A long time ago, I know, but a phone call to me in Auckland from Brisbane in October 1978 changed my life and introduced me to the passion that is rugby league in the State of Queensland.
At the time, I was coaching the Otahuhu Leopards in Auckland and we had just played and beaten Cronulla at Carlaw Park in Auckland for what was back then, the Trans-Tasman Cup.
We, Otahuhu, won the game, and then while enjoying a celebratory beer back at the Otahuhu club with the then Cronulla coach, the legendary Norm Provan, I received that phone call.
On the phone was the late, great, master coach, Bob Bax who was then President of the Norths Devils. Baxy asked me if I was interested in coming to Brisbane and coaching Norths.
It was an exciting but also strange conversation because Bob spent about five minutes telling me how difficult the job was going to be, because they had just finished last in the Brisbane comp and also had also lost a number of their best players.
But it was an opportunity for me that I took in both arms and consequently came over to Brisbane in 1979 to coach the Norths Devils.
As it turned out, we won the Brisbane Grand Final the next year in 1980, and that year Brisbane also staged the first State of Origin game.
Many, including myself, firmly believe the State of Origin Series is the best sporting event on the planet.
But anyone who was at Lang Park that night in 1980 will have forever etched into their soul, the dream of what could happen if given a chance with your own players.
I am forever grateful that Bob Bax phoned me that day way back in October 1978.
Many regard Bob Bax as Queensland’s greatest ever coach, his coaching record and influence on the game of rugby league in Queensland, speaks for itself.
