parra pete
Referee
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In his book Tackling Rugby published in 1966, before limited tackle football was even introduced - and before tap penalties were the go, and with State football between NSW and Queensland lop sided, Ken Thornett suggested it was time for administrators to take a look at improvements
In regards to Interstate Football he wrote :-
"The big money obtainable in NSW has lured many of the better Queenslanders over the border. This has sapped the Queensland playing strength to such a degree that annual interstate fixtures are suffering a slow death.
Queensland and Country football is still virile and played with undiminished enthusiasm, but with the concentration of playing strength now in NSW, it does seem that Queensland role will be merely secondary.
Interstate matches could be revitalised by allowing former Queenslanders to play for their State. The present imbalance of playing strength between the two States is an embarrassment all round.
Former Queenslanders now in NSW who could represent their home State with advantage include internationals Kevin Ryan, Ken Day, Elton Rassmussen, Noel Kelly, Mick Vievers and fast moving First graders Ivan Jones and Arch Brown.
These fine players, together with the best of the current crop of Queenslanders would make NSW battle every inch of the way.
In a few years, the position will surely arise when it will be possible to select an entire Queensland team from Sydney grade football, together with replacements.
If our administrators intend to persist with interstate fixtures, then it would be only fair to all concerned that transferred Queenslanders be declared eligible to play for their home State".
Senator Ron McAulliffe and Kevin Humphreys are regarded as the instigators of State of Origin Football in 1980..THEY implemented it FOURTEEN YEARS after it had been suggested by Ken Thornett.
I mentioned that fact to the late great Rugby League journalist Peter Frilingos in 1999.
I got a letter back from Chippy saying -
" Pete, thank you very much for taking the trouble to point out Ken Thornett's thoughts on Origin football.
Apart from being an exceptional player, Ken was clearly a deep thinker about the game of Rugby League.
The next time I write something about the foundation of the origin concept I won't foget to give Ken a mention.
Thanks again
Peter Frilingos
In regards to Interstate Football he wrote :-
"The big money obtainable in NSW has lured many of the better Queenslanders over the border. This has sapped the Queensland playing strength to such a degree that annual interstate fixtures are suffering a slow death.
Queensland and Country football is still virile and played with undiminished enthusiasm, but with the concentration of playing strength now in NSW, it does seem that Queensland role will be merely secondary.
Interstate matches could be revitalised by allowing former Queenslanders to play for their State. The present imbalance of playing strength between the two States is an embarrassment all round.
Former Queenslanders now in NSW who could represent their home State with advantage include internationals Kevin Ryan, Ken Day, Elton Rassmussen, Noel Kelly, Mick Vievers and fast moving First graders Ivan Jones and Arch Brown.
These fine players, together with the best of the current crop of Queenslanders would make NSW battle every inch of the way.
In a few years, the position will surely arise when it will be possible to select an entire Queensland team from Sydney grade football, together with replacements.
If our administrators intend to persist with interstate fixtures, then it would be only fair to all concerned that transferred Queenslanders be declared eligible to play for their home State".
Senator Ron McAulliffe and Kevin Humphreys are regarded as the instigators of State of Origin Football in 1980..THEY implemented it FOURTEEN YEARS after it had been suggested by Ken Thornett.
I mentioned that fact to the late great Rugby League journalist Peter Frilingos in 1999.
I got a letter back from Chippy saying -
" Pete, thank you very much for taking the trouble to point out Ken Thornett's thoughts on Origin football.
Apart from being an exceptional player, Ken was clearly a deep thinker about the game of Rugby League.
The next time I write something about the foundation of the origin concept I won't foget to give Ken a mention.
Thanks again
Peter Frilingos
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