 before retiring from the game.

Joe Vasta (Burdekin, North Queensland, Sydney Newtown, Queensland 1971): Burdekin forward who played soccer before turning to rugby league. Vasta made his North Queensland debut against New Zealand in 1967 and a few years later transferred to Sydney club Newtown. After two years with Newtown he returned home to the Burdekin and after some strong displays for North Queensland was selected for Queensland in 1971. After retiring as a player in the mid-1970s Vasta turned to coaching and can still be seen supporting his beloved Burdekin at local TDRL games.

Elton Rasmussen (Mackay, Toowoomba, St George Sydney, Brisbane Souths, Qld 1959-62, 1967 NSW 1963-66, Australia 1959-66): Giant Mackay forward who represented North Queensland against New Zealand in 1956. He moved to Toowoomba in 1958 and made his Queensland and Australian debut in 1959. His career lasted until 1969 and included being a member of the famous Sydney club St George in the 1960s. After returning to Queensland to link up with Brisbane Souths club he made one more appearance in the maroon jersey, in 1968. Rasmussen retired to run a hotel near Toowoomba and his passing from a heart attack at just 43 in 1978 stunned the rugby league community.

Noel Croft (Mackay, Brisbane Wests, Qld 1970): Mackay player who played Foley Shield before making the North Queensland side in 1970. After some impressive displays for North Queensland he was selected for Queensland and played two matches of that year's interstate series. He played for Brisbane Wests in the mid-1970s before returning north.

Syd Clarke (Townsville, Mackay, North Queensland, Queensland 1965-66): Townsville's Clarke made his North Queensland debut in 1963 and continued to represent North Queensland until 1969. He made his Queensland debut in 1965 against NSW and in 1966 played against Great Britain twice, once for North Queensland in the famous 17-15 victory and then again in Queensland colours. After moving to Mackay in 1968 he continued to represent North Queensland and led Mackay to the 1968 Foley Shield final.

Angelo Crema (Tully, Qld 1962-67, Australia 1966): In 1966 Crema made the Australian Test side to play Great Britain in Sydney but this came after many seasons toiling away for North Queensland and Queensland. Crema played all his club football for Tully, making his Foley Shield debut as a lock in 1959. He played for Far North Queensland against France in 1960 then made the North Queensland side the following year, alternating between second row and prop. In 1963 he made his Queensland debut against New Zealand and was a regular member of the state side until 1968. His selection for Australia as a second-rower in 1966 was a great event for all in North Queensland rugby league circles.

Jim Adams (Brisbane Norths, Townsville, North Queensland, Queensland 1971): Brisbane Norths player who caught the eye of Queensland selectors after moving north. Adams made the 1971 Queensland side after some spirited performances for North Queensland.

[Retread]

Front row

Greg Dowling (Wallaman, Herbert River, Innisfail, Wynnum Manly, Brisbane Norths, Brisbane Broncos, Wigan, North Queensland 1979, Queensland 1980-87, Australia 1984-87): Form Australian front-rower of the 1980s, Dowling played Foley Shield for Herbert River in 1979 and made his North Queensland debut against Great Britain the same year. He made the Queensland (pre-Origin) side in 1980 while playing in Innisfail before moving to Brisbane club Wynnum Manly in 1981. Dowling was a member of the victorious 1984 Queensland State of Origin side and made his Australian debut against Great Britain that year. He was a regular member of Queensland and Australian sides until 1987, including the 1985 tour of NZ and the 1986 Kangaroo tour. His last match for Australia was against NZ while playing for Brisbane Norths in 1987. An original member of the Brisbane Broncos, Dowling had three seasons with the club before finishing his career in the UK with Wigan.

Martin Bella (Sarina, Brisbane Easts, North Sydney, Manly, Canterbury, North Queensland Cowboys, Gold Coast, North Queensland 1982, Queensland 1987-93, Australia 1986-92): An Australian Schoolboy player in 1981, Bella played for the North Queensland Marlins in 1982 before linking with Brisbane Easts in 1983. It was his move to North Sydney that brought him to the attention of Australian selectors and he was selected for the 1986 Kangaroos before playing State of Origin for Queensland in 1987. He was one of the cornerstones of Queensland Origin sides until 1992. Bella joined Manly in 1989 and then Canterbury in 1993 before becoming an inaugural member of the North Queensland Cowboys in 1995. Martin finished his top-grade career at the Gold Coast in 1996 and continued coaching back home in Sarina after retiring from the professional ranks.

Dan Clifford (Tully, Brisbane Brothers, North Queensland 1958-66, Queensland 1958-66): Tully forward who began playing as a teenager and quickly forged a reputation as no-nonsense, hard-working forward. He made his Foley Shield debut for Tully in 1957 and was noticed by State selectors the following year. Apart from a short stint with Brisbane Brothers in 1960 he played all his football in Tully and continued representing Queensland until 1966.

John Eaton (Eacham, Herbert River, Toowoomba, Queensland 1957): Another of the North Queensland big men who helped put the North on the map in the 1950s. Eaton moved to Toowoomba in 1957 from where he represented Queensland but played the majority of his football in the North with Eacham and Herbert River. He also represented North Queensland against France in 1960 from Herbert River.

Marshall Colwell (Mackay, Brisbane Souths, Townsville, Queensland 1981): From Townsville, Colwell was playing in Mackay when he made his Queensland debut in 1981, in a non State of Origin match. He played for North Queensland many times and also played for Brisbane Souths. After returning to the North he coached and continues to contribute to the game.

Duncan Hall (Rockhampton, Brisbane Valleys, Toowoomba, Home Hill, Brisbane Wests, Combined Brisbane, North Queensland, Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia): Powerhouse international forward who played for Home Hill and led North Queensland in 1950. Rated Australia's No. 1 front-rower of all time, Hall toured with the 1948 and 1952 Kangaroos and was vice-captain of the 1954 Australian World Cup squad. While based in Home Hill in 1950 he represented North Queensland, Queensland and Australia. His selection from Home Hill in the history-making 1950 Australian side that defeated Great Britain for the first time on Australian soil in 1950 must have been an enormous boost for North Queensland rugby league. Hall later became a Queensland and Australian selector and was team manager for the very first Queensland State of Origin side in 1980.

Hooker

Henry Benton (Townsville, Queensland 1948, Australia 1948): Henry `Frosty' Benton became only the second North Queensland-based player to represent Australia when he made the 1948 Kangaroo tour. He began his career before World War II and after the war returned to club football in Townsville with Centrals. He led Townsville to Foley shield victory in 1949 and was in the North Queensland side that played Great Britain in Townsville.

Brian Fitzsimmons (Cairns, Brisbane Brothers, Gladstone, Ayr, Queensland 1966-70, Australia 1967-70): A Mareeba junior who played throughout the North and in Brisbane and Gladstone. Fitzsimmons played Foley Shield in 1961 from Cairns and made his North Queensland debut in 1963 from the Cairns Brothers club. He was selected for Queensland every year from 1966 to 1971 and made his international debut against New Zealand while playing in the Burdekin in 1967. He also represented Australia against Great Britain in 1970. Fitzsimmons finished his career with the Brisbane Brothers club in 1974 before moving back north.

Mick Glasheen (Townsville, Queensland 1933, Australia 1933): Melville `Mick' Glasheen was North Queensland's first home-based international. He originally came from Ravenswood and played in Townsville. During 1933 he went all the way from Townsville, North Queensland and Queensland selection to make the 1933 Kangaroos tour to the UK. He coached Townsville's 1948 Foley Shield team.

Utilities

Frank Daisy (Mount Isa, Mackay, North Queensland): Mount Isa legend who also played in Mackay and was considered very unlucky by many not to wear the maroon of Queensland. He represented North Queensland on numerous occasions including against NSW Country sides and against Great Britain in 1979. Daisy played in an incredible eight Foley Shield finals.

Scott Prince (Mount Isa, North Queensland Cowboys, Brisbane Broncos, Wests Tigers, Gold Coast Titans, Queensland 2004, Australia 2005): Mount Isa junior who joined the North Queensland Cowboys as a teenager, making his first-grade debut in 1998. He joined the Brisbane Broncos in 2001. A succession of injuries reduced his time on the field with the Broncos but it was while at the Wests Tigers that his representative career took off. He represented Queensland State of Origin in 2004 and after leading Wests Tigers to a NRL premiership, ironically against the Cowboys in 2005, was selected in the Australian squad. Prince is currently leading the Gold Coast Titans.

John Kynaston (Mackay, Queensland 1972): Mackay player who played Foley Shield and represented North Queensland in the 1970s. Kynaston also represented Queensland in 1972 and was selected for the Qld tour of NZ but could not tour due to injury.

Paul Laffin (Mount Isa, Innisfail): Mount Isa halfback who won Laurie Raleigh blazer for man of the match performance in the 1983 Foley Shield final. He also played for Innisfail and represented North Queensland in the 1980s.

Colin Scott (Townville Souths, Brisbane Easts, Wynnum Manly, Brisbane Broncos, Innisfail invitation side, North Queensland 1989, Queensland 1979-87, Australia 1983): Townville player who played mostly at fullback but also represented Queensland as a winger. Scott represented Queensland in 1979 from North Queensland before joining Brisbane Easts in 1980 from where he was a member of the very first Queensland State of Origin side. In 1981 he joined Wynnum Manly and continued to hold the Queensland No. 1 spot until 1986. In 1987 he played on the wing for Queensland and in 1983 made one appearance for Australia against NZ. After playing for the Brisbane Broncos in their foundation 1988 year he returned to North Queensland to play for Moranbah and achieved North Queensland Marlins selection in 1989.

Len Pegg (Brisbane Souths, Brisbane, Mackay, Queensland, Australia): Another of the 1948 Australian Kangaroos squad to venture north (along with Jack Hourigan and Duncan Hall). Queensland winger/centre Pegg moved north to play for Mackay and represented North Queensland in 1950.

EARLY pioneers of North Queensland rugby league:

O. Olsen: Charters Towers player who was one of the first ever Queensland representatives, playing for Qld in 1908 against NZ Maori and NSW. By 1914 he had become a referee and officiated over the first ever club match in Townsville between foundation clubs All Blacks and Souths.

Jack Egan (Qld 1914-15): One of nine Townsville representatives who played for Queensland 1915, a brilliant effort considering the game only started in the North in 1914.

Jack Hanley: Tryscorer for Queensland in 1915, one of nine Townsville players to represent the state that year.

James `Jim` Hanley: Like his brother Jack, James played for Queensland in 1915. Townville's Hanley brothers may well be the first set of brothers to represent Queensland in rugby league.

GREAT North Queenslanders who have contributed to rugby league but have not represented North Queensland at senior level:

Gene Miles (Townsville Souths, Wynnum Manly, Brisbane Broncos, Wigan, Queensland 1981-89, Australia 1982-88): Miles came from the Townsville Souths club and represented Townsville in Foley Shield before joining Wynnum Manly in 1981. He played centre for Queensland in one non State of Origin match before making his Origin debut in 1982. Two Kangaroos tours in 1982 and 1986 and 20 State of Origin matches for Queensland are part of his resume with his last international appearance for Australia being as a second-rower in the one-off Australia v the Rest of the World in 1988. Miles was a vital member of the champion Wynnum Manly side of the 1980s and captained the Brisbane Broncos before finishing his illustrious career with Wigan. He is now a selector for the Queensland Origin team.

Gorden Tallis (Townsville, St George, Brisbane Broncos, Queensland 1994-2002, Australia 1997-2001): Townsville's Tallis left home as a teenager to trial with Sydney club St George and made a huge impact on the game. Debuting for Queensland in 1994, he joined the Brisbane Broncos in 1997 after sitting out the 1996 season. Tallis captained Australia in 2001 and also led Queensland with distinction between 2000 and 2002. He still contributes to the game in his capacity as a NRL director and is a member of the Cowboys board of directors

Billy Slater (Innisfail, Brisbane Norths, Melbourne Storm, Queensland Residents, Queensland 2004-current, Australia 2008-current): Innisfail junior who rose to fame after joining the Melbourne Storm. The current Queensland and Australian fullback, Slater became a household rugby league name after his performances on the wing for Queensland in the 2004 series.

Dallas Johnson (Atherton, Brisbane Norths, Melbourne Storm, Queensland 2006-current, Australia 2007-current): Tough-tackling Atherton junior who went to the Melbourne Storm via the Brisbane Norths feeder club system. A regular Queensland State of Origin representative since 2006, Johnson made his Australian debut in 2007.

[Retread]

North's best to be named

Some of North Queensland's greatest players will be acknowledged when the region's Team of the Century is announced at the Foley Shield final on Saturday.
With an abundance of talent hailing from North Queensland, including the likes of Greg Dowling, Duncan Hall and Kerry Boustead, selecting just 17 players was sure to cause a few headaches for selectors. Former Mackay Foley Shield coach Col Grosskreutz, who is on the selection panel, said many of the short listed players had represented Australia and admitted the team is "hard to pick".
However, Grosskreutz said the selections are based on more than just playing achievements.
"It's not just the best players, but also what they have put back into the game," he said.
To be eligible for the side, players must have represented North Queensland at a senior level, ruling out the likes of Gene Miles and Gorden Tallis.
There are 14 nominees on the short list who are either from the Mackay region or who played for Mackay at some stage of their career.
Three of them, Dale Shearer, Martin Bella and Elton Rasmussen, were unlucky to miss inclusion in the Queensland Team of the Century and are set to be among Mackay's biggest hopes for the NQ version.

[Retread]

WEBB SECURES FULLBACK
© The Cairns Post



NEW Zealand rugby league international Brent Webb has pipped Billy Slater for the fullback position in the Far North Queensland Team of the Century.
In a decision that will ignite debate across the Far North, a panel of rugby league experts selected the Cairns-raised Kiwis star ahead of the Innisfail speedster.
Slater won a position on the bench alongside fellow Maroons champions Dallas Johnson and Justin Hodges.
The choice of fullback created the most debate among selectors, with Webb’s 17 international jerseys a deciding factor.
Cairns District Rugby League chairman Nigel Tillett said Webb was a proud product of the Far North who deserved the accolade.
"It was a difficult one and there were probably two or three players you could have looked at but you can only pick one,’’ he said. "Billy Slater had to be a show and others like Frank Gil had to be a show but it’s so hard on the day when it gets down to it.
"If that whole team were 21 years of age again you could put it up against anybody, it’s a damn good team.’’
The team is dominated by stars of the 1960s, which judges considered was the "golden era’’ of rugby league in the Far North.
Only players who were raised and played league in the Far North were eligible.
The judges were: CDRL Nigel Tillett, CDRL secretary and operations manager Pat Bailey, Northern Division chairman John Moore, ex-player Les Lazarus (ineligible to vote on halfback), ex-player and NQ selector and coach Tom Tassell, Innisfail representative Vince O’Brien and The Cairns Post sports editor James Silver.

[Retread]

Far North Queensland Team of the Century
Fullback - Brent Webb (Cairns)
Winger - Kerry Boustead (Innisfail)
Centre - Alan Gil (Cairns)
Centre - Ron Tait (Innisfail)
Winger - Lionel Williamson (Innisfail)
Five-Eight - Harold Burns (Cairns)
Halfback - Peter Lazarus (Cairns)
Lock - Stan Williams (Cairns)
Second row - Angelo Crema (Tully)
Second row - Gavin Allen (Cairns)
Front Row - Dan Clifford (Tully)
Hooker - Brian Fitzsimmons (Mareeba)
Front Row - John Eaton (Tablelands)
Reserve - Justin Hodges (Cairns)
Reserve - Billy Slater (Innisfail)
Reserve - Dallas Johnson (Herberton)
Reserve - Jack Seary (Cairns)

[Retread]

NQ Team of Century named today
NORTH Queensland rugby league's Team of the Century will be announced at today's Good Guys Foley Shield grand finals in Townsville. A host of famous names including Matt Bowen, Kerry Boustead, Lionel Williamson, Kel O'Shea and Elton Rasmussen are among those in the running to be announced among 17 North Queensland greats, in an intiative coinciding with Australian rugby league's centenary celebrations.
QRL northern division manager Joe McDermott said it was hoped as many as 12 team members would be at the Townsville Sports Reserve for the announcement.
"The division feels this is a significant moment in North Queensland rugby league, getting the opportunity to honour the past and recent legends of our game in the North," McDermott said.
The Team of the Century is due to be named at about 5.20pm, following the U18 grand final.

[Retread]

North Queensland Team of the Century Announced



RUGBY league continued its centenary celebrations last night, when the North Queensland Team of the Century was announced at a gala dinner.
The only current player to make the team was Hopevale product, Matt Bowen, who was beaten to the custodial spot by Ray Laird.
The affair was attended by Bob Banks and a host of players who were named in the prestigous team.

1. Ray LAIRD
2. Kerry BOUSTEAD
3. Alan GIL
4. Gary WELLINGTON
5. Dale SHEARER
6. Bob BANKS
7. Arch FOLEY
8. Kel O SHEA
9. Angelo CREMA
10. Jim PATTERSON
11. Dan CLIFFORD
12. Bryan FITZSIMMONS
13. Martin BELLA

Interchange Bench
Lionel WILLIAMSON
Matt BOWEN
Marshall COLWELL
Greg DOWLING

[Retread]

Team of Century oozes Test talent
CRAIG BAXTER


LEGENDS . . . North Queensland greats pose after the naming of the NQ Team of the Century.

THE only problem with North Queensland rugby league's Team of the Century would be trying to fit it under a salary cap.
So jokes QRL Northern Division director Ron Read, who headed the selection panel charged with choosing the 17 North Queensland greats honoured with the announcement of the Team of the Century at the weekend.
The team features 14 internationals, from lock Kel O'Shea in the 1950s to current Cowboys fullback Matt Bowen.
Nine team members _ fullback Ray Laird, centres Alan Gil and Gary Wellington, five-eighth Bob Banks, hooker Brian Fitzsimmons, prop Dan Clifford and the interchange trio of winger Lionel Williamson and props Marshall Colwell and Greg Dowling were present for the team announcement at the Townsville Sports Reserve on Saturday.
Second-rower and Townsville resident Jim Paterson could not attend as he was in hospital after taking ill on Friday.
The team also includes wingers Kerry Boustead and Dale Shearer, second-rower Angelo Crema and prop Martin Bella.
Banks _ widely regarded as Queensland's greatest five-eighth behind Wally Lewis _ travelled from his home in Newcastle despite being in a wheelchair.
Banks is the only team member not originally hailing from the North.
At halfback is the late Arch Foley, who represented Queensland from Townsville in 1915 before a distinguished career as an administrator led to the now famous Foley Shield representative competition being named in his honour.
Foley was represented on Saturday by his son Keith.
Ten of the team represented Australia while playing in the Foley Shield.
Williamson began his Test career from his home town of Innisfail in 1968 before joining Sydney club Newtown.
"It's an absolute honour, it's very humbling when I sit back and think of the number of players who have gone from North Queensland and done wonderful things, played for Australia," Williamson said.
"I would suggest, as the selectors said, they could have picked three sides that would have done justice to North Queensland.
"The thing I found fantastic was, when you played for North Queensland the spirit was so strong. You'd come here to Townsville and you'd train, then you'd get on the plane to go down to Brisbane for the State Championships.
"When you got on board the plane you knew you were going to win because the team spirit was so strong and everyone played for one another. There were no superstars, no big heads.
"That taught me a hell of a lot about rugby league, because everyone tried their hardest for their mates."
Bowen received some good news in a season cut short by a chronic knee injury with his selection on the interchange bench.
The only active player to make the team, it is understood Bowen could not attend Saturday's announcement as he was visiting family in Hope Vale.
Saturday also saw the unveiling of an Australian Rugby League centenary plaque to be put up at the Sports Reserve, the birthplace of rugby league in North Queensland in 1914.

PHOTO: Posing after the naming of the NQ Team of the Century were, from left, Arch Foley's son Keith, QRL Northern Division chairman John Moore, Brian Fitzsimmons, Alan Gil, Marshall Colwell, Greg Dowling, Dale Shearer's cousin Vince Knox, Lionel Williamson, Ray Laird, Dan Clifford, Gary Wellington and QRL chairman John McDonald; seated, Bob Banks

[Retread]

In a league of their own
Emma Greenwood
© The Cairns Post

Our best: Players and representatives of those picked in the The Far North Team of the Century show off their jerseys.

THE old warriors of rugby league stood shoulder to shoulder with modern Maroons legends last night as Far North Queensland celebrated its team of the century.
Ten of the 17 members were on hand to receive their jerseys from Queensland’s State of Origin team at a gala dinner at Brothers Leagues club.
And while more than 500 had paid top dollar to dine with the Maroons ahead of their Origin decider next week, the local legends almost stole the show.
Winger Lionel Williamson, a Queensland and Australian representative in the 1960s and ’70s and a mentor to many of Cairns’ young players as coach of the St Augustine’s side, reflected the feelings of many in the team when he said he was humbled by his selection.
"It’s unbelievable. I’m really humbled by the whole thing, I mean that sincerely," the Innisfail product said.
"I’m extremely proud and I’m really, really humbled, it’s just an unbelievable honour after 100 years of football."
Cairns centre Alan Gil, who with Ron Tait formed one of the great centre combinations of his era, was also chuffed to be recognised by the league community.
"It was as good as anything I’ve ever done in my life," said Gil, who continued his involvement in the game as a coach and last night reunited with one of his former state under-18 charges, Queensland mentor Mal Meninga.
Local Origin players Billy Slater, Nate Myles and Dallas Johnson were also popular with the fans and Slater and Johnson were feted as members of the team of the century.
Cairns District Rugby League president Nigel Tillett thanked the Queensland team for their visit, saying it was a highlight for the fans.
"I don’t think we can ever underestimate what this will mean to rugby league in Cairns," Tillett said.
Mengina said it was important to go back to country areas.
"It’s always good to get back in the heartland of rugby league here in Cairns,"' he said.
The Queensland team flies out this morning for Sydney and on to Terrigal on the NSW coast where it will prepare for the Origin decider.

[Retread]

Team of century to be named

Some gifted players have pulled on the Whitsunday Brahmans jersey during the club's inception almost 90 years ago. And tomorrow night, many of those identities will be recognised when the Proserpine club names its team of the century to coincide with the ARL's centenary of rugby league celebrations. Whitsunday treasurer Marlene Malone said a shortlist had been created for each of the positions before the final team is selected by a panel of judges.
The short-listed names represent plenty of different eras in Proserpine's rich history.
"Rugby league has been played in the Proserpine area since 1920," Malone said.
"A lot of the players are from many years ago."
Malone said there was an abundance of talent for the judges to choose from.
Among the contenders is North Queensland Cowboys icon Paul Bowman, who was the first Brahmans junior to represent Queensland in State of Origin.
The robust centre made 12 Origin appearances during his 13-year NRL career.
Another candidate is well-known Brahmans identity Eddie Muller, who has been short-listed for the hooking role.
Muller started playing rugby league in Proserpine before heading south to Brisbane and Sydney to pursue his career.
He later returned to the Brahmans as a captain and coach.
The halfback role also has some strong competition, with the likes of the late Jimmy Hill, a two-time Foley Shield player of the year, up against the might of Billy Lade.
Of course, every team of the century needs a good forward pack and some of the short-listed players vying for a place in the final side include frontrowers Luchie Gardel and Phil Nolan.
The team of the century announcement is part of the Brahmans' annual presentation dinner.
Other awards to be presented during tomorrow night's event include the coveted Paul Bowman Medal, which recognises the A grade player of the year.
And after the Brahmans finished the regular Mercury Cup season as minor premiers, the award is set to be hotly contested, with a number of players who would be deserving of the player of the year title.

[Retread]

Herbert River Team of the Century

Fullback: Michael Rose
Winger: Ray Miguel
Centre: Willie Morganson
Centre: Rod Skinner
Winger: Paddy Payne
Five-Eight: Phil Hopley
Halfback: Laurie Spina
Lock: Don Meehan (capt/coach)
Second Row: Visio Cantamessa
Second Row: Greg Dowling
Front Row: Brian Fletcher
Hooker: Aldo Cantoni
Front Row: Nick Moroko

Reserve. Mick Martin
Reserve. John Schmidt
Reserve. Denis Quagliotto
Reserve: Greg Swarbrick

Utility: Dean Schifilliti
Utility: Jason Erba

[Retread]

Herbert River Allstars

Players who have achieved great things before or after playing in the Herbert River or only played here for a short time.

1. Mick Shannon
2. Lyn Johnson
3. Gary Wellington
4. Graham Lena
5. George Adams
6. Bryan Todd
7. Barry Dowling
8. John Eaton
9. Phil Gormley
10. Jack Munn
11. Jim Paterson
12. Stan Williams
13. George Smith

14. Sam Backo
15. Trevor Whitehead
16. Neil Teys
17. Barry Muller