Footy turns 100 years young
RUGBY LEAGUE: It's a special year for rugby league tragics in Stanthorpe.
The Stanthorpe Rugby League Club and community will celebrate 100 years of footy this year.
A dedicated subcommittee of past players and administrators has been formed to help prepare for the weekend of celebrations on August 3-4.
Rugby League originally started in Stanthorpe on July 19, 1919 when a rep team played Toowoomba Valleys and lost 20-19.
The Stanthorpe team played a return match in Toowoomba against Valleys where they went on to comprehensively win their first match in their 100 year history, 38-16.
"Over the past 100 years there have been many changes, from a sole team representing our town to a full local competition, in its peak that included up to 6 teams,” current president Lindsay Adams said.
"The last major change occurred way back in 1974 when the 'Stanthorpe Gremlins' came into fruition.
"The club still proudly competes under this banner in both juniors and seniors.
"The Stanthorpe Gremlins are still the only playing club of any sport in Australia that has the Gremlin as their logo which is very unique.”
The 100th anniversary celebrations will culminate on Saturday, August 3 with a full day of rugby league, including both junior and senior league games from 9am until 4.30pm.
"That evening, the club will be hosting a social event at the local Stanthorpe Civic Centre, where it has been decided that a Stanthorpe Team of the Century Pre and Post Stanthorpe Gremlins will be formally announced and acknowledged on the night,” Mr Adams said.
"The club is looking forward to welcoming past and present rugby league players, supporters and administrators back home to Stanthorpe to help celebrate this very important milestone.
"Stanthorpe has seen many great players over the years,” he said.
"It will be great to remember and honour their contribution to our game locally.”
The evening will start at 7pm and will be hosted by MC, Bernie Pramberg, a Courier Mail columnist, rugby league tragic and past QRL referee.
The Stanthorpe Rugby League Club would welcome any past junior and senior players and supporters to attend.
Tickets to the Team of the Century Presentation Evening will be $20 each and will be on sale soon.
The club is collating a history of rugby league over the past 100 years and would appreciate any locals input.
Please contact David Ball with information on 0417873842.
