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St Johns Eagles JRLFC Inc

1954-2003Published to commemorate the

Fiftieth Anniversary The aim of the 50th committee was to producea book that captures the history and highlightsof the past 50 years of the St Johns EaglesJunior Rugby League Football Club, formerlyknown as St Johns Lakemba.

We have found it difficult to find accuraterecorded information for the early years. Wehope any omissions will not offend anyone.

It would be appreciated if readers who noteany errors or omissions would send any alter-ations or additional information to the club so itcan be filed with the book for the future.

We trust you will enjoy these reflections whichwe hope bring back fond memories.

I would like to thank Paul Fitzsimons for histhorough research, Julie Brown for her hardwork, Mark Brown for his work on the graph-ics, and Charbel Khoury for his hours of tech-nical work.

To all who provided pictures, books, maga-zine, memories and support we thank you.

A special mention to the committee who havehave worked hard on the celebrations and thebehind the scenes work.

We hope you enjoy this trip through the lastfifty years as much as we enjoyed compilingand researching it.

Fady Ghanem

PO BOX 336 Punchbowl, 2196, NSW

Secretary Contact: 0410 653 475

Sponsored by Anthony Karam and Family2

Current St Johns Family

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This booklet is a salute to those whowere, in one way or another, involvedwith the establishment of the StJohns Eagles J.R.L.F.C. since 1954.It is also a record of accomplish-ments throughout the 50 years.

It acknowledges the years of toil ofthe many generations who have fil-tered through the club over the years,their contributions and most signifi-cantly their dedication towards thegrowth and success of the club.

As President of the St Johns Eaglesfootball club I am honoured andproud to be associated with one ofthe largest Junior League Clubs inthe Canterbury/ Bankstown district,which is so rich in history and tradi-tion.

In my seven year involvement with StJohns I have seen a steady growthtaking place within the club, from theplayers to the officials to its membersand most importantly the support andhelp from parents and friends.

This in itself has to be one of themain ingredients for any club, toreach a milestone of this magnitude.I look forward to the future in seeingthe club going another 50 years.

I hope this booklet brings back thememories the triumphs and the suc-cesses of so many who have had anyassociation with the St Johns footballclub.

Yours in sport

Mitchell Raimona (Club President 2003 )

Foreword

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Tribute to theDe La Salle Brothers

The De La Salle Brothers are a teaching reli-gious orders based on the leadership of theirPatron St John Baptise De La Salle.

In the early 1950’s the local community saw aneed to further the Catholic primary educationof boys in the Canterbury Bankstown area.

The local parishes raised the money to buildthe school (now called Holy Spirit College).The DLS Brothers were asked to run theschool.

The Original Community 1954. Back: L to R: Brother Declan, BrotherFlorence (Principal), Brother Anselm (Deputy Principal). Front., L toR. Brother Bernadine, Brother Richard, Brother Vincent.

The early days saw much hardship as theBrothers worked hard with parents to developthe school.

Over the years many Brothers both taught atand ran the school. They gave the school “thespirit” and inspired many of their pupils. Inreturn the Brothers were much loved andrespected.

1962 STAFFFRONT: L. to R.: Mrs Harris. Mrs Pam Ghidari, Br. Pius Crowe, Br.Anselm,Br. Leopold, Br. Alphonsus, Br. Charles Berkeley, Br. Casimir,Miss Williams. BACK: L. to R.: Mr Kevin Dilley, Mr Goddard, Mr ErrolScarlet, Mr Murphy, Mr Neville Mayhew, Br. Antoninus, Mr Michael Pope,Mr Norbert Egan, Br. Christopher Watson.

Back, L to It: Br. Charles Berkeley, Br. Pius Crowe, Br. DeclanThompson, Br. Antoninus Good, Br. Christopher Watson.Front: L to R: Br. Anselm, Br. Leopold Deignan, Br.Alphonsus., Br. Casimir (Taken early 60's.)

SSt John's main sport or the most promit John's main sport or the most promi--nent sport was Rugby League. It was anent sport was Rugby League. It was arule in the Brothers' community thatrule in the Brothers' community thateach Brother had a team to train and beeach Brother had a team to train and beresponsible forresponsible for. I enjoyed the activity. I enjoyed the activitybut was never at ease at being a coach.but was never at ease at being a coach.The College had a good reputThe College had a good reputation andation andhad many outhad many outststanding individual playersanding individual playersand teams. I remember the jersey veryand teams. I remember the jersey verywell; yellow with a large red eagle onwell; yellow with a large red eagle onthe front plus blue shoulders. the front plus blue shoulders. TTo theo theboys the greatest insult was to tear theirboys the greatest insult was to tear theireagle ofeagle off during a game.f during a game.

Brother Brother AloysiusAloysius

Representing in SRepresenting in Sttate Carnivals and the School First X1ate Carnivals and the School First X1111 on Oakhill Day are special memories.1 on Oakhill Day are special memories.Those teams had wonderful spirit and camaraderie fostered by the De La Salle Brothers. Nothing betThose teams had wonderful spirit and camaraderie fostered by the De La Salle Brothers. Nothing bet--tered the atmosphere of a final on the "narrow" fields beneath the cliftered the atmosphere of a final on the "narrow" fields beneath the cliffs of Oakhill College.fs of Oakhill College.

Almost all my teams were coached by the knowledgeable and disciplined De La Salle Brothers. Almost all my teams were coached by the knowledgeable and disciplined De La Salle Brothers. TheyTheypromoted the value of teamwork and the free flowing running game that was to later earn ourpromoted the value of teamwork and the free flowing running game that was to later earn ourBulldogs team of the late 70's/early 80's the "EntertBulldogs team of the late 70's/early 80's the "Entertainers" tainers" tag. It didn't always win football games,ag. It didn't always win football games,but it sure made for more fun to play an unrestricted style.but it sure made for more fun to play an unrestricted style.

The Brothers put the "fear of God " into you at times, in both the Classroom and on the playing field.The Brothers put the "fear of God " into you at times, in both the Classroom and on the playing field.Looking back nowLooking back now, their expect, their expectations were high, but their discipline fostered the great spirit and emoations were high, but their discipline fostered the great spirit and emo--tion to play for the school and your mates .tion to play for the school and your mates .I pI particularly admired Brother Pius as a terrific Coach and school mentorarticularly admired Brother Pius as a terrific Coach and school mentor. . Although I was neverAlthough I was nevercoached by Brother coached by Brother Anslem, he was the favourite Brother amongst all my mates of that era.Anslem, he was the favourite Brother amongst all my mates of that era.

Mark Hughes (student 1960’Mark Hughes (student 1960’s)s)

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Tribute to theDe La Salle Brothers

Principals: Taken in 1966 at the event of BrotherLeopold's farewell on leave to Ireland. L. to R.Brother Leopold; former Principal, BrotherFlorence and new Principal, Brother Leo

Br Leo

Brother Declan

Back L to R: Br. Charles Berkeley, Br. PiusCrowe, Br. Declan Thompson, Br. AntoninusGood, Br, Christopher Watson. Front-, L to R:Br. Anselm, Br. Leopold Deignan, Br.Alpbonsus, Br.. Casimir - Taken early 60's.

The Last Community 1986 L to R: Br. Vial Tran Van Hue, Br.Basil Collins, Br. Dermot Brosnan, Br. Kevin Neville.

Brother Florence

The Sixties saw the Brothers take the schoolto a new level in all they did. On the footballfield and at training the Brothers high expec-tation of the boys in their charge developgreat skills in the teams.

Br Brendon’s knowledge of the game washighly respected and his book "High SpeedRugby League", was ahead of its time. SouthSydney helped publish the book whichbecame popular with many coaches.

The seventies saw the numbers in theBrothers take a backwards slide . The num-bers of Brothers at St Johns was reduced to2 in 1973. The Brothers continued to run theschool till 1985. In 1986 the Brothers were nolonger able to be a part of St Johns.

During their 34 years as a part of the site atLakemba, the Brother built a school and edu-cated students. But this was the least of theirachievements. Their attitudes, dedication,way of life and love of students is what madeSt Johns a great school.

Their efforts to support the extra curricularactivity of rugby league for young boys hasgiven the football club a solid foundation andset the club to last a long time into the future.

Sponsored by George Habib and Family

Sponsored by Paul Fizsimons and Family6

Life MembersYear Name

1976 John Moran

1982 Brian McCullagh

1987 Ray Pike

1989 Dennis Jessup

1990 Michael Byrne

1991 Vince Ryan

1993 Gerard Southam

1996 Joe Karam

1997 Nal Wijesekera

1999 Paul Fitzsimons

2000 Michael Khoury

2000 Ted McGrath

It is a great honour for a member of any volun-teer club to be nominated as a Life Member,particularly for the St Johns Eagles JRLFC.

It is a testament to the hard work andunselfishness displayed by a member whohas significantly contributed to the running ofthe club. The spirit and will to excel at St Johnsis a trait which becomes ingrained into playersand members as they strive towards theirgoals.

As a Life Member you are an ambassador notonly for St Johns Eagles JRLFC but also forother affiliated clubs and sponsors and sup-porters of our club.The members and commu-nity congratulate those who have attainedthis level of recognition within St Johns EaglesJRLFC and hope that others will aspire to jointhem.

Vince Ryan and Ray Pike

Ted McGrath, Paul Fitzsimons &Nal Wijesekera

Joe Karam

Michael Khoury

Michael Byrne

Dennis Jessup

John Moran

Gerard Southam

Brian McCullagh

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History of St Johns FootballClub 1954-1973

reprinted from Where Eagles Dare,1979 By Brian McCullagh

St. John's fielded a representative team in 1954, its veryfirst year of existence. The only record we have of this teamis in the hand written journal of the first year of the school,kept by the Brothers, and a part of an article by John Doyle(5th. Year) in the November, 1959, issue of "L'Etoile" theschool paper. The Brothers' journal states: "August 8th. Oakhill KnockoutTo give the St. John's football team practice, games were

arranged between D.L.S. Bankstown and D.L.S.Marrickville. The first was played at Bankstown and waswon in fine style by St. John's six points to nil. The gameagainst Marrickville was played at Lakemba and was wonby St. John's nine points to nil.

The draw for the Oakhill Knockout meant D.L.S. Ashfieldplaying St. John's. It was a good hard game with plenty oflow tackling from D. O'Brien and T. Bates. Final score wasthree points to nil in favour of St. John's. N. Stephensonscored the try.

The next match was against Coogee. St. John's held themto nil all until one minute to full time. Coogee then went overand the bell rang as the kick was being taken.The "L'Etoile" article states" In preparation for the annualOakhill Football Knockout, our Sixth Class weight team,under the coaching of Brother Anselm, defeatedBankstown and Marrickville. On August 8th, in the firstKnockout match, we defeated Ashfield 3-0, but weredefeated by Coogee 3-0 in the second match."

"GOLDEN" YEARSThe early years were golden years as far as football at St.John's was concerned.In 1955, the school's second year of existence, the Eagleswon the 5-7 District Knockout.In 1956 four teams won District Knockout shields and theSix Stone Team reached the Grand Final of the StateKnockout at the Sydney Cricket Ground.It 1957 and 1958 the school won seven divisions in eachyear in the District Knockout.

In 1957 four teams were fielded by St. John's in the JuniorLeague Competitions - two E Grades and two F Grades.The top E Grade team won the Premiership undefeated,while the second E Grade side came eighth out of fourteenteams. The top F Grade side played in the Final which theylost, while the second side came about half way in the com-petition.

So, in our first year in Junior League, we gained aPremiership and participated in a Final.

At the end of the 1958 season, D. Nicholls wrote in"Sporting Round Up"of "The Golden Eagle", Oct., 1958:"Well, the curtain has fallen to draw a very successfulLeague season to a close. The school's name hasbeen phenomenally branded on the map and we haveprovided a headache and heartache for numerousopposing teams. The younger talent is formidable andI can assure you that Brother Benedict's team will go along way in future seasons. Both the forwards and thebacks are without flaw.

Opposition after opposition fell before the onslaught ofour teams in knockouts, and we retreated with 9 out of11 Cups, leaving other schools flabbergasted. In townin the Combined Knockout Brother Alphonsus' EightStoners played mighty football and won severalgames."

In 1959 the Five Stone Team got really close to takingout a State Title. I quote from "UEtoile", Vol. 1, No.3,Oct. 1959:

"Having waltzed our way triumphantly through theopposition in the Canterbury Bankstown KnockoutCarnival to the tune of eighty-eight points to nil againstus, we were full of confidence and right on our toes aswe trained hard for the New South Wales Knockout tobe held on the 21st. August.

We ran to the field at Moore Park to face our first oppo-nents, Tempe Public School, and then we realized wehad a job on our hands. The forwards battered theirway up the field and scored against us. Stung by thisreverse we dived into the fray and after some quickpassing and backing up John Faddy dived over for a tryto make the score 3-3. Tempe's forwards again bargedtheir way over the line, but by quick retaliation bothDennis Scahill and Brian Collins scored to give us thelead with the points 9-6. With our forwards defendinggrimly the final bell rang and so we lived to play again.

An hour later we lined up against Marist BrothersPenshurst. As they had beaten us quite earlier in theseason they were quite confident but we had a few sur-prises ready for them and when Anthony Doyle, ourdashing five-eighth, slashed through to score, the writ-ing was on the wall. After a dazzling run down the side-line Robert Delaney was pushed into touch five yardsout from the line.

From the ensuing scrum our nippy little halfback and

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captain, Greg Dugan, snapped up the ball, dummied apass to the winger, and with neat footwork stepped insidethe opposition to score a very fine try. When the gameended we were at our top, the score being 6-3 in ourfavour.

With no time to lose we rushed straight to the Cricketground to play our final match against Daceyville PubicSchool. The match was a "thriller with Daceyville scoringfirst. We hit back and from a scrum John Faddy, our untir-ing lock, raced down the blind side to score. Scores threepoints all.

Once more Daceyville wrenched the lead from our graspwith a nice try. The pace was really on now and from asplendid backline movement Michael Roustan, our winger,flashed across the line to level the scores once again. Timewas running out and although we tried desperately to pen-etrate, the opposition held firm and so with the scores at 6-6 the full time bell ran out. Daceyville, scoring the first try,were deemed the winners and we congratulated them.

Congratulations, Five Stoners. This is the closest a St.John's team has come to winning a Final in the StateKnockout, and when 1960 comes around, who knows whatresults the New Year may bring."

Then, in 1960, St. John's came second in the JuniorLeague Club Championship - "a great effort consideringthey had no A or B Grades" ("The Star" - Vol. 2 No. 2,August, 1960). In that year St. John's fielded sides in thefollowing grades: C, D, E, F, GI, G2, HI, H2.As well as doing so well in the Club Championship, St.John's won three premierships (C, G and H Grades), a featrepeated in 1962 and 1976. Since 1960 the Club has wonPremiership each year except for '68, '73 and '74. As well,St. John's has won at least one division every year in theDistrict Knockout.

The Junior League competitions continued to be the mainarea of Eagles' football endeavours, apart from theKnockouts. The C.C.F.A. (Catholic Colleges FootballAssociation) catered for the Firsts and Seconds onThursday afternoons for a short time.

The fact that St. John's eventually became a Year 10school had a major impact on football. No longer would wehave senior boys, and some boys that would have come tous went to sixth Form schools so as not to have to changeschools for the final years.Yet strangely enough, 1967 was the Year St:John's won itsfirst State Knockout- and this, was the schools older boysthe eight Stone Team. A. Buxton captained the side whichincluded A. Davis, J. Kelly, P. Yopp, M. O'Brien, M. Hughes,P. Lewin, J. Tinadale, P. Ghosn, B. Robins, B. Russel, A.Vidle, M. Patterson, P. Morrissey, W, Hopley, T Carolan.

In 1966 St. John's fielded an M Grade team in theJunior League. The side went on to win thatPremiership and, with the addition of other players,won the J Grade (1969), 1 Grade (1970) and G Grade(1972). Their four Premiership was equalled this yearwhen the 1979 G Grade won its fourth consecutivePremiership.

By the mid-sixties the football at St. John's was beingrun by a properly constituted football club, a member ofthe Canterbury-Bankstown Junior Rugby LeagueFootball Club. Fathers such as J. Carolan, S. Bobridge,Barry Lehmann, Len Palmer, Noel Hughes, DickBambery, John Moran and Martin Puckeridge havebeen prominent officials. For years Mick Keeble wasprominent as an official and coach. He was largelyresponsible for the drafting of the present constitution.People like Nev Cronk, Joe Marinak, Mick McNamara,Paul Gates, Geoff Butler, Bill Shannon and AuthorRiddell gave many years of service as coaches or man-agers with St Johns teams. Obviously dozens of namescould be added to the list of coaches and managers.Joe Ghidini's work in fund raising was a legend. BrotherLuke and Brother Gregory are very much rememberedby the present club members for their trojan work. Aproperly researched study on officials would take manypages. However, we limit ourselves here to actualdevelopments affecting the club and the boys them-selves.

A big decision was made in 1971. After much discus-sion and rejected proposals it was decided to encour-age boys to represent the club by awarding an embroi-dered jacket to each boy who has played forty gamesfor the club. The count was to start in 1972. This hasbeen a popular innovation. The jackets are proudlyworn as a part of the school uniform and are quite dis-tinctive.

In 1973 the first "Where Eagles Dare" Annual was pub-lished. Each year this has grown and provides a recordof all the club's happenings, all game results, allscores, and a write-up on each player.

From "Where Eagles Dare" 1979, Brian McCullagh

Sponsored by the Singh Family 9

1954

The First St. John's Football Team 1954.(Not in order of photograph): J. McMahon,E. Drayton, K. Patterson, N. Stephenson,G. Doolan (v.c.), T. Lynch, R. Ryan, D.O'Brien (C.) T. Bates, I Thornw, G. Cleary, IDoyle, B. Kirkharn.

Rugby League commenced at St Johns onThursday 10th June 1954. A school colourHouse competition was run during sport.Bernards won the competition followed byPauls, Dominics and Kevins.

The first inter-school games were in prepara-tion for the annual Oakhill football knockouts.Our sixth class weight team, under thecoaching of Br. Anselm, defeated Bankstownand Marrickville. On 8th August, in the firstknockout match, we defeated Ashfield 3-0,but were defeated by Coogee 3-0 in the sec-ond match.

The early Days

Above: photos from the 1954 Oakhill knockout

Rugby League became a major part of theschool from the early days. The Brotherstaught many lessons of life through sport.

Rugby league was one of the many founda-tions of a school that started from a humblebeginning.

Even though in the first few years rugbyleague was played only in knockouts, itsounded the beginning of a great club in theCanterbury Bankstown District.

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1954-19561954First representative team entered into the Oakhill Knockout captained by D. O'Brien19555st 7lb team wins Canterbury Bankstown Knockout competition.1956Four teams win Canterbury Bankstown Knockout competitions - 5st, 6st, 7st, 7st 7lb. The 6st team

reaches the Grand Final of the State Knockouts played at SCG.

1955 6 Stone 7lbs Primary

1955 5 Stone Premiers C.B.D.R.F.L

1956 Canterbury Knockout

STATE KNOCKOUT - 1958 - MOORE PARK, SYDNEYBACK ROW: Leo Stonnell, Staffor Blechynden, Geoffrey Whetton,John Maher,Brother Benedict, Paul Bramble, Brian Williamson, InaAustin,Peter Sheehey, Neville Browne.FRONT ROW: Geoff Deehan, John MacDonald, Tony Wills, GarryBrennan,John Faddy, Warren Ryan.

Sponsored by Ray and Yvette Ghanem and Family 11

1957

Extract from 1957 season CBDJRL Annual report "E" GRADE COMPETITION

J. KELLARD CUPFinal

St Johns No 1 8 d. Belmore Old Boys 5

St Johns No. 1, undefeated minor premiers, were successful in this competition by beating Belmore Old Boysin a terrific final.

This competition started last season, continues to improve both in the standard and the number of players par-ticipating. Last season there were ten teams; this season fourteen teams took part.It is a real treat to watch these games, and I feel sure anyone who has followed this grade throughout the sea-son will feel they have witnessed Rugby League at its BEST when played by these boys.

Congratulations to the Premiers, St Johns No. 1, and the runners-up, Belmore Old Boys.St. Johns "E" Grade team also had the honour of being the only undefeated team in all grades last season.

19579 Stone TeamC.B.D.J.R.F.L

Undefeated Premiers276 For, 27 Against

Back row: W. Haynes, R. King, N. Stevenson, D. Lover, M.Dyball, R. Anderson, W. MitchellFrontrow: G. Doolan, D. O’Brien (C), N. Ayshford, B. Salmon (Ballboy), P. Jarman, B. Kirkham, D. NichollsReserves: V. White, N. Loyd

Top Left; Oakhill Knockout 1957Top; 9 Stone Oakhill KnockoutLeft; F Grade 1957

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1958-1959C.B.D.R.F.L Knockout Competition Winners

J. Dowdell 7 Stone Captain M. Chahine 7 St lbs. Captain

1957St Johns wins seven divisions in the Canterbury Bankstown Knockout competition. Four teams entered into theCanterbury Bankstown District JRL being two E (under 16) and two F (under 15) grades. The top E grade teamwent through the competition as undefeated premiers while the top F grade team were defeated in the final. D.O'Brien captained the successful E grade side.1958St Johns again wins seven divisions in the Canterbury Bankstown Knockout competitions - 5st, 6st, 7st, 7st 7lb, 8st,9st and 10st.1959The 5st team reaches the Grand Final of the State Knockouts but is defeated on a countback after the scores were6 all at full time.

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1960’sFrom the humble, but rapid beginnings of StJohns Football in 1954, who ever would havebelieved that within 7 years, we would developinto one of the most successful football clubs inthe Canterbury District.

Brother Anselm and his assistants were a veryimportant part of developing and nurturing theplaying skills of the boys on the rugby leaguefield. From meagre beginnings the teams of St.John's went from success to success.

To all those associated with St. Johns it was nosurprise that this happened. It reflected thequality of character that St. Johns boys distin-guished themselves by, in particular, their will-ingness to keep trying.

During the sixties, St Johns won sixteen JuniorLeague premierships, thirty five Canterbury-Bankstown Knockout Championships and OneState Knockout Championship St Johns wonmore G Grade and I Grade Premierships thanany other club.

In 1961 the football club had claimed prestigestatus in the area and lights were erected forfootball training on the now completed oval.The poles for these lights came from the oldRandwick tram depot.In 1962 - 1964 the competition was split intotwo divisions - Canterbury and Bankstown. StJohns won the Canterbury division.

The sixties also saw the beginnings of suc-cessful football careers for Gary, Mark andGraeme Hughes, John Peek, Greg and DennisScahill, Chris & John Tindale, Stephen White,Norm Thomas and many others. What a greatthrill for the boys to be presented with theirpennants in 1965 by Les Johns.

In 1967 the first publication of "High SpeedRugby League", written by Brother Brendanwas distributed, with the Directors of SouthSydney Leagues Club as the financial support-ers of the book.

The continued success of the sixties almostcame to a screaming halt, when it wasrumoured that at the end of 1964, St John'swould cease as a regional boys school.Cardinal Gilroy received a delegation of eightparents, and their strong feelings on this deci-sion were made known. His Eminenceassured the members in May 1964 that St.John's would continue as a boys school.

As the boys matured and left St Johns, theywould play Saturday league with other clubswithin the Canterbury Bankstown district. Agroup of parents including Noel Hughes, KevinPeek and Barry Lehmann approached theschool with the desire to create a club wherethe boys could stay together to play Saturdayleague and 'The Brothers' club was formed toenable this. The St John's 'Old Boys' playedfor this club on Saturdays until the current StJohns club entered senior teams in the mid1980's. Julie Brown

1967 8 Stone State Premiers Back row: A. Davis, J. Kelly, P. Yopp, M. O'Brien, M. Hughes, P.Lewin, J. Tindale, P. Ghosn Middle row:B. Robins, B. Russell, A. Vidler, A. Buxton (Capt) M.Patterson, P. Morrissey, W. Hopley. Front row:W. Benson, T. Carolan.

JUNIOR LEAGUE 'G' GRADE - PREMIERS 1960BACK ROW: David Williams, Tony Wills, Paul Kirkham, Kevin DoyleBrian Russell, John MacDonaldSTANDING: Joe Michael, Anthony DoyleMIDDLE ROW: Brian Brennan, Warren Ryan, Jeff Smith, Geoff Deehan,

David Franklin, Peter BoothFRONT ROW: Barry Moore, Robert Delaney COACH: Brother Aloysius

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1960-19641960 The club re-entered the Canterbury Bankstown District JRL competitions and fielded eight teams - C, D, E, F, 2 xG and 2 x H grades.5 teams made the semi-finals. 3 teams became premiers C, G and H grades.The club ran second in the District Club Championship.1961The team numbers increased to total 10.3 teams made the semi-finals.G and I grades won their grand finals.1962A record 11 teams were entered into the CBDJRL - B, E, F, 2 x G, 2 x H, 2 x I and 2 x J grades. This would bethe most number of teams the club fielded, until equaled in 1987 with 11 and surpassed in 1990.7 teams played in the semi-finals.3 teams won Premierships G, H and I grades.1963The club fielded 10 teams - E, F, G, 2 x H, 2 x I, 2 x J grades and K.8 teams played in semi-finals.2 teams G and K grades became premiers.1964The club fielded 8 teams. I grade won their grand final being the only team to compete in the finals.

1966 M Grade Premiers Back row: M. Sheargold, T. Mayles, T. Wilmott, S. Weigold, B.Cohen, J. Davis, A. WiegoldMiddle row:T. O'Day. P. Morrissey, A. White, P. Lehmann (Capt) M.Rix (V Capt) M. Murphy, W. Buckley.Front row: C. Williams, J. O'Keefe, J. Hurley.

F Grade 8 st 7lbs 1961Back : Stan Blaney, Chris Murphy, Joey Michael, Lackie McDonald, LesSullovan, Peter Sedman, Barry mooreMiddle : Brian Sheeky, Carl Pemberton, Greg Dugan(C)Brian Collins(vc)Front Row : Peter McDonagh, Erryl Sams, Phil Castle

1962 G grade PremierStanding: T. Skelton, R. Farrell, S. Khoury, S. Jeryman, J. Booth, T. Hijrley,J. Chohine.Sitting: P. Howes, R. Doman, D. Scahill (Capt.), J. Bennett, D. Upsall, M.Chohine.Front: R. Burton, M. Noonan, R. Broadbent. Coach: Bro. Pius

'F' GRADE - 1961BACK ROW: Stafford Blechynden, Paul Kirkham, Vincent Scahill, DanielChang, Cliff Foster, Michael Hale, Kevin Doyle, Brian RussellMIDDLE ROW: Warren Ryan, Peter Booth, Jeff Smith, Geoff Deehan, Norman Thomas, John MacDonald, Colin ThomasFRONT ROW. Anthony Doyle, William Mulcahy, Brian BrennanCOACH: Brother Christopher

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1965-19691965Team numbers increased to 9 - F, G, 2 x H, I, J, K, L, and M grades.2 teams played in the semi-finals.1 team, H grade won their grand final.1966The club fielded 8 teams F, G, H, I, J, K, L, and M grades.4 teams played in semi-finals. 2 teams G and M grades won their grand finals.1967Total teams entered numbered 7 - F, G, H, I, J, K and L grades.4 teams played in semi-finals.1 team G grade won their premiership.1968The club again fielded 7 teams.2 teams played in the semi-finals but for the first year since entering the CBDJRL St Johns would not securea Premiership trophy.1969Team numbers increased to 10 - F, 2 x G, 2 x H, 2 x I, 2 x J, and K grades.

2 teams played in semi-finals F and J grades.J grade wins their Premiership.

H grade 1962 premierStanding: R. Lawrence, K. Skelton, P. Laffey, R. Gersback, P. Stewart,M. Stanton,Sitting: J. Turner, N. Booth, 1. Sams (Capt.), M. Castle (Vice-Capt.),J. Sheekey, D. Henderson.Front: M. Russell, M. Sheekey (Ball Boy), J. Waide. Coach: Bro. Charles (absent)

Premiership side with football great Les Johns

No names can be found

No names can be found

Sponsored by Ramon Garcia

Sponsored by the Moran Family16

1970’sThe 70's was an important development era forthe Eagles. One of the most important introduc-tions of that era was the concept of the "First XIII"which has been a tradition now for some 30years and looks set to continue for a long time tocome.

Brian McCullagh was largely responsible for thesuccess of the Football Club generally through-out the mid 70's through to the early 80's.

Another influential character during the 70's wasBrother Luke who tended to coach the H gradeside as the boys progressed through this agegroup. Probably the intention was to toughen theboys up before Brian got hold of them but disci-pline was an important piece of Brother Luke'sarmoury. Brother Luke would enjoy nothing morethan a closely fought but narrow loss as long asthe boys gave their all. Unfortunately he alsoenjoyed running the boys through a half-hourshort and sharp session straight after the game,to get that one thing right that cost them thegame that day. Not hard to see why playersenjoyed progressing on to G Grade.

Brother Luke worked tirelessly for the FootballClub, encouraging pupils to play football for theschool and to get in and have a go. As thePrincipal of the College, he was also a well-respected teacher and administrator who wassadly missed when he moved on from St John's.

This era was probably remembered as much forthe teaching staff at the College and coachingpersonalities as much as the players themselves.Earlier personalities and teaching staff such asMick Keeble, Brother James and BrotherChristopher were also important influences onvarious teams passing through the 70's era. Godhelp you if you were not picking up on the guitarlessons well because you would pay when yougot to one of Brother Chis's training sessions.Brother James also had his influencing methodsand Mick was just having a great time with asmile on his face from ear to ear.

No Club is successful without the efforts of theirFootball Committee who keep the whole thingticking along so that players only have to show upand enjoy a game of footy each weekend. One ofmany dads or mums who gave a huge amount oftheir time to the Club was John Moran who heldthe position of president for a number of yearsduring the 70's. John also became the first LifeMember of the Club in 1974. John's goal asPresident was, "The aim of the Club is to fosterRugby League for boys in the College, so thatthey might derive from that great game, all possi-ble benefits." (quote from 1973 - Where EaglesDare). John took a massive amount of pride andsatisfaction out of seeing the boys perform anddevelop personally and as a footballer throughtheir years with the Eagles and later on after theirtime at St Johns.

Success was also evident throughout this era bythe many victories in district and state schoolboyknockout competitions that were at weight level inthe early years of the 70's (ah those steaming hotepsom salts baths to make sure you weighed inon the big day) and later moving to age restric-tions. The annual De La Salle Oakhill knockoutwas always keenly contested as well.

Generally the 70's era produced some fine foot-balling talent throughout all the grades and anumber of players progressed to successfulcareers at grade level both in the Canterbury dis-trict and elsewhere. The combination of theunselfish efforts of the teaching staff, the coachesand the Football Committee combined with thetalent and the spirit of the Eagle within the play-ers, made the 70's era a memorable one. Surelythere are many great memories held by all con-cerned with the era and the proud traditions intro-duced then, continue today.

Tony Moran

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1970-19741970 The club fielded eight teams - 2 x G, 2 x H, 2 x I and 2 x J grades.4 teams made the semi-finals. 2 teams became premiers I and I reserve grades. This being only the second time inthe Junior League that a club has won both Premierships in the same grade.No F grade was entered, 1972 being the only other year without this grade competing.1971The number of teams entered remained at eight - F, 2 x G, H, I, 2 x J and K reserves.3 teams made the semi-finals.K reserve won their grand final going through the competition undefeated.19727 teams were entered into the CBDJRL - 2 x G, H reserve, I, 2 x J and K grades. 3 teams played in the semi-finals.1 team won their Premiership - G grade.1973The club fielded 8 teams - F, G, H, 2 x I, 2 x J grades and K.6 teams played in semi-finals. 1974The club fielded 7 teams.5 teams reached the semi-finals.

1974 First XIII -F Grade runners up Knockout ChampionsBack row: L. Oliveiro, M. Flanagan, S. Blundell, M. Collins, J. Pollack,A. Mitchell, S Nehme, M. Perceval, A. Harris. Front row: P. Leavers, J. DeCarli, B. Kennedy (V capt), P. Gates (Capt),P. Anslow, G. Mannah, M. Kadry.

1975 K Grade -Knockout Champions-State Knockout Champions Back row: P. Cronk, R. Dib, J. Day, P. Chahine, D. Manteit, J. Cohen,R. Doueihi, M. Gaudiello.Middle row:H. Elias, R. Bradley, G. Bradney, S. Pike(Capt) D. Lowe, A.Elias, M. Sullivan.Front row: B. Gates, B. Lynch, P. Hatti, V. Khoury. Absent - G. Carver.

1976 K Reserve Grade Premiers Back row: C. Nassif, B. Jensen, W. Elliott, N. Chahine, C. Antoinette, S.Patterson, M. Cohen, P. Khoury.Front row: G. Keys, Y. Carver, A. Boulos, D. Kermonde (Capt), G.Gibson, J. Khoury, G. Pike.

1976 I Reserve Grade Premiers Back row: M. Bransgrove, P. Elliott, P. Mcnamara, L. Boutros, K. White,A. Freeman, C. Davis, E. Dahdah.Front row: A. Humphries, F. Tanos, M. Moran, J. Berenger (Capt), M.Cummins (V Capt), M. O'Dea, R. Puckeridge, J. Bates.

1976 First XIII Back row: W. Bitar, P. Butler, W. Loschi, G. Byron, M. Gates, L.O'Connor, D. Hockey, F. Ghidini, C. KennedyFront row: A. Ventura, J. Cronk, R. Millar, M. McNamara, P. Gearin(Capt), B. Cummins (V Capt), A. Elias, M. Saliba, G. Cipolla.

Ball Boys - N. O'Dea, J. Cannon

1976 J Grade Premiers Knockout Champions Oakhill Champions Back row: J. Cohen, R. Dib, S. McGlynn, S. Murphy, P. Chahine, A.Elias, G. Carver, J. Defosses.Front row: S. Pike, M. Gaudiello, C. Gavin, D. Gollan, (Capt), K. Moore(V Capt), H. Elias, P. Hatti, D. McNamara. Absent - D. Breen.

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1975-19791975Team numbers decreased to 6 - F, G, H, I, J, and K grades.5 teams played in the semi-finals. 1 team, F grade won their grand final. This would be the first of only four wins forSt Johns in this grade. The other years being 1980, 1985 and 20011976The club fielded 7 teams F, G, H, I reserve, 2 x J and K reserve grades.All 7 teams played in semi-finals. This being the only year that all teams have reached the semi-finals for St Johns.3 teams - I reserves, J and K reserves won their grand finals. Both J and K reserves went through the competitionundefeated.1977Total teams entered numbered 8 - F, G, H, 2 x I, 2 x J, K reserve grades.7 teams played in semi-finals.1 team I grade won their Premiership.1978The club fielded 9 teams.4 teams played in the semi-finals.2 teams won their grand final - H grade who were the undefeated premiers and Kreserves who won 62 - 0 against Chester Hill which is a record score in the Canterbury District.1979Team numbers decreased to 8 - F, 2 x G, H, I, 2 x J, and K reserve grades.

5 teams played in semi-finals.G grade wins their Premiership, this being the eighth time in twenty years St Johns haswon in this grade.

1977 I Grade Premiers-Oakhill Knockout Champions Back row: D. Lowe, M. Gaudiello, R. Dib, S. McGlynn, P. Chahine, S.Murphy, A. Elias, J. Cohen, C. Gavin.Front row: D. McNamara, P. Hatti, J. Defosses. D. Gollan (Capt), K.Moore, S. Pike, G. Solomon.

1977 First XIIIBack row: B. Bannon, D. Carroll, G. Mullane, P. Hagan, J. Anslow, M.Lollback, P. Bell, R. Cipolla, M. Holloway.Front row: M. Denmeade, R. Shannon, C. Kisner, D. Puckeridge (Capt), J.Mifsud, T. Cannon, R. Kite, M. Cronk. Ball Boys - S. McGlynn, D. Gollan.

1978 H Grade Premiers & Oakhill Knockout Champions Back row: D. McNamara, S. Pike, J. Defosses, H. Elias, J. Cohen, C.Gavin, P. Hatti, K. Moore, G. Solomon.Front row: M. Jones, M. Gaudiello, S. McGlynn, P. Chahine, D. Gollan(Capt), J. Day, R. Dib, S. Murphy, A. Elias.

1978 First XIIIBack row: T. Harris, A. Khoury, I. Cooper (V Capt), S. Nicholls, P. Treeves, S.Reid, J. Kazzi, J. Habib, G. Lehmann.Front row: A. Defina, A. Stewart, D. Vimpany, R. DeCarli, R. Mifsud (Capt), P.Cohen, S. Serwa, P. Tabet, B. Hockey Ball Boys - C. Davis, M. Coulbeck

1979 First XIII Back row: P. Lee, M. Samrani, A. English, C. Davis, A. Evans, A.Freeman, A. Pollack, M. Cummins N. Issa.Front row: P. Wynne, R. Puckeridge, .M. Bransgrove, K. White (Capt),J. Berenger (V Capt), M. Moran, J. Aouad, P. Logiotatos, J. Bates. Ball Boys - M. Jones, M. Murray

1979 G Grade Premiers Knockout Champions Back row: M. Gaudiello, S. Murphy, S. McGlynn, P. Chahine, T. Issa, J.Day, A. Elias, D. Lowe, G. Bradney.Front row: K. Moore, C. Gavin, P. Hatti, R. Dib (Capt) J. Cohen, J.Defosses, S. Pike, G. Solomon.

Sponsored by Joe Karam and Family 19

First XIIIThe First XIII was an initiative of the FootballCommittee of the time and Brian McCullagh arecent teaching arrival to St John's College.The premise behind the First XIII concept wasto recognise the senior football players of theschool (F Grade) who were seen as the lead-ing representatives of both the School and theFootball Club. The playing outfit was differentto that of the other St John's teams and theplayers were also afforded the luxury of run-ning laps around the block during their lunchtime in recognition of their status.

Unfortunately, the inaugural First XIII side wasunsuccessful in their attempt to win the pre-miership in 1974. The side boasted some fineplayers, none other than Peter Gates who wasprobably one of the most talented players tohave played for the Eagles during the 70's eraand as a talented number had before him, hemoved on to a career in the lower grades forCanterbury.

It didn't take long for success to kick in howev-er, with the 1975 First XIII side winning the FGrade title in fine fashion. This was also adevelopmental year for the Club in that it wasthe first time, that boys who were not pupils ofSt John's College were permitted to play inwhat was then football teams for pupils only.With some internal trouble in the Newtown dis-trict and with the ability and foresight of theFootball Committee to try something different,the side was fortunate to pick up players fromLewisham who complimented the playing tal-ent at the School.

So the tradition was off to a flying start and themain thrust behind the success of the First XIIIconcept was then teacher at the school, BrianMcCullagh. Brian introduced, even at thattime, a certain level of professionalism to thesenior playing squad which quickly spreadamongst the other teams. Fitness was animperative and First XIII players made a sud-den transition into F Grade football through

night time training sessions at Clemton Park.They finished off with a light sprint to KingGeorge's road and back. The lunchtime runswere for the love of the game. Certainly Brianhad a strong knowledge and understanding ofschoolboy football and he introduced new skillsand coaching methods not previously seen inthe Club.

1980 saw St Johns win its second First XIIICompetition. The team beat Revesby Central20-16 after being the underdogs.

The First XIII were unable to win another pre-miership until 1985. This gave the club a feel-ing that a five year hoodoo had begun.

In 1985 the First XIII beat Bankstown Sports inthe Grand Final.

After 1985 many First XIII teams came close towinning (including 1986 Losing against EastHills 8-9)

The 1990, 1995 and 2000 teams were allpotential premiers but missed each time. Itwasn’t till 2001 when the First XIII regarded asunderdog’s upset Bankstown Cougars to win athriller 26-20. This broke the 17 year drought.

Once again this year’s First XIII have thepotential to take out the premiership and wintheir 4th consecutive Grand Final.

Even though the club now fields older grades,the First XIII’s are still regarded as the PremierGrade of the club.

The club have been sending the First XIII ofeach year to the NSW Academy of Sport locat-ed at Narrabeen as well as having a presenta-tion dinner in honour of the First XIII.

Sponsored by Peter Haddad and Family20

1975 First XIII -F Grade Premiers-Knockout ChampionsBack row: G. Gearin, P.Van Gogh, S. Lowe, C. O'Brien A. Cianciarulo,A. Michael, R,. Badawa, P. Haddad. Front row: D. Fricot, B. Dalla- Bona, J. Marinak, J. Phee (Capt) A.Moran (V capt), P. Lynch, J. English, B. Puckeridge, (Absent - D. Gilbert)Ball Boys - D. Puckeridge, M. Moran.

1980 first XIII Premiers-Knockout Champions Back row: D. Lowe, P. Cronk, S. McGlynn, , P. Chahine, R. Bradley, J.Day, D. Gearin, A. Elias. Front row: K. Moore (V Capt), C. Gavin, G. Bradney, D. Gollan (Capt),M. Gaudiello, P. Hatti, J. Defosses,G. Solomon. Missing- R. Dib Ball Boys - C. O'Brien, S. Redford,

2003 First XIIIBack row; J Laupoini, K Ronaki, H Tonga, J Kite, A Abousleiman, FFineMiddlerow; C Khoury (Coach), C Elhelou (Trainer), J Abousleiman, STuragakula, W Mataka, S Esera, S Taouk, E Khalaf, C Ayoub, REsera (Trainer), R Hassarani (Trainer)Frontrow; P Kairouz, T Hennings, D Azzi, R Sanders (Manager), RSarkis, T Noura, W Hassarani

First XIII Premiers

2001 First XIII F Grade PremiersBack Row: Chris Ayoub (Trainer), Joe Dahdah, John Saade,Steven Radford,Simon Whebe, Dean McGrath, Chris Towells, GeorgeMakhloufMiddle Row:Fady Ghanem (Coach), Carl Roummanous,Desmond Deo, Danny Yussef,George Batti, Jai Ayoub, JohnMariner, Ciaron Burns (Manager).Front Row: Liam Ayoub (BaH Boy), Max Alam, Tyson James,Charbel Azzi,Brendan Coffey, Fadi Bassiff, Joseph Plam.(Ball Boy).Absent:Sam Mino, Wayne Pilon

1985 Canterbury-Bankstown first XIII PremiersBack row:D.Bertolissio, A.Todorovic, P.Ryan, J.Zamudio.Front Row: B.Battese (Coach), P.Thompson, C.Samrani, M.Nelson,S.Sukkar, T.Muddle, N.Boustany, G.Blackett (Coach).Front Row: P.Tambasco, R.Caparas, R.Doueihi, A.Griffith (Capt..)R.Sciglitano, E.Drobek, F.Hall (Ball Boys) G.Kearney and GlennCreecy Absent: G.Markos, S.Leondios, M.Darwent.

First XIII 2003

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First XIII Award Winnersyear Mark Cronk

TrophyDennis Jessup Memorial

Shield Brian McCullagh

trophy1974 Peter Gates

1975 Tony Moran Brad Puckeridge, Tom Phee

1976 Gerard Byron Gerard Byron, Jim Cronk, MichaelMacNamarra

1977 David Puckeridge Brian Bannon

1978 Robert Mifsud Pat Cohen

1979 Kevin White John Bates

1980 Sean McGlynn Mario Gaudiello, Peter Chahine

1981 John Roca Greg Pike

1982 Phillip Schwab Phillip Schwab

1983 Tim Gilmour Mark Dimento

1984 Gary Pike Brett Jolley

1985 Charlie Semrani Paul Thompson

1986 Fady Ghanem Justin Jolley Chris Papastavros

1987 Anthony Karam Anthony Karam, Sean Murphy, ChrisAyoub

Thomas Coorey, Chris Gavin

1988 Kevin Nohra Glen Pike, Anthony Ryan Charlie Nohra

1989 Norm Doumit Greg Puckeridge Geoff Chehine

1990 Andrew Clarke Andrew Bechara George Tobaji

1991 Mark Cutajar Nazih Hanna David Tyler

1992 Steve Ajami Ian Cutajar David Potts

1993 Charbel El-Helou Robert Kanati Charbel El-Helou

1994 Pierre Sassin Charlie Alam Joseph Natoli

1995 Antonio Mino Stephen Dib Junior Henry

1996 Daniel Potts Daniel Potts Sam Hwaylo

1997 Erik Trostel Erik Trostel George Azzi

1998 Dominic Campisi Sean McGrath Anthony Azzi

1999 Domenic Youssef Anthony Coorey Michael Massih

2000 George Farah Charbel Mardini Massoud Taouk

2001 Dean McGrath Dean McGrath Dean McGrath

2002 Daniel Hamad Daniel Hamad Charbel Ayoub

Mark Cronk T rophy-Awarded to the Best and Fairest player in the First XIII who has excelled all year in training,games and in his atti-

tude. Named in honour of Mark Cronk, a young St Johns ex-player who died in an accident in 1980.

Dennis Jessup Memorial Shield - Awarded to the player who has played the most number of games up to First XIII. Named in honour of Life Memberof the Club, Dennis Jessup.

Brian McCullagh Players’ player Awarded to the player voted by his peers to be the best. Named after a former teacher at St Johns who played amajor part in the club in the 1970’s, developing the culture of the First XIII.

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1980’s

I am very happy to have this opportunity tocongratulate St Johns Eagles Rugby LeagueFootball Club on it’s 50 year anniversary.

As a Principal of St Johns College in 1979-1984 I had a happy association with the cluband always believed it’s sporting and socialactivities helped to unite St Johns, both stu-dents and parents, into a closer knit commu-nity.

In those years I left myself free of coaching sothat I could view all teams in their games onthe weekends. I saw this involvement as anopportunity to be in closer contact with theboys, who made up a sizeable number of StJohns students.

I still believe that in my time at St Johns andbefore and after that time that most of theboys were stamped with a definite pride intheir school. Several times I have heard oldboys and outsiders agree with that opinion. Ialso believe that St Johns football club playeda large part in building up that sense of pridefor a large percentage of the boys of theschool. So I thank St Johns Eagles for theirgreat effort over the years and congratulatethem on their many succeses. I congratulatethem on celebrating their 50th Anniversary. Iwish them every success with their celebra-tions and every success in the future.

Brother Paul Rigney(Principal 1979-1984)

A DLS Brothers Reflections

1980’sThe 1980’s saw great change both in theschool and the Club. Both still complementedeach other but the club the now had an iden-tity of its own.

The Eighties saw fewer Brothers at theschool, so unfortunately no Brothers wereable to coach. With Brian Mc Cullagh’s depar-ture from the school and club a huge hole wasleft.

A group of parents and lay teachers put theirhands up to run the club. These parentsincluded , Vince Ryan, Michael Byrnes, RayPike, Dennis Jessup, Gerard Southam andJoe Karam all now life members.

A special mention must go to their familieswho support them.

The late 1980’s heralded the end of theschool knockout era. Both the Oakhill andCanterbury knockouts were no longer run.

In 1988, the school entered teams in theChristian Brothers Sports Association. Duringthe years as St Johns and today as Holy Spiritthe school has dominated this competition.

The Club had many successes on the field inthe eighties. Many grand finals have beenwon during this decade including 2 First XIIIgrand finals in 1980 and 1985.

The Club also re-ventured into senior havingsenior teams. 1986 saw St John's enter anumber of teams in higher grades.

The Eighties will be remembered as a time ofgreat change for the Club and School. StJohn's Football Club had cemented itself intoCanterbury Bankstown Junior Rugby Leagueranks.

Fady Ghanem

Sponsored by George Bakhos and Family 23

1980-1984

1980 K State Knockout Champions Back row: P. Martin, J. Shomar, R. Doueihi, A. Brady, M. O'Donnell, T.Kotsonis, A. Karam, P. Russell. Front row: J. Maksour, P. Dimento, C. Samrani, A. Griffith (Capt), R.Newton (V Capt), P. Thompson, F. Hall, J. Khoury

1981 J Undefeated Premiers Back row: M. Oliver, M. O'Donnell, R. Doueihi, A. Brady, M. Khalil, J.Shomar, A. Karam,Middle row:G. Hunt, P. Thompson, P. Russell. A. Griffith (Capt), R.Newton (V Capt), M. Nelson, P. Dimento,Front Row :F. Hall, P. Tanbasco

1980 The club fielded seven teams - F, G reserve, H, I, 2 x J and K grades.5 teams made the semi-finals. 2 teams became premiers F and G reserve grades.F grade secured their second win since entering the competition coached by Brian McCullagh who also coachedthe successful 1975 side. 1981The number of teams entered remained at seven - F, G, H, I, 2 x J and K reserves.4 teams made the semi-finals. J and K reserve won their grand finals, both teams going through undefeated.

19827 teams were entered into the CBDJRL - F, G, H, I, J, K and L grades. 4 teams played in the semi-finals.

1983Team numbers decreased to 6 - F, G, H, I, J, and K grades.5 teams played in semi-finals.

1984The club again fielded 6 teams, grades being identical to the previous year.4 teams reached the semi-finals. 1 team H grade won their Premiership.

1982 k Grade PremiersBACK : Justin Kelly, Matthew Treeves, Brad Jones, Phillip Bertolissio,

Chris Ayoub, Anthony Karam, Michael Mellick, MatthewJollow.MIDDLE : Dory Yshac, Mark Butt, Chris Gavin, Greg Kearney (c),

Daniel Spiteri, Sam Evans, Daniel Dimento.FRONT : Glenn Creecy, Scott Murphy, Sam Digiglio.INSETS : John Kairouz, Jason Gardner, Stephen Daher

First XIII 1987Standing: Joe Karam(Coach), Nicholas Karam (bb) Paul Seymour (asscoach), Wayne Taylor, Amin Chamoun, Chris Ayoub, Tony Rizk, PhillipBertolissio, Gerard Southam (manager) Chris Gavin, Matthew Treaves,Thomas Coorey, Les Elias, Brendon Burns, Michael Michaels (trainer)Kneeling: Terry Yaggi, Ralph Khoury, John Kairouz, Greg Kearney, ScottMurphy, Daniel Dimento, Mark Butt, Anthony Karamsitting: Digger Puckeridge and Stephen Michael

24

25Sponsored by the Burns Family

26

1985-19891985Team numbers remained at 6 - F, G, H, I, J, and K grades.4 teams played in the semi-finals. 1 team, F grade won their grand final. This would be the third of only four for StJohns in this grade. Garry Blackett and Brian Battese coached the team.1986Team numbers fell to the lowest since 1960 - 5 teams B, D, E, F and H grades. This would mark the beginning ofsenior teams above F grade competing for St Johns. 3 teams played in semi-finals. 1987There was a dramatic increase in the number of teams - 11 teams would represent St Johns - B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I,J, K reserve and for the first time N reserve (under 7) side competed and made the semi-final. 9 of the 11 teamsplayed in semi-finals.1988The club fielded 10 teams.4 teams played in the semi-finals. 1 team won their grand final - H grade was coached by David Maroun.1989Team numbers decreased to 9.5 teams played in semi-finals. K reserve wins their Premiership.

Joe Karam with Scott Murphy

Greg Carney, Amin Chamoun and Anthony Ryan

Back: Sean McGlynn, Julian DaySitting: Mario Gaudiello, Anthony Elias,Ray Dib

Nal Wijesekera

1980 FirstsCaptain David Golan

Sponsored by Nal, Joanne and little Wijesekera 27

1990’sThe 1990's signalled a period for change, atime to move with the times or go down theroad of other famous clubs who have becomepart of Junior League history. Brian McCullaghran the Football Club for many years leadingup to the mid 80's from the school. His depar-ture in the mid 80's saw the club run solely bythe mum's and dad's. It also saw the verybrave decision of the executive of the time tofield senior teams above the First XIII.

The club undertook this with zeal and thoughtheir decision was a right one for the future, itdid not have the capacity to make the transi-tion smoothly. Hence in the late 80's the clubfaced many problems on and off the field andits image took a big battering.

So we entered the 90's needing to dramatical-ly fix our administration, the type of players weenticed to the club and the club's overallimage amongst the wider football community.

Fortunately the 90's brought together somewonderful, genuine and hardworking peoplewho were extremely committed and deter-mined to make St John's the envy of all in thedistrict.

The early 90's were very difficult yearsbecause many hard decisions on players, offi-cials, supporters and administration practiceshad to be made. The new executive wentabout making the administration of theFootball Club one that was more professionaland therefore changed many old practicesand put in structures that catered for thetimes. It then went about building disciplineamong teams by either not fielding teams inage groups or getting rid of players and offi-cials who failed to respect the image of theclub. It was the first ever club to build into itsstructure the power to suspend or expel play-ers, officials or supporters who brought theclub's name into disrepute.

After making the tough decisions and manymore the club enjoyed the most successfulperiod of its 50 years. The club won many pre-mierships and won the Junior League ClubChampionship between 1995 and 2001 - 7 consecutive years.

Nal Wijesekera

Belmore box Gala Day

1995 Executive Committee

28

1990The club fielded 13 teams from N Grade to B Grade. B Grade and G Grade won their respective Competitions.The club purchased a caravan and painted it in the club colours and it became our canteen at Bennett Park replac-ing the marquee which was erected each time games were played there.

1991St John's was the first club to introduce an insurance scheme for all its players. The insurance covered aspects likeincome, student assistance, tutoring, physiotherapy/chiropractor, specialists etc. The club also to extend this put together its own medical staff by appointing a club doctor and club physiotherapistthat player could go to. As a result of this pioneering concept the Junior League introduced compulsory insurancefor all players.The club fielded 13 teams from N Grade - B Grade. The club's mini teams tasted semi-final success in the U7's,U8's and U9's with the U9's becoming undefeated premiers who were coached by the late Bill Wall.The mini player of the year trophy is named in honour of Bill Wall.In the seniors the First XIII, E Grade and D Grade made the semi's while the E grade against the odds went on towin the premiership.Vince Ryan became a Life Member

1992The club introduced the concept of an all day seminar that covered all aspects of the Football Club. During the day coaches, managers and trainers were lectured about their responsibilities and expectations. Aspectssuch as sponsorship, medical, judiciary, registration etc were covered.The club ran its own First Aid course in conjunction with St John Ambulance. This meant that all our coaches andtrainers were qualified first aiders.The club fielded 13 teams from N Grade to C Grade.Out of the 13 teams 9 made the semi-finals and the U13's, U16's, U17's and C Grade won their respective premier-ships.The club finished 3rd in the overall Club Championships, 4th in the Senior Club Championships and 6th in theJunior Club Championships.On the night of the Sunday Gala Day the club celebrated its achievements at our sponsors premises - PunchbowlPub. This was one of the greatest nights in the clubs history and one that truly reflected what the club is all about.Over 250 people packed the room and celebrated singing to the early hours of the morning.St John's centralised its training where all teams trained at Bennett Park. The club finally got a home ground atLance Hutchinson Oval.This was the first time Sunday football was played in the Canterbury Council area since theclosure of Wiley Park.Gerard Southam becomes a Life Member1993The club changed its jersey to a more modern strip. The jersey was worn by all teams except the First XIII.St John's was the first club to go into schools with the help of the Bulldogs players and run coaching clinics as part

of its sign on days.The club fielded 11 teams with 9 making the semi-finals and N Reserve and D Grade winning their competitions. The club introduced the 100 game jacket concept. Paul Fitzsimons wins Junior League Secretary of the Year.1994The club fielded a record 14 teams.The club fielded an U6 team for the first time.9 out of the 14 teams made the semi-finals.8 teams played in finals.5 teams ( B, C, U14's, U8's and U9's) played in grand finals.The U8's, U14's and C Grade were premiers.The club started the concept of honouring its long serving players through a video tribute. The first player to receivethis was Geoff Chehine.Ten Years Service - Junior Life Member was introduced. Players received a video tribute and a jacket.

1990-1994

Sponsored by Danny and Charbel Khoury 29

ROW 3:Fady Ghanem (Manager), John Argall (Runner), PeterDalamaghs, Tony Daou, Willie Waikato, Geoff Chehine, Sam Francis,Steve Michael, David Rigon, Pierre Alam, Brian Hudson (Coach), DannyElazzi (Trainer).ROW 2:Mousbah Arja, Ian Home, Gehad Katrib, Louie Estephan,Andrew Bechara, Paul Torbay, George Tobaii.FRONT:Phillip Alam, Peter Lui, Ned.Katrib, Norm Doumit, Tony Francis.(Absent: Khaled Elkhatib, Wally Estephan.)

1994 C Grade Premiers

ROW 2:Ted McGrath (Coach), Tony Youssef (Trainer), Benjamin Whyte,Pati a Wright, Sayed Tobaji, Sam Mino, Michael Whyte (Manager).FRONT: Michael Elsoury, Danny Youssef, Charbel Obeid, DeanMcGrath, Carl Roumanous, Mark Dalley, Michael Sarkis.

Tony Kazzi, Charbel Mansour, Charlie Farah, Fosi Mata, Junior Henry,Clifford Manua, Andrew Pickup.John Salameh (Trainer), Sid Doueihl (Assistant Trainer), Paul Doueihi(Time Keeper), Sonny Toka, Roben Khoury,Mohamed Hussein, Bilal Najjarin, Terry Taniela, Joe Mansour(Manager), Ray Doueihi (Coach).ROW 2:Rolando Murphy, Steven Dib, Samer Sakar (Vice-Captain),Antonio Mino (Captain), John Lasic, David Vaughan.FRONT: David Mansour (Ball Boy).[Absent: John Vaughan (Linesman), Joe Farah.]

1990-1994

D Grade Grand Final Celebrations J Reserve & J Grade 1992

L-R Wally Estephan, George Tobaji,Andrew Bechara & Mark Cutajar

George Saab accepts Senior ClubChampionship Trophy

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1990-1994

Michael Mansour, Patrick Mansour& Tony Carson

Presentation Night at Punchbowl RSC

Ted McGrath, Pania Inia & GrahamClayton (President Punchbowl RSC)

Mary Sarkis, Pauline Brown &Megan Brown

George Habib accepts ClubChampionship Trophy

Grand Final Celebrations

Luke Fitzsimons

Tony Zouien & Tony CarsonCraig Macleod & George Khoury

Sponsored by Atra Family 31

1995-19991995The club fielded a record 17 teams from U6's to A Grade.10 out of the 17 teams made semi-finals.8 went on to play in grand finals.4 teams (U9's, U13's, U16's and B Grade) winning their premierships.For the first time the club wins Senior Club Championship and Overall Club Championship.Charbel Mannah from U14's wins highest point scorer trophy in the Junior League and still holds the record for theleading goal kicker in the Canterbury DistrictAndrew Abounader from U14's wins the highest try scorer in the Junior League which is still a record in theCanterbury DistrictSt John's gets a purpose built canteen at Lance Hutchinson through Sport and Recreation.

1996The club fielded 15 teams from U6's to B Grade.12 out of the 15 teams made the semi-finals.10 teams made their respective grand finals.A record 6 teams (U6's, U8's, U11's, U12's, U16's and U17's) won their grand finals. This equals the District recordof 6 Premierships won By Bankstown Sports in 1971.The club won Senior, Mod and Overall Club Championship.Joe Karam became a Life Member.First girl, Kirsty Brown, plays for the club in the under 6’’s.

1997The club fielded 15 teams from U6's to A Grade.13 teams made the semi-finals. 8 teams played in grand finals.The premiers were the U11's and the A Grade (won the joint Balmain, Canterbury and St George competition).The Agrade win gave St Johns their first in this grade.The club won the Senior and Overall Club Championship.Sam Mino was named Junior League Mod Player of the Year.Joe Rehayem was named A Grade Player of the Year.Anthony Basil was named Canterbury District Coach of the Year.The first major sponsor of the club - Punchbowl RSCTen Year Service awards went to Steven Dib, George Khoury and Damien Michael.Nal Wijesekera became a Life Member.

1998The club fielded 17 teams including an U/19 team in the South Sydney District which played in the Grand Final.12 teams made their respective semi-finals.St John's College officially closes. Ten Year Service awards went to Ian Cutajar, Nicholas Karam, Erik Trostel, Charbel Youssef and Tony Zouein.The Club won the Mini, Junior, Senior and Overall Club Championship.

1999The club fielded 15 teams.12 teams made their respective semi-finals.6 teams made grand finals.4 teams (U6's, U8's, U16's and C Grade) went on to become premiers.Michael Mansour becomes the new President.Ten Year Service awards go to Jack Tarchichi, Pierre Sassin and Anthony CooreyPaul Fitzsimons became a Life Members.The club won the Senior and Overall Club Championship.Royce Simmons was the guest speaker at the Sportsman's Dinner.St John's move to their new home ground - Begnall Oval.Fady Ghanem was named Canterbury District Coach of the Year.

Sponsored by Mark Julie, Amanda, Kirsty and Daniel Brown32

1995-1999

ROW 3: Danny Chehine, Joseph Natoli, Sam Rigitano, Charlie Alam,Charlie Michaels, Bashir Hamade, George Mellis.ROW 2: Joe Alam (Manager), Tony Youssef (Trainer), Ji Lee,George Abouhaidar, Elias Matta, Andrew Sozomenou, Joey Mansou

Craig MacLeod (Coach), John Loch (Statistician), AnthonyAlam (Ball Boy), Danny Youssef (Ball Boy).FRONT. Patrick Mansour (Head Trainer), Andrew Sedrak, CharbelYoussef, Raymon Garcia, Leo Mino, Tony Zouein, Pierre Sassin

Nilanga Wiijesekera (Trainer), Tony Noura (Sand Boy).

ROW 2: Joe Campisi (Coach), Patrick Campisi, Daniel Rapana,Abraham Ishac, Salamo Seitula, Daniel Brown, Jamie Whitney(Trainer), Graeme Hardy (Manager).FRONT: Shane Donnelly, Adam Rehayem, Matthew Taupau Iona,Sean Sami, Paul Mareko, Nadim Aassar.UNDER 6

ROW 2: Anne Page (Manager), Mitchell Raimona, Joseph Sami,George Zaatini, Robert Vale, Kirsty Brown, Angelo Scali (Coach).

FRONT: Amanda Brown (Ballgirl), Milad Nasr, Shane McDonald, DylanHawea, Michael Carnovale, Matt Aston.

Joe Marroun, DomYoussef, Youssef Sarkis, Joseph- Philippe,HamadaAlameddine, George El-Kazzi, Michael Massih, Billy Hanna, AnthonyCoorey,Raymond Wynne, JackYacoub, Haydar Hammoud, DavidYounes, Joseph Bani, Robert Hassarani, Najee Kaidbay, Nabil Raad,George Said, Jack Boueri,Raymond Moujali(not in order)

back Row: Danny Khoury (trainer), Claude Katter, Andrew Bechara,Simon Hussein, Michael Habib, Yousef Barham, George Saab

Gabby Marroun, Darren Faramus, George Tobaji.middle Row: George Habib (manager), Pierre Sassine, Tony Francis,Raymon Garcia, George Khoury, Tony Zouein, Trevor Brown,

George Katrib, Wally Estephan (manager),

front Row: Andrew Habib (ball boy), Andrew Boukaram, Dave Coorey,Louie Estephan (coach), Eddie Abounader, Joe Armao,

Nathan Colussi, Anthony Basil (assist coach).Ground: Norm Doumit James Habib (ball boy), Robert

Trevena.

Absent: Travis Tbuma, Drew Cremin, Danny Chehine.

Back Row: Slaos! Slale (trainer), Sosala Siale (coach), EronnyMareko, Emma Tuulau, Mohmoud Kassem,Mohammed Kassem (ball boy), Asenatl Mareko (manager).Front Row: Terry Tdfao, Dillon Singh, losia Tanielu, William Slale,Tonlela Siale, Teven Singh.Absent: Misleli Vaikela, Jacob Malkoun, Jeremiah Pele.

33

1995-1999

1999 Under 6 Undefeated Premiers

1996 Under 8 Premiers

1997 A Grade Capt.David Tyler & Reg Gasnier 1997 Best & Fairest in A Grade

Grand Final; Joe Rehayem

1997 Under 13 Runners Up Ian Horne & Andrew Bechara

Sam Francis, Anthony Bassil & Steven Michael St Johns Crowd at Belmore Oval Gala Day

34

CanteenMoney to run the club needs to come fromsomewhere. In the late 80’s and early 90’s theclub turned to the canteen at games to helpfinance the club. The canteen has been operat-ed in a variety of ways from open air, to tents,to a caravan and in recent years in a building.

To run the canteen St Johns has been lucky tohave parents volunteer. At Bennett Park theclub ran a canteen out of a tent that was set upeach week. Mrs Trish Cutajar looked after therunning of the canteen.

Frank Meti on BBQ duties

George Habib & Peter Haddad on BBQ at Begnall Oval

Canteen at Begnall Oval

Dave Maroun & Theresa Mansour

The club was able to acquire a caravan andmove it to it’s new home ground to LanceHutchinson Oval. During this time Lyn Potts,Anne Lloyd and Kerry Tucker helped Trish torun the canteen. Eventually a canteen was builtat Lance, giving the club it’s first permanentcanteen.Mary Sarkis, Theresa Mansour and DaveMaroun then took over introducing hot foodsuch as Hot Chips and Kebabs.

In 2000 St Johns moved to it’s current andnew home ground, Begnall Oval. In recenttimes the canteen has been run by AnneMaree Poole, Pania Inia and a large group ofvolunteers from club officials and parents.

Mary Sarkis & Theresa Mansour

Canteen at Lance

Kerry Tucker and Trish Cutajar

St Johns Canteen Caravan

Sponsored by Trevor and Rinnai Brown 35

2000’sThe current era has been very successful forthe club. A team has been entered fromeach age group from Under 6 to A grade,with 2 team’s being fielded in some Grades.

We have already won 11 premierships withmany teams reaching Semifinals or GrandFinals.

The committee has had some changes dur-ing this time, with Michael Mansour retiringas club president after taking the club for-ward over a 3 year period.

2002 saw Joe Karam step into the role as actingPresident and with his committee were able torun the club smoothly.

One success of major note was the First XIIIwinning their Grand Final after a 17 yeardraught. Their 26-20 Victory over BankstownCougars was a dramatic game of Rugby Leaguewith the boys showing a lot of heart to bring theclub it’s much anticipated title.

Under 8’s Grand Finalist(not in order)Daniel Tuulau, Troy McGrath, Mazan Safkouni, Mathew K,BaharBayed, Mathew Nader, Mitchell Gayed, Ulie, Fili Fili,AndrewWassouf, Daniela Mansour. Trevor Brown(coach), Dean McGrath(helper),Loretta McGrath (manager)

Under 7 Undefeated Premiers(not in order)Ehab Elsaddik, Wilson Faanoi, James Habib, Cheshire Ioramo,Mathew Jarjoua, Eronny Mareko, Ekiaki Politoni, Daniel Seabrook-Austin,William Siale, Dillon Singh, Laasaga Tafili Pierre Sassin (coach) RaymondAtra(Trainer), Andrew Habib (helper)

Under 13’s John Azzi, Junior Tuianekore, Michael Homsi, Elie Taouk, Tony Assad,Jason Saliba, Alex Meoushy, Youssef Noujaim, Ahmed Mohanna, PatrickYazbeck, Ali Choubasi, William Auella, Henry Melki, Charlie Daoud,Nicolas Raad, Serge Zakarian, Daniel Hamad, Joseph Abdal, SharbelAyoub, Licha. Sarkis Dave Marroun (Coach), Rinnai (manager), FedNoujam and Ramon Garcia (Trainer)

Under 9 Grand Finalist(not in order)Daniel Abou-Sleiman, Mahmoud Bayad, Shane Donnelly,Christopher Nasr, Adam Rehayern, Sateki Siale, Jason Yacoub, JohnnyTanielu, George El-Azzi, Patrick Fayad, Lance Siataga, Elias Azzi, AliMohanna, Anthony Haddad. Milad Nasr (Coach) Georgette Nasr (Manager)

36

20002000The club fielded 15 teams.14 teams made the semi-finals.6 teams went on to play in grand finals.3 teams became premiers (U6's, U7's and U12's)Ten Year Service awards went to Anthony Karam, Claude Kattar, Chris Saab and Raymon Garcia.Ted McGrath and Michael Khoury become life Members.

2001The club fielded 16 teams14 teams made the semi-finals6 teams played in grand finals.5 teams won premierships (U6's, U6's thirds, U12's, U13's and First XIII)First XIII wins the competition for the first time in 17 years.The club won the Junior, Senior and Overall Club Championship.Ten Year Service awards went to Antonio Mino, Dean McGrath, Ray Roumanous, Trevor Brown, Peter Lui, CharbelKhoury, Charbel Mardini and Carl Roumanous.

2002The club fielded 17 teams12 teams made the semi Finals. 4 teams won the premiership U/7, U/8, U/13 and U/14AnneMaree Poole wins Secretary of the YearTen Year Service award went to Richard Sarkis, Danny Youssef, Raymond Wynne, Johnny Massoud and DannyChehine

under 6’s at star search night grease lightening

Under 6 with Jamie feeney aftergrand final 2002

Peter Haddad on the BBQ

under 9’s

C Grade 2002

Under 13 undefeated Premiers 2002Belmore Oval- supporters on Gala Day

37

2003

This year has seen some major changes to the executive committee. Mitchell Raimona asPresident heads a strong and hard working committee made up of Anne Maree Poole asSecretary, Mark Brown as Assistant Secretary, Grace Simmonds as Treasurer and GeorgeBakhos, Ciaron Burns and Fady Ghanem as Vice Presidents each with their own area to lookafter.

The Club has set itself some goals that look towards the future of the club. They have started abuilding fund to look at securing a club house some time in the future.

The club currently has 17 teams entered in every age group from Under 6’s to A Grade. Our FirstXIII under the guidance of a 1993 ex-First XIII player, Charbel Khoury have been away on a suc-cessful camp and look forward to capturing their 4th successive premiership.

With all the celebrations planned for this our 50th year, we look forward to a busy and excitingtime.

Fady Ghanem

2003 under 7

2003 under 9

Begnall Oval Score board

2003 under 13

Committee 2003

Mitchell RaimonaPresident

Mark BrownAssistant Secretary,

Grace SimmondsTreasurer

Anne Maree PooleSecretary

Fady GhanemVice Presidents

Ciaron BurnsVice Presidents

George BakhosVice Presidents

Sponsored by Campisi Family

38

Successful Representative players 1957-1980Extract 1980 Where Eagles Dare“Over the years many players who wore the red,blue, gold of St. John's have gone onto higherthings in football.

Norm Thomas reached 200 games with theBulldogs, making himself one of five playersever to achieve this honour, and the secondhighest number of games by anyone.

John Peek played 147 games for the Bulldogsbefore transferring to Souths to become animportant part of the Jack Gibson setup there.

The Hughes Brothers are a legend in theirown time.Graeme's State Honours in Cricketand Rugby League, make him the most suc-cessful sportsman to have graduated from St.Johns. He has played 119 games forCanterbury, with 86 of them in the Firsts.

Garry has been part of the Bulldog machinefor years and his efforts in this year's GrandFinal, and season as a whole are still beingtalked about. He has played a mammoth 168games for Canterbury with 82 of them in theFirsts.

Mark has played 132 games with 111 in theFirsts. Out of the three, Mark has been themost regular First Grader.

Dennis O'Brien. the captain of the first StJohn's team, played Grade with Canterbury,as did Chris Skelton,Greg Scahill, JoeMichael, John Larcombe, Chris Sykes andPaul Ghidini.

Brian Plummer made First Grade withNewtown. Darryl Smith for so long a staffmember of St.John's, played in the lowerGrades for Canterbury. Garry Sullivan,although he didn't play for St. John's, was aprominent student here and has gone on toplay 73 games for the Bulldogs.

Steve White won the award for the MostImproved Player of the season in 1975 andafter time out because of study, looks set toreally shine. He has 106 games up withCanterbury. Dennis Scahill reached 149games (49 in the Firsts). Peter Gates had his first year in Grade this

year after having captained the 1979 Flegg sideto Cup honours and winning an Under 18 Statejersey in 1977, He had 1978 out of football. “

Brian McCullagh

Peter Gates

John Peek

The Hughes Brothersplaying for Canterbury-Garry, Graeme & Mark

The Hughes Brothers playing forSt Johns Garry, Graeme, and Mark

39

Successful Representative players

NAME CLUB GRADE

Sami Chamoun Illawarra, Balmain 1st Grade

John Defoss Cronulla 1st Grade

Anthony Elias Canterbury Reserve

John Elias Canterbury, Easts,Balmain

1st Grade

Jamie Feeney Canterbury 1st Grade

Denis Fricot Canterbury, Cronulla,Illawarra

1st Grade

Richard Kairouz Manly, Easts 1st Grade

Lafi Manua Canterbury 1st Division

Kevin Moore Canterbury Player &Assist. Coach

Charlie Nohra Canterbury Reserve

Joe Rehayem Canterbury Under 23's

Anthony Ryan Cronulla Under 23's

Chris Saab Roosters 1st Division

Anthony Semrani Canterbury Reserve

Scott Thorburn Queensland Crushers 1st grade

Travis Touma Cronulla 1st Division

David Tyler Canterbury Reserve

George Azzi Roosters 1st Grade

Jamie Black Balmain Reserve

Angelo Tsalakas Balmain Reserve

Since this time many players have gone on toplay lower and top grades for different firstgrade teams. It would be hard to give a historyof each player.

Below is a list of players that we have a recordof that have played for a First Grade Club atGrade level.

Jamie Feeney CurrentBulldogs First grader

Anthony Elias

Kevin Moore- Played grade forCanterbury and is the current FirstGrade Assistant Coach

2003 SG Ball players our Future- George Batti,Dean McGrath, Danny Youseff, Jai Ayoub

Sponsored by Fady Ghanem

38

YEAR GRADE COACH YEAR GRADE COACH

1957 F Brother Benedict 1991 E David Maroun

1960 C L Res Bill Wall

G Brother Aloysius 1992 C Joe Karam

H D Brian Hudson

1961 G E Nal Wijesekera

I H Tony Carson

1962 G Brother Pius 1993 D Nal Wijesekera

H Brother Charles N Res Ted McGrath

I 1994 C Brian Hudson

1963 G U/14 Ray Doueihi

K U/8 Ted McGrath

1964 I Mick Keeble 1995 B Anthony Basil

1965 H U/16 Craig Macleod

1966 G Mr Campbell U/13 Simon Mannah

M U/9 Ted McGrath

1967 G 1996 U/17 Bryan Ward

1969 J U/16 Michael Mansour

1970 I U/12 Tony Youssef

I Res U/11 Elias Tarchichi

1971 K Res U/8 Mark Cutajar

1972 G U/6 Joe Campisi

1975 F Brian McCullagh 1997 A Anthony Basil / Nal Wijesekera

1976 I Res Tony Jones U/11 Frank Tripodina

J Harry Gavin 1998 U/14 Tony Youssef

K Res Br Gregory U/10 Charbel Khoury

1977 I Harry Gavin 1999 C Fady Ghanem

1978 H Brother Luke U/16 Nal Wijesekera

K Res Br Gregory U/8 Milad Nasr

1979 G Harry Gavin U/6 Pauline Brown

1980 F Brian McCullagh 2000 U/12 Charbel Khoury

G Res Peter Neary U/7 Pirerre Sassin

1981 J U/6 Pauline Brown

K Res Gary Blackett 2001 U/15 Fady Ghanem

1984 H John Jolley U/13 Charbel Khoury

1985 F Brian Battese U/12 Mitchell Raimona

1988 H David Maroun U/6 Sosaia Siale

1989 K Res U/6 3rd Pauline Brown

2002 U/14 Charbel Khoury

1990 B Joe Karam U/13 Mitchell Raimona

G David Maroun U/8 Danny Safetly

U/7 Sosaia Siale

Premiership Teams and Coaches

Sponsored by Farah Family 41

Undefeated Premiers Year Grade / Age Won Points for Points against1957 E 13 283 221960 H 15 316 101962 G 14 416 161966 M No records 294 81971 K res 18 676 341976 J 16 487 321976 K res 16 487 321978 H 18 839 491981 J 17 265 62

K 16 354 231991 L res 19 728 981993 N res 18 917 891994 U/8 19 642 1491997 U/11 21 696 1991998 U/14 15 658 801999 U/8 16 488 1162000 U/6 18 515 1312001 U/12 20 1035 95

U/6 18 647 1112002 U/13 20 1046 147

U/7 17 710 181

St Johns War CryZoomba Zoom, Zoomba Zah.Zoomba Zoom, Zoomba Zah.

Zoomba Zoomba, Rah Rah RahZoomba Zoomba, Rah Rah RahEagles Red Eagles Gold Eagles Red Eagles Gold

Eagles Blue so loyal & boldEagles Blue so loyal & boldForward SForward S t Johns Zoomba Zah. t Johns Zoomba Zah.

Eagles Eagles Eagles Eagles Rah Rah Rah.Rah Rah Rah.

S- T - J- 0 -H - N - S S- T - J- 0 -H - N - S ST JOHN’S!ST JOHN’S!

St Johns Players bashing out the ‘war cry’

42

Junior Life Member10 Years playing for the club

Year Ten Year Service1994 Geoff Chehine1995 Norm Doumit

Stephen Michael1996 Daniel Potts

Wally EstephanGeorge TobajiAndrew BecharaMark Cutajar

1997 Charlie AlamVerna KesiSean McGrathSteven DibGeorge KhouryDamien Michael

1998 Ian CutajarNicholas KaramErik TrostelCharbel YoussefTony Zouein

1999 Jack TarchichiPierre SassinAnthony Coorey

2000 Anthony KaramClaude KattarChris SaabRamon Garcia

2001 Antonio MinoDean McGrathRaymond RoumanousCarl RoumanousTrevor BrownPeter LuiCharbel KhouryCharbel Mardini

2002 Richard SarkisDanny YoussefGeorge FarahRaymond WynneJohnny MassoudDanny Chehine

The late Eighties saw the club reintroduce senior gradesto the Canterbury competition. In 1994, the club commit-tee felt that since players could now play for the club for10 years, it would be suitable to honour these playerswith Junior Life membership.

The club started the concept of honouring its long serv-ing players through a video tribute at the end of theirtenth year. Players are also presented with a jacket withthe years of service embroidered on it.

Over the years the honour roll of Junior Life Member willincrease and we hope that some will be able to dedicatetime to become a full Life Member of the club.

Geoff Chehine

Norm Doumit, Steven Michael & Geoff Chehine

Peter Lui

43

Club AwardsYear Vince Ryan Senior Club man Life Member Award Graham Hardy Bill W all Dick Barry

1986 Glen Pike Greg Rossi

1987 Leonard Mastronardi Danny Heard

1988 Danny Saify Not Awarded

1989 Wally Estephan Not Awarded

1990 Chris Wall Wally Estephan Maurice Adams David Hudson

1991 Charlie Alam George Tobaji Trish & Tony Cutajar Eric Jansou

1992 Chris Saab Steve Boulos Kerrie Tucker Pierre Sassin

1993 Nicholas Karam Richard Zogbee Michael Khoury Antonio Mino Raymond Wynne

1994 Ryan Sneddon Danny Zanzoul Geof Chehine Antonio Mino Dean McGrath

1995 Sam Mino David Vaughan Mary Sarkis Andrew Abounader Dean McGrath

1996 Dean McGrath George Khoury Teresa Mansour John Massoud Wade Hassarani

1997 David Sarkis Andrew Pickup Michael Mansour Michael Massih William Mataka

1998 Raymond Wynne Trevor Brown Charbel Khoury Joseph Phillipe Adam Rehayem

1999 Beni Peniata Not Awarded David Marroun Dean McGrath Christopher Nasr Andrew Bechara

2000 Amanda Brown Andrew Habib Pauline Brown George Batti Lasaga Tafili Andrew Boukaram

2001 Not Awarded George Habib AnneMaree Poole&Teresa Mansour

NopotoTuimaualuga

Taniela Siale Danny Youseff

2002 Sebastion CalderonNopoto Tuimaualuga

Mark Tuulau Mitchell Raimona John Kite Sam Nohra Domenic Campisi

VINCE RYAN - JUNIOR CLUB MAN AWARD, U6 to U14 gradesThis award was originally known as the junior club man award, presented to the junior club member who has shownsportsmanship on or off the playing field or a person who devotes time to the club. It was re-named in 1995 in memo-ry of life member Vince Ryan.

ST. JOHNS SENIOR CLUB MAN, U15 - A GradeThis award is presented to the senior club member who has shown sportsmanship on or off the playing field or a per-son who devotes time to the club.

LIFE MEMBERS AWARDS- This award is presented to the person the Life Members believe has put an outstanding effort into the club.

GRAHAM HARDY TROPHY - MOST OUTSTANDING JUNIORThis award is presented to the junior player of the year, as voted on by the executives and members of St JohnsJRLFC.

BILL WALL MINI PLAYER OF THE YEARThis award is given to the outstanding mini player each year. It is dedicated to the memory of Mr.Bill Wall, who devot-ed all his time and coaching abilities to help players of the mini teams (U6 -U9) learn about and enjoy playing the gameof rugby league

DICK BARRY SENIOR PLAYER OF THE YEARThis is awarded to the senior player of the year from under 15 o A Grade. It was named after Mr Dick Barry a directorof Punchbowl Ex services Club.

Sponsored by Michael Khoury

44

A B C D E F G GRes

H HRes

I IRes

J JRes

K KRes

L LRes

M MRes

N NRes

1954

1955

1956

1957 4 X + F +

1958

1959

1960 8 X + F F X + X +

1961 10 F + + + X + + + X +

1962 11 F F F X + X + X + F +

1963 10 + F X FF FF F + X

1964 8 + + + X + + + +

1965 9 + + X + F + + + +

1966 8 + X F F + + + X

1967 7 F X + + F + F

1968 7 F + + + + + F

1969 10 F + + + + + + X + +

1970 8 F + F + X X + +

1971 8 F + + F + + + X

1972 7 X + F + F + +

1973 8 F F F F + F F +

1974 7 F F F F F + +

1975 6 X F F + F F

1976 7 F F F X X F X

1977 8 F F F X F F + F

1978 9 F + X + F + + + X

1979 8 F X F + + F + F

1980 7 X X F F + + F

1981 7 + + F F X + X

1982 7 + F + F + F F

1983 6 F + F F F F

1984 6 + F X F F +

1985 6 X F F F + +

1986 5 + + F F F

1987 11 F + F F F F F + F F F

1988 10 + + + F X F F + + +

1989 9 + + + F F F F X +

1990 12 X + F F X + F F F F F F

1991 13 + + F X F + + F + + X F F

1992 13 X X X + F X + + + F F F F

1993 11 F X + F F + F F F F X

DID NOT COMPETE IN CANT/BANKSTOWN JUNIOR RUGBY LEAGUE - SCHOOL TEAMS COMPETED IN KNOCKOUTS

DID NOT COMPETE IN CANT/BANKSTOWN JUNIOR RUGBY LEAGUE - SCHOOL TEAMS COMPETED IN KNOCKOUTS

Teams and Competitions

45

Teams and CompetitionsA B C U17

orU18

U16 U15 U14 U14Res

U13 U13Res

U12 U12Res

U11 U11Res

U10 U10Res

U9 U9Res

U8 U8Res

U7 U7Res

U6 U6Res

1994 14 F X + F X + F F + F + X + F

1995 17 + X F FU17

X F F X F + F + X + + + +

1996 15 F + XU17

X F F F X + X F F X + X

1997 15 X F FFU18

F + F F F X F F + F F

1998 17 F + FFU19

+U17

+ F X + F + X F F + F F

1999 15 F X +U17

X F + + F F F F X F X F

2000 15 F + +U18

F F F F X F F F F X X F3rd's

2001 16 + F FU18

F X F X X F F + F F F X X3rd's

2002 17 F F +U18

F F X X F + F + F XTie

X + F +

2003 17 + + + + + + + + + + + + + ++ + +

Total 432 teams80 Grand Final W ins

1998 St Johns entered an U/19 team into the South Sydney Competition which was defeatedin the Grand Final.

Legend:

+ Team entered - did not make finals

F Team competed in Finals

X Team won Grand Final

46

100 + Point ScorersYear Grade/

Age Player Tries Goals Field

GoalTotal Year Grade/

Age Player Tries Goals Field

GoalTotal

1975 G Mark Dixon 19 65 187 1990 G #Chris Chasle 17 58 184

F Tony Michael 10 56 142 B Slav Eftingioski 14 42 140

1976 J Shaun Murphy 20 38 136 H #Danny Abounader 23 17 126

F Luke O'Connor 11 51 135 1991 F Chris Chasle 7 57 142

K res David Kermode 20 26 112 1993 G Eddie Adaymy 15 57 174

J Mario Guidiello 35 105 G Leo Mino 31 124

1977 I Shaun Murphy 23 26 121 1994 U/14 Antonio Mino 34 136

I Mario Guidiello 38 114 U/14 Samer Saker 25 10 124

1978 F Ian Cooper 28 51 186 U/14 Junior Henry 8 35 102

H Shaun Murphy 12 69 174 U/14 Mohamed Hussein 16 18 100

H ##Mario Guidiello 55 165 1995 U/13 Charbel Mannah 29 140 1 396

H Sean McGlynn 36 33 154 U/13 Andrew Abounader 83 332

F Peter Treeves 43 129 C Drew Cremin 20 68 216

I John Treeves 38 114 U/13 Charbel Achmar 42 168

1979 G Sean McGlynn 34 59 1 220 U/15 Junior Henry 10 56 152

G Mario Guidiello 45 135 1996 U/14 **Andrew Abounader 58 1 224

K res Tim Jessup 39 9 135 U/13 John Massoud 30 26 172

F Jerome Berenger 6 41 100 U/14 *Charbel Mannah 6 60 144

1980 F Sean McGlynn 16 68 184 U/13 Anthony Azzi 25 6 112

F Mario Guidiello 49 147 1997 U/13 Joe Marroun 17 48 1 166

1982 G Kevin Beringer 30 34 158 U/13 Michael Massih 18 14 100

G Angelo Lanzio 39 117 1998 U/15 Peter Ribet 7 39 112

F Robert Cooper 17 45 111 1999 U/13 Dean McGrath 39 41 232

K Justin Kelly 34 102 U/15 Joe Marroun 13 38 128

1983 F Kevin Beringer 13 28 108 U/16 Peter Ribet 13 37 126

1984 G Adan Todorovic 24 61 218 2000 U/16 Joe Marroun 19 28 132

H Richard Kairouz 35 13 166 U/13 John Azzi 28 1 114

1985 F #Adan Todorovic 25 42 1 185 U/13 Junior Tuainkore 4 45 106

G Richard Kairouz 38 9 170 2001 U/13 John Kite 32 14 156

G Moses Ayoub 17 24 116 U/13 Wade Hassarani 31 12 148

1986 F Richard Kairouz 47 1 190 U/14 Junior Tuainkore 10 51 142

F Danny Elazzi 17 52 172 2002 U/14 Jacob Laupoini 124 248

H George Abraham 41 1 166 * Leading point scorer in district and still holds record for leading goal kicker**Leading try scorer in district and still holds record for leading try scorer)

# Leading point scorer in district##leading try scorer

G George Abraham 23 5 102

Mario Guidiello Danny AbounaderAndrew Abounader

Charbel Mannah

47

Executive Honour RollYEAR PRESIDENT SECRETARY TREASURER

No earlier accurate records can be found1967 J.Carolan S. Bobridge M. Keeble

1968 J.Carolan S. Bobridge N. White

1969 G. Gissane K. Haylings R. Rix

1970 B. Lehmann K. Haylings Len Plummer

1971 B. Lehmann John Moran Len Plummer

1972 B. Lehmann John Moran Len Plummer

1973 John Moran Dick Bambery Len Plummer

1974 John Moran Lou Lynch Martin Puckeridge

1975 John Moran Lou Lynch Martin Puckeridge

1976 John Moran John Elliot Martin Puckeridge

1977 John Moran John Elliot Martin Puckeridge

1978 John Moran Brian McCullagh Martin Puckeridge

1979 John Moran Brian McCullagh Martin Puckeridge

1980 Brian McCullagh Harry Garvin Martin Puckeridge

1981 Brian McCullagh Harry Garvin Martin Puckeridge

1982 Brian McCullagh John Jolley Ray Pike

1983 John Jolley Ray Pike Michael Byrne

1984 John Jolley Joe Karam Michael Byrne

1985 John Jolley Ray Pike Michael Byrne

1986 Vince Ryan Ray Pike Michael Byrne

1987 Vince Ryan Ray Pike Michael Byrne

1988 Dennis Jessup Joe Karam Paul Seymour

1989 Dennis Jessup Joe Karam Joe Farah

1990 Nal Wijesekera Paul Fitzsimons Joe Farah

1991 Nal Wijesekera Paul Fitzsimons Ted McGrath

1992 Nal Wijesekera Paul Fitzsimons Ted McGrath

1993 Nal Wijesekera Paul Fitzsimons Ted McGrath

1994 Nal Wijesekera John Argall Ross Compton

1995 Nal Wijesekera Paul Fitzsimons Ross Compton

1996 Nal Wijesekera Paul Fitzsimons Robyn Shina

1997 Nal Wijesekera Paul Fitzsimons Robyn Shina

1998 Nal Wijesekera Paul Fitzsimons Robyn Shina

1999 Michael Mansour Paul Fitzsimons Joe Campisi

2000 Michael Mansour Pania Inia Joe Campisi

2001 Michael Mansour Mark Brown Joe Campisi

2002 Joe Karam Annemaree Poole Joe Campisi

2003 Mitchell Raimona Annemaree Poole Grace Simmonds

48

Signatures