Rugby league history

[Halbrowne61]

Gary Dowling’s sister was a teacher at my primary school when he tragically died in a car accident aged only 30 in the 1980s

Used to share a few drinks occasionally on Friday nights with Gary at Johnnie Walkers Wine Bar in Sydney, never quite worked out if his death was accidental or intentional ?
Fairly deep character.

 

[tiger_one]

In February 1980, Victa Lawnmowers became Wests first major sponsor, and it couldn’t have come any sooner for the financially struggling club.

Wests lost John Dorahy, Les Boyd and Ray Brown to Manly.
Tom Raudonikis joined Newtown.

Remarkably, despite losing their four best players, the Magpies had an outstanding 1980 season, as Manly & Newtown watched the semifinals from the grandstand.

 

[Halbrowne61]

Used to share a few drinks occasionally on Friday nights with Gary at Johnnie Walkers Wine Bar in Sydney, never quite worked out if his death was accidental or intentional ?
Fairly deep character.

PS That was when he was playing for the Dogs.

 

[OldCrustyMagpie]

In February 1980, Victa Lawnmowers became Wests first major sponsor, and it couldn’t have come any sooner for the financially struggling club.

Wests lost John Dorahy, Les Boyd and Ray Brown to Manly.
Tom Raudonikis joined Newtown.

Remarkably, despite losing their four best players, the Magpies had an outstanding 1980 season, as Manly & Newtown watched the semifinals from the grandstand.




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I remember they struggled financially through the 80's which was one of the reasons the moved to Campbelltown from my memories.