Rugby league history

[PrattenParkMagpie]

Quiz:
Who were the coaches of the GF teams that year?

Jack Gibson and Graeme Langlands

 

[PrattenParkMagpie]

Easts lost just 3 games in 75, rounds 2 and 3 of the regular season and the first Semi final against St George and had 19 consecutive wins.

 

[coivtny]

Thats right Changa did wear white boots in 75, but there was a fullback who was somewhat of a rival to Changa for the Test Fullback spot, although he modestly denies he was. He and his mate were doing a shop fitout for my wife's employer so I invited them around home for dinner. Had a wonderful night talking about all things football LOL over a few even though the better half's boss told me "don't have too much to drink, they've got a big day on tomorrow LOL.
I'm guessing Frank Drake would be in his mid 80s now. A wonderful guy. Wasn't happy with Changa though after getting his 4 front teeth knocked out just prior to selection of the Australian team. It was a tour so he was going as a backup anyway, the job was Changa's.
Ah yes, the white boots? Frank had nicknames like "twinkle toes" Elvis" he openly admits he was a lair rocker hehe. He wore the white boots well before Changa did I think he may have been disqualified from playing in a game for not being in black boots.
I saw some of his games as a kid and he was lightning fast, probably not quite Irvine quick but he was quicker than anyone else in the game. His speed allowed him to be one of the first running/attacking fullbacks the game has seen.

I remember Frank Drake. From memory he player for Queensland and I remember him scoring a try in a test and Frank Hyde saying he was either the first fullback to score a try in a test or the first fullback to score a try against England.

 

[twentyforty]

I remember Frank Drake. From memory he player for Queensland and I remember him scoring a try in a test and Frank Hyde saying he was either the first fullback to score a try in a test or the first fullback to score a try against England.

First fullback to score a try against England. I remember the game when he lost his teeth, think it was at LO. Changa kicked an easy ball to Frank, but it was just high enough so that he could arrive at precisely as it was being caught. It was a regular feature of play in the day. Drake went down low to catch it for some reason. Maybe thought he was a smaller target? But Changa hit him with the kitchen sink.

 

[innsaneink]

Easts lost just 3 games in 75, rounds 2 and 3 of the regular season and the first Semi final against St George and had 19 consecutive wins.

First time I encountered bandwaggonism.
Many of the kids at Five Dock Primary were. Balmain.fans....suddenly became. East's fans

 

[jadtiger]

First time I encountered bandwaggonism.
Many of the kids at Five Dock Primary were. Balmain.fans....suddenly became. East's fans

They probably support Penrith these days

 

[Kaito]

First time I encountered bandwaggonism.
Many of the kids at Five Dock Primary were. Balmain.fans....suddenly became. East's fans

Do you miss the pine inn, Ink?

 

[AmericanHistoryX]

Who will forget 3 spoons. Thats history.

 

[tiger_one]

1976 Wests Magpies


Back Row : Trainer, Wayne Smith, Peter Young, John Elford, John Donnelly, Don Parish ( Coach)
Middle Row : Les Boyd, Tom Raudonikis, Geoff Foster, Don Rogers
Front Row : Graeme O'Grady, John Purcell, Ron Giteau, Robbie Parker.
Absent : Russell Mullins, John Dorahy

 

[innsaneink]

Do you miss the pine inn, Ink?

Naah not really never got there too often... Was a good old pub with a great beer garden

Was surprised recently to. learn she's gone

 

[tiger_one]

24 September 1977, grand final replay between Parramatta Eels and St George Dragons.
Played at the Sydney Cricket Ground in front of a crowd of 47,828 spectators St George defeated Parramatta 22-0 after both teams drew 9-9 at the same ground a week earlier.

 

[tiger_one]

 

[jadtiger]

View attachment 15847
View attachment 15848

I used to love watching this bloke play football,he played at 100 mph and would be one of the most impactful players i have ever seen.Died far too young R.I.P

 

[innsaneink]

I used to love watching this bloke play football,he played at 100 mph and would be one of the most impactful players i have ever seen.Died far too young R.I.P

Yeah he was a weapon... Didn't know he'd passed. RIP

 

[AmericanHistoryX]

The body rests. The Soul.continues. Energy never dies. Isn't that good to know..

 

[tiger_one]

From days gone, Referee Greg " Hollywood " Hartley

 

[Suzie-Q]

24 September 1977, grand final replay between Parramatta Eels and St George Dragons.
Played at the Sydney Cricket Ground in front of a crowd of 47,828 spectators St George defeated Parramatta 22-0 after both teams drew 9-9 at the same ground a week earlier.

View attachment 15842

That was the first Grand Final I ever watched

 

[tiger_one]

That was the first Grand Final I ever watched

I was there too. Loved just being there - didn't care for either team much.

 

[Suzie-Q]

I was there too. Loved just being there - didn't care for either team much.

I watched it on the telly. It was my introduction to Rugby League, and I went for St George because they wore red and white, and my school uniform was red and white 😂😂😂

 

[tiger_one]

And especially for @Tigrr2 - there's someone in this pic you'll like 😉