North Bluebags 2023 Old boys Reunion Day

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The 2023 North Bluebags Old Boys Reunion Day is on again and will be held at the Adamstown Bowling Club on Sunday 8th October, commencing from 11.30am.
All former Players, Juniors, Officials, Coaches, Supporters and Friends are warmly encouraged to attend.
On arrival you will receive a North Bluebags name tag, (see above picture, with Hutcho as the example).
Finger food will be provided from 1pm.
6 raffles will be conducted throughout the day with tickets 3 for $5.00.
36 t-shirts (see above picture) will be on sale for $35.00, with first in best dressed.
Feel free to bring any memorabilia, photos, newspaper clippings, trophies etc., as there will be several tables set out for display.
For further information or for any persons unable to attend due to mobility or lack of transport, please contact:
Please pass on date to anyone who may be interested.
Reg Toby – 0412847570
Jake Davey – 0419297020
  
 

A few notes on Dave Riding’s career.

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Just a few notes on David Riding’s career to the best of our knowledge.

Macquarie United 1968 – 1975

*1968 – Graded at Macquarie United via Dora Creek, playing in several positions in the backs including wing and 5/8 in his early years and later in the forwards.
*Played over 150 games, including over 130 in First Grade.

North Newcastle 1976 – 1980.

Dave was a noted tackling machine, playing occasionally lock but in the main second row, culminating in playing a pivotal role in our 1979 Premiership win.
*Played over 100 First Grade games.
*2018 – Elected Life Member of the North Newcastle RLFC.

Dora Creek 1981- Captain/Coach.

Kurri Kurri. 1983.

*Dave has the honour of being one of the very few players in the Newcastle Rugby League to have achieved over 100 first grade games at two clubs, Macquarie United and North Newcastle.
A fantastic achievement.

 

Passing of former Coach Dave Morley

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We would like to advise of the passing of former Coach Dave Morley last Wednesday.
Dave was a longtime player with the South Newcastle Club, Reserve Grade Coach with us here at North Newcastle 1979-1981, advisor to Coach John Mayes, Publican for many years of the popular Cricketer’s Arms Hotel at Cooks Hill, and lastly a longtime official at the Newcastle Knights.
Our condolences go out to all of Dave’s family, friends, and former teammates.
Funeral details to follow.

Passing of 1979 Premiership winning 5/8 – Steve Olsen.

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See attached notice from the Tumut Blues Rugby League club on the recent passing of former North Newcastle player Steve Olsen on January 27th.
Steve originally from Forbes, then to South Newcastle in 1978 and finally with us here at North Newcastle in 1979.
Steve played 5/8 in our last ever premiership win of that year.
Our condolences from everyone at the Bluebags go out to Steve’s brother Wayne, all of the Olsen families, friends and all his fellow teammates from his year with us in 1979.
RIP Steve.
 
 
Tumut Blues Rugby League Old Boys.
Stephen Olsen Tribute.
It is with a heavy heart that the Blues Old Boys pass on the news that Stephen has lost his battle with an aggressive throat cancer. Stephen was residing at Wauchope at the time of his demise & is survived by his loving wife Kristine & children Tameka & Nicholas.
Stephen come to Tumut Blues as Captain Coach in 1981 from his home town Forbes, transferring from his beloved Magpies. He remained with the Blues in that position to the end of 1983 season & was joined by good mates John Sellar & Glenn Pengilly. It didn’t take long for Stephen to mould together a very formable Blues combination which come to the fore in 1982. Unfortunately, the Blues fell one short at the final hurdle, going down to the Cootamundra Bulldogs in the Group 9 Grand Final. Playing at lock forward, Stephen was slight in stature but big in heart, with good Rugby League judges branding Him one of the best pound for pound players to don the Blue guernsey.
Stephen Olsen was not just a very accomplished footballer, his demeaner off the field saw him gain the respect of young & old throughout the Rugby League fraternity & citizens of the Tumut Shire. His involvement with the Blues was total commitment, rallying his troops to assist the committee with fund raisers & contributing to Minor League when available. Even in today’s circles, when comparisons are made, Stephen Olsen’s name still comes up as pound for pound one of the best, who had ball playing skills to match his defensive ability.
Stephen’s funeral will be held at Wauchope on Tuesday 31st January 2023, commencing at 11.00 am.
Stephen’s team mates have organised a memorial gathering in Stephen’s honour for next Tuesday at the Star Hotel commencing at 4.00 pm. It is hoped those present can witness a replay of the service through a video-link. Past players, Blues officials & friends of Stephens are invited to attend & if you have any memorabilia from that era, please bring it with you.
Rest in Peace Stephen Olsen.
Dossie Carr.
Secretary Blues Old Boys.

Former Player/Coach Garry Leo awarded OAM

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Congratulations to our former player and Coach Garry Leo (1974-1978) on being awarded an OAM. A fantastic achievement for many years service to Rugby League and the community. See attached notice from the Balmain Tigers.

 

From the Balmain Tigers.

GARRY LEO OAM

Congratulations to Balmain Tiger No 560 Garry Leo, who was awarded at Medal (OAM) of the Order of Australia in the General Division in the Australia Day Honours for 2023 for service to rugby league and to the community.

A local Balmain junior, Leo played 173 first grade games for Balmain as a front rower, including as part of the 1969 premiership winning team. He was awarded life membership of the club in 1994 and has been a director since 2018.

Post his playing career at the Tigers, Garry captain-coached North Newcastle and has been a member of the Newcastle Hunter Branch of the Family of League (formerly Men of League) Foundation since 2009, and is currently its president. He has also served on the board of the Hunter Prostate Cancer Alliance since 2009 and the Leagues Clubs Association of New South Wales.

On behalf of everyone at the Balmain Tigers, congratulations to a true Tiger on your award; a well deserved honour