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Club History
Souths Sunnybank Rugby League Club Inc. was founded by Jim Murdoch and local people led by Ray Davis in 1966. The first offical meeting on the 14th March 1967 elected Jim Murdochas its founding President, Jim Herlihy took the position of Secretary/Treasurer. Committee members were: G Afflick, R Davis, V Hill, O Holland, T Kelly, T Kirkwood, P Strotton and G Williamson.
The Souths Sunnybank Rugby League Football Club originally began at Lister Street, Sunnybank. By the time the club was operational the 1967 season had begun and we were not in the draw. Fortunately we were able to compete in an unoffical competition with our one and only team - an Under 12 side coached by Ivan Cohen. The team won the unofficial premiership 18 to nil.
The 1968 season saw the club field 4 teams. The Under 12 side reached the semi-finals and was rewarded for their efforts with a trip to Mackay to play a representative side from Mackay. Frank Lind, Brisbane Junior Rugby League President said "if Sunnybank can send a team to Mackay after being in existence for one year, where will they go after a few years competition".
In 1969 Tom Neale and Vince Davies joined the committee. These two gentlemen were a great benefit to the club and Tom Neale set a record for years of service. 1969 also saw our Under 11's and Under 14's reach the Grand Final.
1970 saw two premierships brought to our club. 1971 saw our club field a Senior side in the sub-districts competition. Our Under 10's and Under 16's won their Grand Final.
1972 saw 13 teams playing and two more premierships. In 1972 the club undertook negotiations with Brisbane City Council for land in Woff Street where our club stands today.
In 1973 our Under 13's team and Under 15's teams won premierships. Mark Coyne, Ken Gamack and Wayne Challis represented their age groups in 1974. Wayne Challis went on to represent Queensland in 1982 against the touring New Zealand side.
Souths Sunnybank Rugby League Football Club has continued to produce many representatives including:- Mark Coyne, Peter Coyne, Scott Logan, Wayne Challis, Phil Lee, Lote Tuqiri, Paul Fisher and Jonathon Thurston.
We would like to take this opportunity to express our gratitude to Mr Lance Blanch for his articles on the history of Souths Sunnybank Rugby League Football Club, which he wrote in 1988. We would also like to take the opportunity to thank the tireless volunteers who continue to assist in many ways to ensure the continiued success of our club.
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