Memo to Sydney: Queensland clubs have a proud history too.

[Broncoman]

I've read Wally Lewis' biography and it had many references to the Brisbane league in the 80's about how tribal and keenly contested it was and how the Broncos and Giants entering the Winfield Cup took the shine away.

In a way you sort of can't blame the Brisbane players at the time moving to NSW and playing there. As professional sportsmen they want to make the best move for their careers and playing and succeeding in a more well known competition would've made their profiles bigger and more known to the wider Australian Rugby League public other than QLD. I'm certain if you spoke to Mal, Steve Walters, Gary Belcher, Steve Jackson and the other QLD members of Canberra's 1989 success they would say the 1989 Grand Final was the greatest game they ever played in and that the premiership win was one of their greatest achievements.

 

[DropBear]

I've read Wally Lewis' biography and it had many references to the Brisbane league in the 80's about how tribal and keenly contested it was and how the Broncos and Giants entering the Winfield Cup took the shine away.

In a way you sort of can't blame the Brisbane players at the time moving to NSW and playing there. As professional sportsmen they want to make the best move for their careers and playing and succeeding in a more well known competition would've made their profiles bigger and more known to the wider Australian Rugby League public other than QLD. I'm certain if you spoke to Mal, Steve Walters, Gary Belcher, Steve Jackson and the other QLD members of Canberra's 1989 success they would say the 1989 Grand Final was the greatest game they ever played in and that the premiership win was one of their greatest achievements.

True. It was always a one way street, that is except for Tommy Radonikous coming from there to here to coach. Not much has changed really I suppose. Only difference is now they take players as well our home State of Origin games :)

 

[Manbush]

You're a Canberra supporter right? Of all teams you should understand the quality of players bred in the BRL that went on to the NSWRL. And I don't mean like Milford who plays a handful of first grade games then moves on. Just because the NSW players did not come here does not make it any more the less competitive comp., in the same way as until recently, with the $AUD improving, most Super League players did not come to the NRL even though it was a better comp. On that argument the English comp is higher quality than the NRL because they did not come here. One constant is that where there is money, the players will go. The NSWRL has always had more $$$, despite the BRL often pulling 30K-40K to a game, which once again is just like today with the Broncos crowd vs. the Sydney crowd. Qld is the heartland of RL even though we have never had the business nouse or political swing of the NSWRL to capitalise quite as much.

I've said how good players were in the Qld comp, difference with players going to England was that was recognised as an inferior comp and players generally went their for their retirement package not in their prime like they were to NSW.

Its not a blight on Qld to recognise the NSW comp was stronger.

Facts, the NSW comp had some of Qlds best players and all of NSW best players, Qld comp only had some of Qlds best. 22-0

 

[DIEHARD]

BRL history needs to take a much much greater focus in our game. It was such a huge part of our way of life in QLD.

I am part of the Diehards Heritage Project, Check out our work at Valleys Diehards. Est 1908. - It's good to be a Diehard!

 

[1910]

It was a strong comp but Mals kidding himself if he thinks it wasnt a lesser comp. Think the pre origin interstate series is pretty damning proof of that, 22 series in a row is hard to argue with.

You'd have no idea, you would never have watched a single BRL game.

You do know that those New South Wales sides had Queenslanders in them from the BRL? Take the 5 or 6 best players out of any losing side and put them in the other side and the result would be the same.

 

[1910]

Lol not attacking Qld players guys, no doubt many great Qlders were playing in both comps but how many great NSW players were playing in the Qld one? The 22-0 does sort of point to one comp being a lesser comp though doesn't it regardless of both teams containing Qlders.

If it makes it feel like I'm not attacking Qlders I readily admit the current Qld cup has been superior to the NSW version for many years now.

WOW.

Churchill and Sattler to name two.

If the NSWRL was so strong seems strange they had to take whole sides from Brisbane every year for their comp and to be able to beat Queensland.

 

[DropBear]

I've said how good players were in the Qld comp, difference with players going to England was that was recognised as an inferior comp and players generally went their for their retirement package not in their prime like they were to NSW.

Its not a blight on Qld to recognise the NSW comp was stronger.

Facts, the NSW comp had some of Qlds best players and all of NSW best players, Qld comp only had some of Qlds best. 22-0

I disagree once again. You look at Wally Lewis, Mal Meninga etc. - they spent years in the Qld. comp. Their presence alone in 1 comp - I mean one is an immortal and the other should have been without the NSW-centric admin. Look I just encourage you to simply go on YouTube and find some of the full games or highlights from the 70's and 80's (up until 1988) and compare the games. Even Tommy Raudonokis he most NSW biased player of all time chose to make himself at home in the BRL as a coach at the detriment of Sydney.

 

[DropBear]

You'd have no idea, you would never have watched a single BRL game.

You do know that those New South Wales sides had Queenslanders in them from the BRL? Take the 5 or 6 best players out of any losing side and put them in the other side and the result would be the same.

1910 I always enjoy your posts, especially in this thread. Did you read Robert Craddock's article on his experience in the stands a few weeks ago - No Cookies | thetelegraph.com.au (sorry for those above their daily limit on views for the Tele). I love the NRL, but the ISC is still fantastic to watch - even now - although prior to 1988 the 3-4 years of games I remember as a kid, and the many videos I have watched since, I am not sure if people choose to forget or have not watched replays of the old BRL games. The comp was absolutely superb, full of huge crowds, atmosphere, passion, and most importantly - some of the greatest players who have ever played the game.