The Jubilee Tavern bistro was a sea of purple and green on Saturday as over 200 past players of the Whitsunday Rugby League teams came together to mark 50 years since the 1973 team won the prestigious Foley Cup.
Representatives from the 1969 to 1994 teams all came together, many travelling from all over the country and some as far afield as New Zealand.
In previous years, before the Broncos and Cowboys formed, the North Queensland Rugby League competition was one of the most powerful in the country.
Tony Price, Rugby League player and Proserpine local, who also produces and publishes League Queensland Magazine, said that it was incredible to bring a trophy of this calibre back to the Whitsundays.
The Whitsunday League unfortunately folded in 1994 and Proserpine teams now play in the Mackay league, with Bowen heading north to Townsville.
The dissolution of local sport has been disappointing to Tony, but he says it is events like this that keep his spirits up and remind him about the good old days.
“It’s been 10 years since the last event and this one was special because of the 50 years,” he said.
“Everyone knew everyone at this year’s event and it was great!
Amongst the attendees, there were several star players from former years.
These included Mick McLean from Bowen, Eddie Muller from Proserpine, and Adrian Brunker from Collinsville, who all played for Queensland.
In addition, Lee Hannigan who was Captain of the 1973 winning Whitsundays Foley Shield Team and also played for Australia in 1967 came along.
Lee still holds a club record of five trys in one game for his home club of Manly.
To commemorate the reunion, Tony Price compiled a League Queensland Special Edition, proceeds of which were donated to local schools.
Players and Representatives from Whitsundays first and only Foley Shield Champion team of 1973
The Reunion Team L-R Mike Brunker, John Martin, Tony Price, and Kathleen Maher
Over 200 people attended he reunion on Saturday. Photos supplied
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