Any old time BLR fans here?

[rwaite]

Just as there was always a BRL match of the round at Lang Park the Broncos should have kept that tradition going by always having a BRL/QLD Cup game as the main curtain-raiser before Broncos games. After doing it for a while I can't believe that they have gotten away from doing that.

[Titanic]

Originally Posted by rwaite

I used to remember the aroma of the nearby old Arnotts factory walking to Lang Park for the interstate games back then.

Bloody oath, training at Lang park which was Panthers home ground back in the day was always a mix of fragrances: sweat, dencorub, hops, biscuits (always reminded me of milk arrowroot) and some memorable cup cakes... own up Dessie.

With reference to curtain-raisers, anybody remember the running blue between the Qld and NSW Firefighters on the undercard of the Original Origin? I know we won that and the game and I think the under age (16 I think) game too... what a night. Five in a row was the last thing on my mind at that time.

[Teddyboy]

Originally Posted by rwaite

My first ever game was when my uncle took me to see Easts v Manly at Lang Park, a playoff between the winners of the BRL and Sydney comp I think in 1978 or 79. Easts got beat that night.

He took me to my first interstate game in 1979 when Mal Meninga debuted for Qld and we got beat 35-3 after scoring the first try I believe. I remember the curtain raisers were good value. I think one was the Aboriginals v Qld Police. Now that's a surefire recipe for an all-in-brawl.

I am fairly sure I was there at the first ever State of Origin though something my uncle said this year cast some doubt on that. I used to remember the aroma of the nearby old Arnotts factory walking to Lang Park for the interstate games back then.

Though we grew up in Holland Park near Easts Juniors, my uncle was a big Souths fan and so I adopted them as my favourite team. I remember the horrible disappointment of losing the BRL grand finals in 1980, 1982 and 1984 but was thrilled to bits when we won in 1981 and 1985, grand finals I am very keen to get copies of if anyone has them on video.

Those were great old days when Mal and Wally and Geno and Peter Jackson and Bobby Lindner were playing for Souths and Wynnum and it was a great comp.

Sad that the Broncos left it for dead and didn't do anything to help with its promotion but I have been impressed with how the QRL has steadily developed the QLD Cup competition and delighted when Souths (with the help of Canberra's support) won in 2008. Going strong this year and hope that they win again this year.

Was there a big crowd for the BRL v NSW East's v Manly game.

[XXXX Cap]

Originally Posted by rwaite

Just as there was always a BRL match of the round at Lang Park the Broncos should have kept that tradition going by always having a BRL/QLD Cup game as the main curtain-raiser before Broncos games. After doing it for a while I can't believe that they have gotten away from doing that.

Good in theory but the NRL club supporters on the whole have no interest in anything else and won't turn up early to watch another game.

The supporters of Queensland Cup clubs love their football because it isn't played in a concrete stadium with overpriced entry, food and drinks.

[rwaite]

Originally Posted by Teddyboy

Was there a big crowd for the BRL v NSW East's v Manly game.

I can't remember much about the game but believe there was quite a good crowd.

Just wish there was a similar playoff each year between the winners of the Qld and NSW Cup competitions.

[rwaite]

Originally Posted by XXXX Cap

Good in theory but the NRL club supporters on the whole have no interest in anything else and won't turn up early to watch another game.

The supporters of Queensland Cup clubs love their football because it isn't played in a concrete stadium with overpriced entry, food and drinks.

If properly promoted so people would know about it many people would turn out for the early Qld Cup before Broncos games particularly those Broncos fans who also support Redcliffe and Wynnum.

I do agree with you about the suburban grounds being a better deal in many respects. Love the community easy-going feel at the QLD Cup grounds.

[Titanic]

There needs to be some consideration of the players' desire to play at NRL venues they all have aspirations.

[XXXX Cap]

That's fine but they will lose most of their existing supporter base.

The joy of Queensland Cup football is that it is local and convenient.