SPORT
HARPO’ s MARKS
I met up for a cup of coffee with an old Riverstone footy mate while he was in town for a short holiday from the North Coast. As you do, we reminisced about our school days and playing league at Riverstone High and for the Rivo Butchers.
We vividly recalled the annual— and always intense— Teachers versus Students Rugby League matches. That was, of course, in the days when there were at least 13 male teachers on staff. In both games I played in, in 1966 and 1967, I was at five-eighth, and opposite me was one of the all-time greats of both Rugby Union and Rugby League: the Welsh Wizard, Lewis Jones.
Lewis was a superb goal-kicker and an all-round footballer who starred for Wales and the British Lions in Rugby, and for Leeds, Other Nationalities, and Great Britain in League. He migrated to Australia in 1964 to take on the role of captain-coach with the formidable Wentworthville in the Sydney Second Division and to join the teaching staff at Rivo High.
My old mate and I reminisced about those games, agreeing it was fortunate for us— he played inside centre— that Jonesy was in the twilight of his career.
We both knew the great man had passed away in March last year, which led us to wonder which other league legends had also left us in 2024.
I was aware of the passing of four great friends: legendary sportswriters and authors Ian Heads and David Lord, sports commentator David Morrow, and multimedia genius Graham“ The Shadow” McNeice. We also lost champion footballers Keith Barnes, Ron Lynch, and English great Phil Lowe, as well as promoter and entrepreneur Col McLennan, whose vision was instrumental in creating the popular midweek Amco Cup knockout competition.“ Can you think of any others who passed away last year?” my mate asked. That led me to fire up the computer and, sure enough, revered Rugby League historian David Middleton had already compiled a list for us. As I read through the long roll call, I was stunned by how many outstanding figures in Rugby League had left us in 2024. Among them were: Des White: Full-back and goal-kicker for the All Blacks Team of the Century( 1950 – 56), still holding the record for most points for New Zealand— 467 in 61 matches. A member of New Zealand’ s
Barrier with RiseTONY BRASSEL
LADY OLENNA could not have been more impressive in posting effortless 1000m trial win in 57.96 secs at M’ brook on March 14. Unraced Shalaa 3YO filly fully primed to make winning debut.
MARKWELL DREAMER also shone at those M’ brook trials, leading throughout under a hammer hold to win 1000m trial. This bloke has his fair share of ability and always goes well early in his preparations.
LOHNRO’ S QUEEN is a lightly raced 4YO mare with 4 wins from 11 outings against handy types. Absolutely blitzed her rivals in winning 950m trial at Tamworth on March 12th.
MAPPLETON is an unraced Vancouver 3Y0 and showed plenty of ability in comfortably leading and
racing away from rivals in 1000m trial at M’ brook on March 18th.
HIDDEN MOTIVE showed ability in 2YO Breeders Plate when 4th on debut at R’ wick on Oct 5th. Indicated vast improvement on showing great pace and easily winning 800m trial in smart time at M’ brook on March 18th.
CELUI is now under the care of Richard and Will Freedman after showing some ability down in Melbourne. There is a lot to like about powerful finishing burst to win 1030m trial at R’ hill on March 17th.
SPACEWALK couldn’ t have been more impressive in finishing like a rocket to win 900m trial at R’ hill on March 17th. This bloke comes to hand quickly so don’ t miss him. inaugural Legends of League. Passed away on 13 December, aged 96.
Carl Webb: Fearless, hard-as-nails Queensland second-rower who played 12 State of Origin matches and one Test for Australia. Played 187 games for the Broncos, Cowboys, and Parramatta. Passed away on 21 December, aged 42.
John Elford: Rugged Wests Magpies winger-turned-second-rower and former beach sprint champion. Represented NSW and played four Tests, including two matches for Australia in a World Cup campaign in France. Passed away on 4 February, aged 75.
Terry Hill: Played most of his career at Manly under coach Bob Fulton. Represented Australia at a World Cup and in nine Tests. Known for his larrikin role on Channel 9’ s Footy Show and was an enthusiastic greyhound trainer and owner. Passed away on 24 April, aged 52.
Bob Banks: Classy five-eighth who represented Queensland in 26 interstate games and Australia in 15 Tests. Played for Easts Sydney, Charters Towers, Toowoomba, Waratah-Mayfield, Rockhampton, Cunnamulla, Cairns, and Tully. Passed away on 10 July, aged 94.
Kevin Goldspink: Hard-working second-rower with Canterbury and a member of the 1967 – 68 Kangaroo touring side. Played 103 games with the Berries and 26 matches with Easts. Passed away on 5 October, aged 83.
Fletcher Roy Christian: Kiwi legend who represented his country in 32 Tests and 74 matches overall. Another member of New Zealand’ s Legends of League. Led his country to several memorable victories over Australia, England, and France. Passed away on 19 November, aged 81.
Darrell Bampton: A standout junior with the Rabbitohs who was unable to break into the top grade due to the club’ s depth of international forwards. Served Souths and the game superbly as an administrator. Awarded an OAM for services to the game. Passed away on 6 January, aged 74.
John Moran: Played 85 matches with Penrith( 50) and Parramatta( 35). Was a member of the Eels’ first grand final team in 1977, which lost to Manly. Passed away on 19 February, aged 75.
Darryl Van de Velde: A versatile Queensland player in the centres and second-row who represented his state against Great Britain in 1977. Became a highly successful coach with Redcliffe and later in England with Castleford, Huddersfield, and Warrington. A longserving QRL director. Passed away on 28 February, aged 84.
Ern Gillon: Scheming half-back who steered Penrith around the paddock in their debut season in 1967. Previously a member of Parramatta’ s first-ever premiership-winning team in 1964( third grade). Passed away on 17 March, aged 81.
Geoff Robinson: Famous for his barnstorming runs and flowing locks, he was a fan favourite, not only among Canterbury supporters but across the footy world. Won two premierships with the Berries in 1980 and 1984. Passed away on 3 July, aged 66.
Tony Antunac: A towering forward for Manly and Wests. After his first-grade career, he linked up with Windsor for their two-year stint in the new Metropolitan Cup in the mid-1970s. Passed away on 24 August, aged 62.
Bob Lanigan: A sharp-shooting goalkicker who played 67 first-grade games with Newtown before taking his talents across multiple clubs, including Griffith Waratahs, Dapto Canaries, Erina Hawks, and Macquarie Scorpions. Later worked in strength and conditioning in Australia, England, and New Zealand. Passed away on 4 April, aged 81.
John Gocher: A respected referee who officiated in 178 games between 1976 and 1986, including the 1982 grand final between Parramatta and Manly. Also refereed four Test matches. Passed away in October, aged 81.
Eric Robinson: Fleet-footed winger who played first grade for Souths between 1961 and 1964. A standout in South Sydney junior ranks before promotion to grade. A good sire too— his lineage includes son Ricky Walford, Nathan Merritt, and twins Travis and Reece Robinson. Passed away on 14 November, aged 82.
LOW MARKS: NRL referees failing to penalise obvious second and third flops on tackled players. I’ ve got time to grab another beer before the ball-carrier manages to get to his feet!
THE HAWKESBURY INDEPENDENT theindependentmagazine. com. au ISSUE 179 // APRIL 2025 37