St Johns Eagles JRLFC Inc PO BOX 336 Punchbowl, 2196, NSW Secretary Contact: 0410 653 475

1954-2003 Published to commemorate the Fiftieth Anniversary The aim of the 50th committee was to produce I would like to thank Paul Fitzsimons for his a book that captures the history and highlights thorough research, Julie Brown for her hard of the past 50 years of the St Johns Eagles work, Mark Brown for his work on the graph- Junior Rugby League Football Club, formerly ics, and Charbel Khoury for his hours of tech- known as St Johns Lakemba. nical work.

We have found it difficult to find accurate To all who provided pictures, books, maga- recorded information for the early years. We zine, memories and support we thank you. hope any omissions will not offend anyone. A special mention to the committee who have It would be appreciated if readers who note have worked hard on the celebrations and the any errors or omissions would send any alter- behind the scenes work. ations or additional information to the club so it can be filed with the book for the future. We hope you enjoy this trip through the last fifty years as much as we enjoyed compiling We trust you will enjoy these reflections which and researching it. we hope bring back fond memories. Fady Ghanem

1 Current St Johns Family

2 Sponsored by Anthony Karam and Family Foreword

This booklet is a salute to those who I hope this booklet brings back the were, in one way or another, involved memories the triumphs and the suc- with the establishment of the St cesses of so many who have had any Johns Eagles J.R.L.F.C. since 1954. association with the St Johns football It is also a record of accomplish- club. ments throughout the 50 years.

It acknowledges the years of toil of Yours in sport the many generations who have fil- tered through the club over the years, Mitchell Raimona their contributions and most signifi- (Club President 2003 ) cantly their dedication towards the growth and success of the club.

As President of the St Johns Eagles football club I am honoured and proud to be associated with one of the largest Junior League Clubs in the Canterbury/ Bankstown district, which is so rich in history and tradition.

In my seven year involvement with St Johns I have seen a steady growth taking place within the club, from the players to the officials to its members and most importantly the support and help from parents and friends.

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

3 Tribute to the De La Salle Brothers The De La Salle Brothers are a teaching reli- gious orders based on the leadership of their Patron St John Baptise De La Salle.

In the early 1950’s the local community saw a need to further the Catholic primary education of boys in the Canterbury Bankstown area. Back, L to It: Br. Charles Berkeley, Br. Pius Crowe, Br. Declan Thompson, Br. Antoninus Good, Br. Christopher Watson. Front: L to R: Br. Anselm, Br. Leopold Deignan, Br. The local parishes raised the money to build Alphonsus., Br. Casimir (Taken early 60's.) the school (now called Holy Spirit College). St John's main sport or the most promi- The DLS Brothers were asked to run the nent sport was Rugby League. It was a school. rule in the Brothers' community that each Brother had a team to train and be responsible for. I enjoyed the activity but was never at ease at being a coach. The College had a good reputation and had many outstanding individual players and teams. I remember the jersey very well; yellow with a large red eagle on the front plus blue shoulders. To the boys the greatest insult was to tear their The Original Community 1954. Back: L to R: Brother Declan, Brother eagle off during a game. Florence (Principal), Brother Anselm (Deputy Principal). Front., L to R. Brother Bernadine, Brother Richard, Brother Vincent. Brother Aloysius The early days saw much hardship as the Brothers worked hard with parents to develop the school.

Over the years many Brothers both taught at

and ran the school. They gave the school “the 1962 STAFF spirit” and inspired many of their pupils. In FRONT: L. to R.: Mrs Harris. Mrs Pam Ghidari, Br. Pius Crowe, Br. Anselm,Br. Leopold, Br. Alphonsus, Br. Charles Berkeley, Br. Casimir, return the Brothers were much loved and Miss Williams. BACK: L. to R.: Mr Kevin Dilley, Mr Goddard, Mr Errol Scarlet, Mr Murphy, Mr Neville Mayhew, Br. Antoninus, Mr Michael Pope, respected. Mr Norbert Egan, Br. Christopher Watson. Representing in State Carnivals and the School First X111 on Oakhill Day are special memories. Those 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 cliffs of Oakhill College.

Almost all my teams were coached by the knowledgeable and disciplined De La Salle Brothers. They promoted the value of teamwork and the free flowing running game that was to later earn our Bulldogs team of the late 70's/early 80's the "Entertainers" tag. It didn't always win football games, 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. Looking back now, their expectations were high, but their discipline fostered the great spirit and emo- tion to play for the school and your mates . I particularly admired Brother Pius as a terrific Coach and school mentor. Although I was never coached by Brother Anslem, he was the favourite Brother amongst all my mates of that era. Mark Hughes (student 1960’s) 4 Tribute to the De La Salle Brothers The Sixties saw the Brothers take the school to a new level in all they did. On the football field and at training the Brothers high expec- tation of the boys in their charge develop great skills in the teams. Principals: Taken in 1966 at the event of Brother Leopold's farewell on leave to Ireland. L. to R. Br Brendon’s knowledge of the game was Brother Leopold; former Principal, Brother highly respected and his book "High Speed Florence and new Principal, Brother Leo Rugby League", was ahead of its time. South Sydney helped publish the book which became popular with many coaches. During their 34 years as a part of the site at Lakemba, the Brother built a school and edu- The seventies saw the numbers in the cated students. But this was the least of their Brothers take a backwards slide . The num- achievements. Their attitudes, dedication, bers of Brothers at St Johns was reduced to way of life and love of students is what made 2 in 1973. The Brothers continued to run the St Johns a great school. school till 1985. In 1986 the Brothers were no longer able to be a part of St Johns. Their efforts to support the extra curricular activity of rugby league for young boys has given the football club a solid foundation and set the club to last a long time into the future.

Br Leo Brother Declan

Brother Florence

Back L to R: Br. Charles Berkeley, Br. Pius Crowe, Br. Declan Thompson, Br. Antoninus Good, Br, Christopher Watson. Front-, L to R: The Last Community 1986 L to R: Br. Vial Tran Van Hue, Br. Br. Anselm, Br. Leopold Deignan, Br. Basil Collins, Alpbonsus, Br.. Casimir - Taken early 60's. Br. Dermot Brosnan, Br. Kevin Neville. Sponsored by George Habib and Family 5 Life Members Year Name 1976 John Moran 1982 Brian McCullagh

1987 Ray Pike John Moran 1989 Dennis Jessup 1990 Michael Byrne 1991 Vince Ryan 1993 Gerard Southam 1996 Joe Karam 1997 Nal Wijesekera Ted McGrath, Paul Fitzsimons & 1999 Paul Fitzsimons Nal Wijesekera 2000 Michael Khoury 2000 Ted McGrath

Michael Byrne Michael Khoury It is a great honour for a member of any volunteer club to be nominated as a Life Member, particularly for the St Johns Eagles JRLFC. Vince Ryan and Ray Pike It is a testament to the hard work and unselfishness displayed by a member who has significantly contributed to the running of the club. The spirit and will to excel at St Johns is a trait which becomes ingrained into players and members as they strive towards their Brian McCullagh Dennis Jessup goals.

As a Life Member you are an ambassador not only for St Johns Eagles JRLFC but also for other affiliated clubs and sponsors and supporters of our club.The members and community congratulate those who have attained this level of recognition within St Johns Eagles JRLFC and hope that others will aspire to join them. Joe Karam Gerard Southam

6 Sponsored by Paul Fizsimons and Family History of St Johns Football Club 1954-1973 reprinted from Where Eagles Dare,1979 By Brian McCullagh

St. John's fielded a representative team in 1954, its very At the end of the 1958 season, D. Nicholls wrote in first year of existence. The only record we have of this team "Sporting Round Up"of "The Golden Eagle", Oct., 1958 is 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 "Well, the curtain has fallen to draw a very successful (5th. Year) in the November, 1959, issue of "L'Etoile" the League season to a close. The school's name has school paper. The Brothers' journal states: been phenomenally branded on the map and we have "August 8th. Oakhill Knockout provided a headache and heartache for numerous To give the St. John's football team practice, games were opposing teams. The younger talent is formidable and arranged between D.L.S. Bankstown and D.L.S. I can assure you that Brother Benedict's team will go a Marrickville. The first was played at Bankstown and was long way in future seasons. Both the forwards and the won in fine style by St. John's six points to nil. The game backs are without flaw. against Marrickville was played at Lakemba and was won by St. John's nine points to nil. Opposition after opposition fell before the onslaught of our teams in knockouts, and we retreated with 9 out of The draw for the Oakhill Knockout meant D.L.S. Ashfield 11 Cups, leaving other schools flabbergasted. In town playing St. John's. It was a good hard game with plenty of in the Combined Knockout Brother Alphonsus' Eight low tackling from D. O'Brien and T. Bates. Final score was Stoners played mighty football and won several three points to nil in favour of St. John's. N. Stephenson games." scored the try. In 1959 the Five Stone Team got really close to taking The next match was against Coogee. St. John's held them out a State Title. I quote from "UEtoile", Vol. 1, No.3, to nil all until one minute to full time. Coogee then went over Oct. 1959: and the bell rang as the kick was being taken. The "L'Etoile" article states" In preparation for the annual "Having waltzed our way triumphantly through the Oakhill Football Knockout, our Sixth Class weight team, opposition in the Canterbury Bankstown Knockout under the coaching of Brother Anselm, defeated Carnival to the tune of eighty-eight points to nil against Bankstown and Marrickville. On August 8th, in the first us, we were full of confidence and right on our toes as Knockout match, we defeated Ashfield 3-0, but were we trained hard for the New South Wales Knockout to defeated by Coogee 3-0 in the second match." be held on the 21st. August.

"GOLDEN" YEARS We ran to the field at Moore Park to face our first oppo- The early years were golden years as far as football at St. nents, Tempe Public School, and then we realized we John's was concerned. had a job on our hands. The forwards battered their In 1955, the school's second year of existence, the Eagles way up the field and scored against us. Stung by this won the 5-7 District Knockout. reverse we dived into the fray and after some quick In 1956 four teams won District Knockout shields and the passing and backing up John Faddy dived over for a try Six Stone Team reached the Grand Final of the State to make the score 3-3. Tempe's forwards again barged Knockout at the Sydney Cricket Ground. their way over the line, but by quick retaliation both It 1957 and 1958 the school won seven divisions in each Dennis Scahill and Brian Collins scored to give us the year in the District Knockout. lead with the points 9-6. With our forwards defending grimly the final bell rang and so we lived to play again. In 1957 four teams were fielded by St. John's in the Junior League Competitions - two E Grades and two F Grades. An hour later we lined up against Marist Brothers The top E Grade team won the Premiership undefeated, Penshurst. As they had beaten us quite earlier in the while the second E Grade side came eighth out of fourteen season they were quite confident but we had a few sur- teams. The top F Grade side played in the Final which they prises ready for them and when Anthony Doyle, our lost, while the second side came about half way in the com- dashing five-eighth, slashed through to score, the writ- petition. ing was on the wall. After a dazzling run down the side- line Robert Delaney was pushed into touch five yards So, in our first year in Junior League, we gained a out from the line. Premiership and participated in a Final. From the ensuing scrum our nippy little halfback and 7 captain, Greg Dugan, snapped up the ball, dummied a In 1966 St. John's fielded an M Grade team in the pass to the winger, and with neat footwork stepped inside Junior League. The side went on to win that the opposition to score a very fine try. When the game Premiership and, with the addition of other players, ended we were at our top, the score being 6-3 in our won the J Grade (1969), 1 Grade (1970) and G Grade favour. (1972). Their four Premiership was equalled this year when the 1979 G Grade won its fourth consecutive With no time to lose we rushed straight to the Cricket Premiership. ground to play our final match against Daceyville Pubic School. The match was a "thriller with Daceyville scoring By the mid-sixties the football at St. John's was being first. We hit back and from a scrum John Faddy, our untir- run by a properly constituted football club, a member of ing lock, raced down the blind side to score. Scores three the Canterbury-Bankstown Junior Rugby League points all. Football Club. Fathers such as J. Carolan, S. Bobridge, Barry Lehmann, Len Palmer, Noel Hughes, Dick Once more Daceyville wrenched the lead from our grasp Bambery, John Moran and Martin Puckeridge have with a nice try. The pace was really on now and from a been prominent officials. For years Mick Keeble was splendid backline movement Michael Roustan, our winger, prominent as an official and coach. He was largely flashed across the line to level the scores once again. Time responsible for the drafting of the present constitution. was running out and although we tried desperately to pen- People like Nev Cronk, Joe Marinak, Mick McNamara, etrate, the opposition held firm and so with the scores at 6- Paul Gates, Geoff Butler, Bill Shannon and Author 6 the full time bell ran out. Daceyville, scoring the first try, Riddell gave many years of service as coaches or man- were deemed the winners and we congratulated them. agers with St Johns teams. Obviously dozens of names could be added to the list of coaches and managers. Congratulations, Five Stoners. This is the closest a St. Joe Ghidini's work in fund raising was a legend. Brother John's team has come to winning a Final in the State Luke and Brother Gregory are very much remembered Knockout, and when 1960 comes around, who knows what by the present club members for their trojan work. A results the New Year may bring." properly researched study on officials would take many pages. However, we limit ourselves here to actual Then, in 1960, St. John's came second in the Junior developments affecting the club and the boys them- League Club Championship - "a great effort considering selves. they had no A or B Grades" ("The Star" - Vol. 2 No. 2, August, 1960). In that year St. John's fielded sides in the A big decision was made in 1971. After much discus- following grades: C, D, E, F, GI, G2, HI, H2. sion and rejected proposals it was decided to encour- As well as doing so well in the Club Championship, St. age boys to represent the club by awarding an embroi- John's won three premierships (C, G and H Grades), a feat dered jacket to each boy who has played forty games repeated in 1962 and 1976. Since 1960 the Club has won for the club. The count was to start in 1972. This has Premiership each year except for '68, '73 and '74. As well, been a popular innovation. The jackets are proudly St. John's has won at least one division every year in the worn as a part of the school uniform and are quite dis- District Knockout. tinctive.

The Junior League competitions continued to be the main area of Eagles' football endeavours, apart from the In 1973 the first "Where Eagles Dare" Annual was pub- Knockouts. The C.C.F.A. (Catholic Colleges Football lished. Each year this has grown and provides a record Association) catered for the Firsts and Seconds on of all the club's happenings, all game results, all Thursday afternoons for a short time. scores, and a write-up on each player.

The fact that St. John's eventually became a Year 10 From "Where Eagles Dare" 1979, Brian McCullagh school had a major impact on football. No longer would we have senior boys, and some boys that would have come to us went to sixth Form schools so as not to have to change schools for the final years. Yet strangely enough, 1967 was the Year St:John's won its first State Knockout- and this, was the schools older boys the eight Stone Team. A. Buxton captained the side which included 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.

8 1954 The early Days

Rugby League commenced at St Johns on Rugby League became a major part of the Thursday 10th June 1954. A school colour school from the early days. The Brothers House competition was run during sport. taught many lessons of life through sport. Bernards won the competition followed by Pauls, Dominics and Kevins. Rugby league was one of the many founda- tions of a school that started from a humble The first inter-school games were in prepara- beginning. tion for the annual Oakhill football knockouts. Our sixth class weight team, under the Even though in the first few years rugby coaching of Br. Anselm, defeated Bankstown league was played only in knockouts, it and Marrickville. On 8th August, in the first sounded the beginning of a great club in the knockout match, we defeated Ashfield 3-0, Canterbury Bankstown District. but were defeated by Coogee 3-0 in the second match.

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, I Doyle, B. Kirkharn.

Above: photos from the 1954 Oakhill knockout

Sponsored by the Singh Family 9 1954-1956 1954 First representative team entered into the Oakhill Knockout captained by D. O'Brien 1955 5st 7lb team wins Canterbury Bankstown Knockout competition. 1956 Four 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 5 Stone Premiers C.B.D.R.F.L

1955 6 Stone 7lbs Primary

STATE KNOCKOUT - 1958 - MOORE PARK, SYDNEY BACK ROW: Leo Stonnell, Staffor Blechynden, Geoffrey Whetton, John Maher,Brother Benedict, Paul Bramble, Brian Williamson, Ina Austin,Peter Sheehey, Neville Browne. FRONT ROW: Geoff Deehan, John MacDonald, Tony Wills, Garry Brennan,John Faddy, Warren Ryan. 1956 Canterbury Knockout 10 1957

1957 9 Stone Team C.B.D.J.R.F.L Undefeated Premiers 276 For, 27 Against

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

Extract from 1957 season CBDJRL Annual report "E" GRADE COMPETITION J. KELLARD CUP Final 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 Boys in 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 season 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.

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

Sponsored by Ray and Yvette Ghanem and Family 11 1958-1959 C.B.D.R.F.L Knockout Competition Winners

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

1957 St Johns wins seven divisions in the Canterbury Bankstown Knockout competition. Four teams entered into the Canterbury Bankstown District JRL being two E (under 16) and two F (under 15) grades. The top E grade team went 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. 1958 St Johns again wins seven divisions in the Canterbury Bankstown Knockout competitions - 5st, 6st, 7st, 7st 7lb, 8st, 9st and 10st. 1959 The 5st team reaches the Grand Final of the State Knockouts but is defeated on a countback after the scores were 6 all at full time.

12 1960’s From the humble, but rapid beginnings of St The continued success of the sixties almost Johns Football in 1954, who ever would have came to a screaming halt, when it was believed that within 7 years, we would develop rumoured that at the end of 1964, St John's into one of the most successful football clubs in would cease as a regional boys school. the Canterbury District. Cardinal Gilroy received a delegation of eight parents, and their strong feelings on this deci- Brother Anselm and his assistants were a very sion were made known. His Eminence important part of developing and nurturing the assured the members in May 1964 that St. playing skills of the boys on the rugby league John's would continue as a boys school. field. From meagre beginnings the teams of St. John's went from success to success. As the boys matured and left St Johns, they would play Saturday league with other clubs To all those associated with St. Johns it was no within the Canterbury Bankstown district. A surprise that this happened. It reflected the group of parents including Noel Hughes, Kevin quality of character that St. Johns boys distin- Peek and Barry Lehmann approached the guished themselves by, in particular, their will- school with the desire to create a club where ingness to keep trying. the boys could stay together to play Saturday league and 'The Brothers' club was formed to During the sixties, St Johns won sixteen Junior enable this. The St John's 'Old Boys' played League premierships, thirty five Canterbury- for this club on Saturdays until the current St Bankstown Knockout Championships and One Johns club entered senior teams in the mid State Knockout Championship St Johns won 1980's. Julie Brown more G Grade and I Grade Premierships than any other club.

In 1961 the football club had claimed prestige status in the area and lights were erected for football training on the now completed oval. The poles for these lights came from the old Randwick tram depot. In 1962 - 1964 the competition was split into two divisions - Canterbury and Bankstown. St Johns won the Canterbury division. JUNIOR LEAGUE 'G' GRADE - PREMIERS 1960 BACK ROW: David Williams, Tony Wills, Paul Kirkham, Kevin Doyle Brian Russell, John MacDonald The sixties also saw the beginnings of suc- STANDING: Joe Michael, Anthony Doyle MIDDLE ROW: Brian Brennan, Warren Ryan, Jeff Smith, Geoff Deehan, cessful football careers for Gary, Mark and David Franklin, Peter Booth Graeme Hughes, John Peek, Greg and Dennis FRONT ROW: Barry Moore, Robert Delaney COACH: Brother Aloysius Scahill, Chris & John Tindale, Stephen White, Norm Thomas and many others. What a great thrill for the boys to be presented with their pennants in 1965 by Les Johns.

In 1967 the first publication of "High Speed Rugby League", written by Brother Brendan was distributed, with the Directors of South

Sydney Leagues Club as the financial support- 1967 8 Stone State Premiers ers of the book. 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. 13 1960-1964 1960 The club re-entered the Canterbury Bankstown District JRL competitions and fielded eight teams - C, D, E, F, 2 x G 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. 1961 The team numbers increased to total 10. 3 teams made the semi-finals.G and I grades won their grand finals. 1962 A 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 be the 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. 1963 The 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. 1964 The club fielded 8 teams. I grade won their grand final being the only team to compete in the finals.

F Grade 8 st 7lbs 1961 Back : Stan Blaney, Chris Murphy, Joey Michael, Lackie McDonald, Les Sullovan, Peter Sedman, Barry moore Middle : Brian Sheeky, Carl Pemberton, Greg Dugan(C)Brian Collins (vc) 1962 G grade Premier Front Row : Peter McDonagh, Erryl Sams, Phil Castle Standing: 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 - 1961 1966 M Grade Premiers BACK ROW: Stafford Blechynden, Paul Kirkham, Vincent Scahill, Daniel Back row: M. Sheargold, T. Mayles, T. Wilmott, S. Weigold, B. Chang, Cliff Foster, Michael Hale, Kevin Doyle, Brian Russell Cohen, J. Davis, A. Wiegold MIDDLE ROW: Warren Ryan, Peter Booth, Jeff Smith, Geoff Deehan, Middle row:T. O'Day. P. Morrissey, A. White, P. Lehmann (Capt) M. Norman Thomas, John MacDonald, Colin Thomas Rix (V Capt) M. Murphy, W. Buckley. FRONT ROW. Anthony Doyle, William Mulcahy, Brian Brennan Front row: C. Williams, J. O'Keefe, J. Hurley. COACH: Brother Christopher 14 1965-1969 1965 Team 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. 1966 The 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. 1967 Total 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. 1968 The 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 secure a Premiership trophy. 1969 Team 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 premier Standing: R. Lawrence, K. Skelton, P. Laffey, R. Gersback, P. Stewart, M. Stanton, Sitting: J. Turner, N. Booth, 1. Sams (Capt.), M. Castle (Vice-Capt.), No names can be found J. Sheekey, D. Henderson. Front: M. Russell, M. Sheekey (Ball Boy), J. Waide. Coach: Bro. Charles (absent)

No names can be found Premiership side with football great Les Johns

Sponsored by Ramon Garcia 15 1970’s The 70's was an important development era for the Eagles. One of the most important introduc- No Club is successful without the efforts of their tions of that era was the concept of the "First XIII" Football Committee who keep the whole thing which has been a tradition now for some 30 ticking along so that players only have to show up years and looks set to continue for a long time to and enjoy a game of footy each weekend. One of come. many dads or mums who gave a huge amount of their time to the Club was John Moran who held Brian McCullagh was largely responsible for the the position of president for a number of years success of the Football Club generally through- during the 70's. John also became the first Life out the mid 70's through to the early 80's. Member of the Club in 1974. John's goal as President was, "The aim of the Club is to foster Another influential character during the 70's was Rugby League for boys in the College, so that Brother Luke who tended to coach the H grade they might derive from that great game, all possi- side as the boys progressed through this age ble benefits." (quote from 1973 - Where Eagles group. Probably the intention was to toughen the Dare). John took a massive amount of pride and boys up before Brian got hold of them but disci- satisfaction out of seeing the boys perform and pline was an important piece of Brother Luke's develop personally and as a footballer through armoury. Brother Luke would enjoy nothing more their years with the Eagles and later on after their than a closely fought but narrow loss as long as time at St Johns. the boys gave their all. Unfortunately he also enjoyed running the boys through a half-hour Success was also evident throughout this era by short and sharp session straight after the game, the many victories in district and state schoolboy to get that one thing right that cost them the knockout competitions that were at weight level in game that day. Not hard to see why players the early years of the 70's (ah those steaming hot enjoyed progressing on to G Grade. epsom salts baths to make sure you weighed in on the big day) and later moving to age restric- Brother Luke worked tirelessly for the Football tions. The annual De La Salle Oakhill knockout Club, encouraging pupils to play football for the was always keenly contested as well. school and to get in and have a go. As the Principal of the College, he was also a well- Generally the 70's era produced some fine foot- respected teacher and administrator who was balling talent throughout all the grades and a sadly missed when he moved on from St John's. number of players progressed to successful careers at grade level both in the Canterbury dis- This era was probably remembered as much for trict and elsewhere. The combination of the the teaching staff at the College and coaching unselfish efforts of the teaching staff, the coaches personalities as much as the players themselves. and the Football Committee combined with the Earlier personalities and teaching staff such as talent and the spirit of the Eagle within the play- Mick Keeble, Brother James and Brother ers, made the 70's era a memorable one. Surely Christopher were also important influences on there are many great memories held by all con- various teams passing through the 70's era. God cerned with the era and the proud traditions intro- help you if you were not picking up on the guitar duced then, continue today. lessons well because you would pay when you got to one of Brother Chis's training sessions. Tony Moran Brother James also had his influencing methods and Mick was just having a great time with a smile on his face from ear to ear.

16 Sponsored by the Moran Family 1970-1974 1970 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 in the 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. 1971 The 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. 1972 7 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. 1973 The club fielded 8 teams - F, G, H, 2 x I, 2 x J grades and K. 6 teams played in semi-finals. 1974 The club fielded 7 teams.5 teams reached the semi-finals.

1974 First XIII -F Grade runners up Knockout Champions Back row: L. Oliveiro, M. Flanagan, S. Blundell, M. Collins, J. Pollack, 1975 K Grade -Knockout Champions-State Knockout Champions A. Mitchell, S Nehme, M. Perceval, A. Harris. Back row: P. Cronk, R. Dib, J. Day, P. Chahine, D. Manteit, J. Cohen, Front row: P. Leavers, J. DeCarli, B. Kennedy (V capt), P. Gates (Capt), R. Doueihi, M. Gaudiello. P. Anslow, G. Mannah, M. Kadry. 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. 1976 I Reserve Grade Premiers Gibson, J. Khoury, G. Pike. 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 J Grade Premiers Knockout Champions Oakhill Champions 1976 First XIII Back row: J. Cohen, R. Dib, S. McGlynn, S. Murphy, P. Chahine, A. Back row: W. Bitar, P. Butler, W. Loschi, G. Byron, M. Gates, L. Elias, G. Carver, J. Defosses. O'Connor, D. Hockey, F. Ghidini, C. Kennedy Front row: S. Pike, M. Gaudiello, C. Gavin, D. Gollan, (Capt), K. Moore Front row: A. Ventura, J. Cronk, R. Millar, M. McNamara, P. Gearin (V Capt), H. Elias, P. Hatti, D. McNamara. Absent - D. Breen. (Capt), B. Cummins (V Capt), A. Elias, M. Saliba, G. Cipolla. Ball Boys - N. O'Dea, J. Cannon 17 1975-1979 1975 Team 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 for St Johns in this grade. The other years being 1980, 1985 and 2001 1976 The 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 competition undefeated. 1977 Total 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. 1978 The 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 K reserves who won 62 - 0 against Chester Hill which is a record score in the Canterbury District. 1979 Team 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 has won in this grade.

1977 I Grade Premiers-Oakhill Knockout Champions Back row: D. Lowe, M. Gaudiello, R. Dib, S. McGlynn, P. Chahine, S. 1977 First XIII Murphy, A. Elias, J. Cohen, C. Gavin. Back row: B. Bannon, D. Carroll, G. Mullane, P. Hagan, J. Anslow, M. Front row: D. McNamara, P. Hatti, J. Defosses. D. Gollan (Capt), K. Lollback, P. Bell, R. Cipolla, M. Holloway. Moore, S. Pike, G. Solomon. 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. 1978 First XIII Front row: M. Jones, M. Gaudiello, S. McGlynn, P. Chahine, D. Gollan Back row: T. Harris, A. Khoury, I. Cooper (V Capt), S. Nicholls, P. Treeves, S. (Capt), J. Day, R. Dib, S. Murphy, A. Elias. 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. 1979 G Grade Premiers Knockout Champions Freeman, A. Pollack, M. Cummins N. Issa. Back row: M. Gaudiello, S. Murphy, S. McGlynn, P. Chahine, T. Issa, J. Front row: P. Wynne, R. Puckeridge, .M. Bransgrove, K. White (Capt), Day, A. Elias, D. Lowe, G. Bradney. J. Berenger (V Capt), M. Moran, J. Aouad, Front row: K. Moore, C. Gavin, P. Hatti, R. Dib (Capt) J. Cohen, J. 18 P. Logiotatos, J. Bates. Ball Boys - M. Jones, M. Murray Defosses, S. Pike, G. Solomon. First XIII The First XIII was an initiative of the Football night time training sessions at Clemton Park. Committee of the time and Brian McCullagh a They finished off with a light sprint to King recent teaching arrival to St John's College. George's road and back. The lunchtime runs The premise behind the First XIII concept was were for the love of the game. Certainly Brian to recognise the senior football players of the had a strong knowledge and understanding of school (F Grade) who were seen as the lead- schoolboy football and he introduced new skills ing representatives of both the School and the and coaching methods not previously seen in Football Club. The playing outfit was different the Club. to that of the other St John's teams and the players were also afforded the luxury of run- 1980 saw St Johns win its second First XIII ning laps around the block during their lunch Competition. The team beat Revesby Central time in recognition of their status. 20-16 after being the underdogs.

Unfortunately, the inaugural First XIII side was The First XIII were unable to win another pre- unsuccessful in their attempt to win the premiership until 1985. This gave the club a feel- miership in 1974. The side boasted some fine ing that a five year hoodoo had begun. players, none other than Peter Gates who was probably one of the most talented players to In 1985 the First XIII beat Bankstown Sports in have played for the Eagles during the 70's era the Grand Final. and as a talented number had before him, he moved on to a career in the lower grades for After 1985 many First XIII teams came close to Canterbury. winning (including 1986 Losing against East Hills 8-9) It didn't take long for success to kick in however, with the 1975 First XIII side winning the F The 1990, 1995 and 2000 teams were all Grade title in fine fashion. This was also a potential premiers but missed each time. It developmental year for the Club in that it was wasn’t till 2001 when the First XIII regarded as the first time, that boys who were not pupils of underdog’s upset Bankstown Cougars to win a St John's College were permitted to play in thriller 26-20. This broke the 17 year drought. what was then football teams for pupils only. With some internal trouble in the Newtown dis- Once again this year’s First XIII have the trict and with the ability and foresight of the potential to take out the premiership and win Football Committee to try something different, their 4th consecutive Grand Final. the side was fortunate to pick up players from Lewisham who complimented the playing tal- Even though the club now fields older grades, ent at the School. the First XIII’s are still regarded as the Premier Grade of the club. So the tradition was off to a flying start and the main thrust behind the success of the First XIII The club have been sending the First XIII of concept was then teacher at the school, Brian each year to the NSW Academy of Sport locat- McCullagh. Brian introduced, even at that ed at Narrabeen as well as having a presenta- time, a certain level of professionalism to the tion dinner in honour of the First XIII. senior playing squad which quickly spread amongst the other teams. Fitness was an imperative and First XIII players made a sud- den transition into F Grade football through

Sponsored by Joe Karam and Family 19 First XIII Premiers

1975 First XIII -F Grade Premiers-Knockout Champions Back row: G. Gearin, P.Van Gogh, S. Lowe, C. O'Brien A. Cianciarulo, A. Michael, R,. Badawa, P. Haddad. 1980 first XIII Premiers-Knockout Champions Front row: D. Fricot, B. Dalla- Bona, J. Marinak, J. Phee (Capt) A. Back row: D. Lowe, P. Cronk, S. McGlynn, , P. Chahine, R. Bradley, J. Moran (V capt), P. Lynch, J. English, B. Puckeridge, Day, D. Gearin, A. Elias. (Absent - D. Gilbert)Ball Boys - D. Puckeridge, M. Moran. 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,

2001 First XIII F Grade Premiers Back Row: Chris Ayoub (Trainer), Joe Dahdah, John Saade, Steven Radford, 1985 Canterbury-Bankstown first XIII Premiers Simon Whebe, Dean McGrath, Chris Towells, George Back row:D.Bertolissio, A.Todorovic, P.Ryan, J.Zamudio. Makhlouf Front Row: B.Battese (Coach), P.Thompson, C.Samrani, M.Nelson, Middle Row:Fady Ghanem (Coach), Carl Roummanous, S.Sukkar, T.Muddle, N.Boustany, G.Blackett (Coach). Desmond Deo, Danny Yussef,George Batti, Jai Ayoub, John Front Row: P.Tambasco, R.Caparas, R.Doueihi, A.Griffith (Capt..) Mariner, Ciaron Burns (Manager). R.Sciglitano, E.Drobek, F.Hall (Ball Boys) G.Kearney and Glenn Front Row: Liam Ayoub (BaH Boy), Max Alam, Tyson James, Creecy Charbel Azzi,Brendan Coffey, Fadi Bassiff, Joseph Plam. Absent: G.Markos, S.Leondios, M.Darwent. (Ball Boy).Absent:Sam Mino, Wayne Pilon First XIII 2003

2003 First XIII Back row; J Laupoini, K Ronaki, H Tonga, J Kite, A Abousleiman, F Fine Middlerow; C Khoury (Coach), C Elhelou (Trainer), J Abousleiman, S Turagakula, W Mataka, S Esera, S Taouk, E Khalaf, C Ayoub, R Esera (Trainer), R Hassarani (Trainer) Frontrow; P Kairouz, T Hennings, D Azzi, R Sanders (Manager), R Sarkis, T Noura, W Hassarani

20 Sponsored by Peter Haddad and Family First XIII Award Winners year Mark Cronk Dennis Jessup Memorial Brian McCullagh Trophy Shield trophy 1974 Peter Gates 1975 Tony Moran Brad Puckeridge, Tom Phee 1976 Gerard Byron Gerard Byron, Jim Cronk, Michael MacNamarra 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, Chris Thomas Coorey, Chris Gavin Ayoub 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 Trophy- 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 Member of 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 a major part in the club in the 1970’s, developing the culture of the First XIII.

21 1980’s A DLS Brothers Reflections

I am very happy to have this opportunity to I still believe that in my time at St Johns and congratulate St Johns Eagles Rugby League before and after that time that most of the Football Club on it’s 50 year anniversary. boys were stamped with a definite pride in their school. Several times I have heard old As a Principal of St Johns College in 1979- boys and outsiders agree with that opinion. I 1984 I had a happy association with the club also believe that St Johns football club played and always believed it’s sporting and social a large part in building up that sense of pride activities helped to unite St Johns, both stu- for a large percentage of the boys of the dents and parents, into a closer knit commu- school. So I thank St Johns Eagles for their nity. great effort over the years and congratulate them on their many succeses. I congratulate In those years I left myself free of coaching so them on celebrating their 50th Anniversary. I that I could view all teams in their games on wish them every success with their celebra- the weekends. I saw this involvement as an tions and every success in the future. opportunity to be in closer contact with the boys, who made up a sizeable number of St Brother Paul Rigney Johns students. (Principal 1979-1984)

1980’s The 1980’s saw great change both in the In 1988, the school entered teams in the school and the Club. Both still complemented Christian Brothers Sports Association. During each other but the club the now had an iden- the years as St Johns and today as Holy Spirit tity of its own. the school has dominated this competition.

The Eighties saw fewer Brothers at the The Club had many successes on the field in school, so unfortunately no Brothers were the eighties. Many grand finals have been able to coach. With Brian Mc Cullagh’s depar- won during this decade including 2 First XIII ture from the school and club a huge hole was grand finals in 1980 and 1985. left. The Club also re-ventured into senior having A group of parents and lay teachers put their senior teams. 1986 saw St John's enter a hands up to run the club. These parents number of teams in higher grades. included , Vince Ryan, Michael Byrnes, Ray Pike, Dennis Jessup, Gerard Southam and The Eighties will be remembered as a time of Joe Karam all now life members. great change for the Club and School. St John's Football Club had cemented itself into A special mention must go to their families Canterbury Bankstown Junior Rugby League who support them. ranks.

The late 1980’s heralded the end of the school knockout era. Both the Oakhill and Fady Ghanem Canterbury knockouts were no longer run.

22 1980-1984 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 coached the successful 1975 side. 1981 The 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.

1982 7 teams were entered into the CBDJRL - F, G, H, I, J, K and L grades. 4 teams played in the semi-finals.

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

1984 The 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.

1980 K State Knockout Champions Back row: P. Martin, J. Shomar, R. Doueihi, A. Brady, M. O'Donnell, T. Kotsonis, A. Karam, P. Russell. 1981 J Undefeated Premiers Front row: J. Maksour, P. Dimento, C. Samrani, A. Griffith (Capt), R. Back row: M. Oliver, M. O'Donnell, R. Doueihi, A. Brady, M. Khalil, J. Newton (V Capt), P. Thompson, F. Hall, J. Khoury 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

1982 k Grade Premiers First XIII 1987 BACK : Justin Kelly, Matthew Treeves, Brad Jones, Phillip Bertolissio, Standing: Joe Karam(Coach), Nicholas Karam (bb) Paul Seymour (ass Chris Ayoub, Anthony Karam, Michael Mellick, MatthewJollow. coach), Wayne Taylor, Amin Chamoun, Chris Ayoub, Tony Rizk, Phillip MIDDLE : Dory Yshac, Mark Butt, Chris Gavin, Greg Kearney (c), Bertolissio, Gerard Southam (manager) Chris Gavin, Matthew Treaves, Daniel Spiteri, Sam Evans, Daniel Dimento. Thomas Coorey, Les Elias, Brendon Burns, Michael Michaels (trainer) FRONT : Glenn Creecy, Scott Murphy, Sam Digiglio. Kneeling: Terry Yaggi, Ralph Khoury, John Kairouz, Greg Kearney, Scott INSETS : John Kairouz, Jason Gardner, Stephen Daher Murphy, Daniel Dimento, Mark Butt, Anthony Karam sitting: Digger Puckeridge and Stephen Michael

Sponsored by George Bakhos and Family 23 24 Sponsored by the Burns Family 25 1985-1989 1985 Team 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 St Johns in this grade. Garry Blackett and Brian Battese coached the team. 1986 Team numbers fell to the lowest since 1960 - 5 teams B, D, E, F and H grades. This would mark the beginning of senior teams above F grade competing for St Johns. 3 teams played in semi-finals. 1987 There 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 teams played in semi-finals. 1988 The club fielded 10 teams. 4 teams played in the semi-finals. 1 team won their grand final - H grade was coached by David Maroun. 1989 Team numbers decreased to 9. 5 teams played in semi-finals. K reserve wins their Premiership.

Greg Carney, Amin Chamoun and Anthony Ryan

Joe Karam with Scott Murphy

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

1980 Firsts Captain David Golan Nal Wijesekera 26 1990’s The 1990's signalled a period for change, a time to move with the times or go down the The early 90's were very difficult years road of other famous clubs who have become because many hard decisions on players, offi- part of Junior League history. Brian McCullagh cials, supporters and administration practices ran the Football Club for many years leading had to be made. The new executive went up to the mid 80's from the school. His depar- about making the administration of the ture in the mid 80's saw the club run solely by Football Club one that was more professional the mum's and dad's. It also saw the very and therefore changed many old practices brave decision of the executive of the time to and put in structures that catered for the field senior teams above the First XIII. times. It then went about building discipline among teams by either not fielding teams in The club undertook this with zeal and though age groups or getting rid of players and offi- their decision was a right one for the future, it cials who failed to respect the image of the did not have the capacity to make the transi- club. It was the first ever club to build into its tion smoothly. Hence in the late 80's the club structure the power to suspend or expel play- faced many problems on and off the field and ers, officials or supporters who brought the its image took a big battering. club's name into disrepute.

So we entered the 90's needing to dramatical- After making the tough decisions and many ly fix our administration, the type of players we more the club enjoyed the most successful enticed to the club and the club's overall period of its 50 years. The club won many pre- image amongst the wider football community. mierships and won the Junior League Club Championship between 1995 and 2001 Fortunately the 90's brought together some - 7 consecutive years. wonderful, genuine and hardworking people who were extremely committed and deter- Nal Wijesekera mined to make St John's the envy of all in the district.

1995 Executive Committee Belmore box Gala Day

Sponsored by Nal, Joanne and little Wijesekera 27 1990-1994 1990 The 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.

1991 St John's was the first club to introduce an insurance scheme for all its players. The insurance covered aspects like income, 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 physiotherapist that player could go to. As a result of this pioneering concept the Junior League introduced compulsory insurance for 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 to win the premiership. Vince Ryan became a Life Member

1992 The 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. Aspects such 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 and trainers 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 premierships. The club finished 3rd in the overall Club Championships, 4th in the Senior Club Championships and 6th in the Junior Club Championships. On the night of the Sunday Gala Day the club celebrated its achievements at our sponsors premises - Punchbowl Pub. 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 at Lance Hutchinson Oval.This was the first time Sunday football was played in the Canterbury Council area since the closure of Wiley Park. Gerard Southam becomes a Life Member 1993 The 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. 1994 The 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 receive this was Geoff Chehine. Ten Years Service - Junior Life Member was introduced. Players received a video tribute and a jacket.

28 1990-1994

ROW 3:Fady Ghanem (Manager), John Argall (Runner), Peter Dalamaghs, Tony Daou, Willie Waikato, Geoff Chehine, Sam Francis, Steve Michael, David Rigon, Pierre Alam, Brian Hudson (Coach), Danny Elazzi (Trainer). 1994 C Grade Premiers 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.)

Tony Kazzi, Charbel Mansour, Charlie Farah, Fosi Mata, Junior Henry, Clifford Manua, Andrew Pickup. ROW 2:Ted McGrath (Coach), Tony Youssef (Trainer), Benjamin Whyte, John Salameh (Trainer), Sid Doueihl (Assistant Trainer), Paul Doueihi Pati a Wright, Sayed Tobaji, Sam Mino, Michael Whyte (Manager). (Time Keeper), Sonny Toka, Roben Khoury, FRONT: Michael Elsoury, Danny Youssef, Charbel Obeid, Dean Mohamed Hussein, Bilal Najjarin, Terry Taniela, Joe Mansour McGrath, Carl Roumanous, Mark Dalley, Michael Sarkis. (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.]

D Grade Grand Final Celebrations J Reserve & J Grade 1992

George Saab accepts Senior Club L-R Wally Estephan, George Tobaji, Championship Trophy Andrew Bechara & Mark Cutajar Sponsored by Danny and Charbel Khoury 29 1990-1994

Michael Mansour, Patrick Mansour Presentation Night at Punchbowl RSC & Tony Carson

Ted McGrath, Pania Inia & Graham Clayton (President Punchbowl RSC) Mary Sarkis, Pauline Brown & Megan Brown

Grand Final Celebrations

George Habib accepts Club Championship Trophy

Luke Fitzsimons

Craig Macleod & George Khoury Tony Zouien & Tony Carson

30 1995-1999 1995 The 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 the leading goal kicker in the Canterbury District Andrew Abounader from U14's wins the highest try scorer in the Junior League which is still a record in the Canterbury District St John's gets a purpose built canteen at Lance Hutchinson through Sport and Recreation.

1996 The 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 record of 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.

1997 The 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 A grade 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 RSC Ten Year Service awards went to Steven Dib, George Khoury and Damien Michael. Nal Wijesekera became a Life Member.

1998 The 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.

1999 The 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 Coorey Paul 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 Atra Family 31 1995-1999

ROW 2: Joe Campisi (Coach), Patrick Campisi, Daniel Rapana, ROW 3: Danny Chehine, Joseph Natoli, Sam Rigitano, Charlie Alam, Abraham Ishac, Salamo Seitula, Daniel Brown, Jamie Whitney Charlie Michaels, Bashir Hamade, George Mellis. (Trainer), Graeme Hardy (Manager). ROW 2: Joe Alam (Manager), Tony Youssef (Trainer), Ji Lee, FRONT: Shane Donnelly, Adam Rehayem, Matthew Taupau Iona, George Abouhaidar, Elias Matta, Andrew Sozomenou, Joey Mansou Sean Sami, Paul Mareko, Nadim Aassar. Craig MacLeod (Coach), John Loch (Statistician), Anthony UNDER 6 Alam (Ball Boy), Danny Youssef (Ball Boy). FRONT. Patrick Mansour (Head Trainer), Andrew Sedrak, Charbel Youssef, Raymon Garcia, Leo Mino, Tony Zouein, Pierre Sassin Nilanga Wiijesekera (Trainer), Tony Noura (Sand Boy).

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

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, Dylan Hawea, Michael Carnovale, Matt Aston.

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, Back Row: Slaos! Slale (trainer), Sosala Siale (coach), Eronny Mareko, Emma Tuulau, Mohmoud Kassem, Nathan Colussi, Anthony Basil (assist coach). Mohammed Kassem (ball boy), Asenatl Mareko (manager). Ground: Norm Doumit James Habib (ball boy), Robert Front Row: Terry Tdfao, Dillon Singh, losia Tanielu, William Slale, Trevena. Tonlela Siale, Teven Singh. Absent: Misleli Vaikela, Jacob Malkoun, Jeremiah Pele. Absent: Travis Tbuma, Drew Cremin, Danny Chehine.

32 Sponsored by Mark Julie, Amanda, Kirsty and Daniel Brown 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 33 Canteen Money to run the club needs to come from somewhere. In the late 80’s and early 90’s the club turned to the canteen at games to help finance 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 to have parents volunteer. At Bennett Park the Dave Maroun & Theresa Mansour club ran a canteen out of a tent that was set up each week. Mrs Trish Cutajar looked after the running of the canteen.

Frank Meti on BBQ duties Canteen at Lance

Kerry Tucker and Trish Cutajar

Mary Sarkis & Theresa Mansour In 2000 St Johns moved to it’s current and new home ground, Begnall Oval. In recent times the canteen has been run by Anne Maree Poole, Pania Inia and a large group of volunteers from club officials and parents.

St Johns Canteen Caravan

The club was able to acquire a caravan and move it to it’s new home ground to Lance Hutchinson Oval. During this time Lyn Potts, George Habib & Peter Haddad on BBQ at Begnall Oval Anne Lloyd and Kerry Tucker helped Trish to run the canteen. Eventually a canteen was built at Lance, giving the club it’s first permanent canteen. Mary Sarkis, Theresa Mansour and Dave Maroun then took over introducing hot food such as Hot Chips and Kebabs.

34 Canteen at Begnall Oval 2000’s The current era has been very successful for the club. A team has been entered from 2002 saw Joe Karam step into the role as acting each age group from Under 6 to A grade, President and with his committee were able to with 2 team’s being fielded in some Grades. run the club smoothly.

We have already won 11 premierships with One success of major note was the First XIII many teams reaching Semifinals or Grand winning their Grand Final after a 17 year Finals. draught. Their 26-20 Victory over Bankstown Cougars was a dramatic game of Rugby League The committee has had some changes dur- with the boys showing a lot of heart to bring the ing this time, with Michael Mansour retiring club it’s much anticipated title. as club president after taking the club forward over a 3 year period.

Under 8’s Grand Finalist Under 9 Grand Finalist (not in order)Daniel Tuulau, Troy McGrath, Mazan Safkouni, Mathew K, (not in order)Daniel Abou-Sleiman, Mahmoud Bayad, Shane Donnelly, BaharBayed, Mathew Nader, Mitchell Gayed, Ulie, Fili Fili,Andrew Christopher Nasr, Adam Rehayern, Sateki Siale, Jason Yacoub, Johnny Wassouf, Daniela Mansour. Trevor Brown(coach), Dean McGrath(helper), Tanielu, George El-Azzi, Patrick Fayad, Lance Siataga, Elias Azzi, Ali Loretta McGrath (manager) Mohanna, Anthony Haddad. Milad Nasr (Coach) Georgette Nasr (Manager)

Under 7 Undefeated Premiers Under 13’s (not in order)Ehab Elsaddik, Wilson Faanoi, James Habib, Cheshire Ioramo, John Azzi, Junior Tuianekore, Michael Homsi, Elie Taouk, Tony Assad, Mathew Jarjoua, Eronny Mareko, Ekiaki Politoni, Daniel Seabrook-Austin, Jason Saliba, Alex Meoushy, Youssef Noujaim, Ahmed Mohanna, Patrick William Siale, Dillon Singh, Laasaga Tafili Pierre Sassin (coach) Raymond Yazbeck, Ali Choubasi, William Auella, Henry Melki, Charlie Daoud, Atra(Trainer), Andrew Habib (helper) Nicolas Raad, Serge Zakarian, Daniel Hamad, Joseph Abdal, Sharbel Ayoub, Licha. Sarkis Dave Marroun (Coach), Rinnai (manager), Fed Noujam and Ramon Garcia (Trainer)

Sponsored by Trevor and Rinnai Brown 35 2000 2000 The 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.

2001 The club fielded 16 teams 14 teams made the semi-finals 6 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, Charbel Khoury, Charbel Mardini and Carl Roumanous.

2002 The club fielded 17 teams 12 teams made the semi Finals. 4 teams won the premiership U/7, U/8, U/13 and U/14 AnneMaree Poole wins Secretary of the Year Ten Year Service award went to Richard Sarkis, Danny Youssef, Raymond Wynne, Johnny Massoud and Danny Chehine

Peter Haddad on the BBQ

Under 6 with Jamie feeney after grand final 2002 under 6’s at star search night grease lightening

C Grade 2002

under 9’s

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

36 2003

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

The Club has set itself some goals that look towards the future of the club. They have started a building 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 First XIII under the guidance of a 1993 ex-First XIII player, Charbel Khoury have been away on a successful 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 exciting time.

Fady Ghanem

2003 under 9

2003 under 7

Begnall Oval Score board

2003 under 13

Committee 2003

Mitchell Raimona George Bakhos Ciaron Burns Fady Ghanem Anne Maree Poole Grace Simmonds Mark Brown President Vice Presidents Vice Presidents Vice Presidents Secretary Treasurer Assistant Secretary, Sponsored by Campisi Family 37 Successful Representative players 1957-1980 Extract 1980 Where Eagles Dare “Over the years many players who wore the red, blue, gold of St. John's have gone onto higher things in football.

Norm Thomas reached 200 games with the The Hughes Brothers playing for Canterbury- Bulldogs, making himself one of five players Garry, Graeme & Mark ever to achieve this honour, and the second highest number of games by anyone.

John Peek Dennis O'Brien. the captain of the first St John's team, played Grade with Canterbury, as did Chris Skelton,Greg Scahill, Joe Michael, John Larcombe, Chris Sykes and John Peek played 147 games for the Bulldogs Paul Ghidini. before transferring to Souths to become an important part of the Jack Gibson setup there. Brian Plummer made First Grade with Newtown. Darryl Smith for so long a staff The Hughes Brothers are a legend in their member of St.John's, played in the lower own time.Graeme's State Honours in Cricket Grades for Canterbury. Garry Sullivan, and Rugby League, make him the most suc- although he didn't play for St. John's, was a cessful sportsman to have graduated from St. prominent student here and has gone on to Johns. He has played 119 games for play 73 games for the Bulldogs. Canterbury, with 86 of them in the Firsts. Steve White won the award for the Most Garry has been part of the Bulldog machine Improved Player of the season in 1975 and for years and his efforts in this year's Grand after time out because of study, looks set to Final, and season as a whole are still being really shine. He has 106 games up with talked about. He has played a mammoth 168 Canterbury. Dennis Scahill reached 149 games for Canterbury with 82 of them in the games (49 in the Firsts). Firsts. Peter Gates had his first year in Grade this

Mark has played 132 games with 111 in the Firsts. Out of the three, Mark has been the most regular First Grader. Peter Gates

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

Brian McCullagh The Hughes Brothers playing for St Johns Garry, Graeme, and Mark 38 Successful Representative players Since this time many players have gone on to play lower and top grades for different first grade teams. It would be hard to give a history of each player.

Below is a list of players that we have a record of that have played for a First Grade Club at Grade level. NAME CLUB GRADE Sami Chamoun Illawarra, Balmain 1st Grade John Defoss Cronulla 1st Grade Anthony Elias Canterbury Reserve John Elias Canterbury, Easts, 1st Grade Balmain Jamie Feeney Canterbury 1st Grade Denis Fricot Canterbury, Cronulla 1st Grade ,Illawarra Richard Kairouz Manly, Easts 1st Grade Lafi Manua Canterbury 1st Division Kevin Moore- Played grade for Canterbury and is the current First Kevin Moore Canterbury Player & Grade Assistant Coach 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 Anthony Elias Angelo Tsalakas Balmain Reserve

Jamie Feeney Current 2003 SG Ball players our Future- George Batti, Bulldogs First grader Dean McGrath, Danny Youseff, Jai Ayoub

Sponsored by Fady Ghanem 39 Premiership Teams and Coaches 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 38 Undefeated Premiers Year Grade / Age Won Points for Points against 1957 E 13 283 22 1960 H 15 316 10 1962 G 14 416 16 1966 M No records 294 8 1971 K res 18 676 34 1976 J 16 487 32 1976 K res 16 487 32 1978 H 18 839 49 1981 J 17 265 62 K 16 354 23 1991 L res 19 728 98 1993 N res 18 917 89 1994 U/8 19 642 149 1997 U/11 21 696 199 1998 U/14 15 658 80 1999 U/8 16 488 116 2000 U/6 18 515 131 2001 U/12 20 1035 95 U/6 18 647 111 2002 U/13 20 1046 147 U/7 17 710 181 St Johns War Cry

Zoomba Zoom, Zoomba Zah. Zoomba Zoomba, Rah Rah Rah Eagles Red Eagles Gold Eagles Blue so loyal & bold Forward St Johns Zoomba Zah. Eagles Eagles Rah Rah Rah. S- T - J- 0 -H - N - S ST JOHN’S!

St Johns Players bashing out the ‘war cry’

Sponsored by Farah Family 41 Junior Life Member 10 Years playing for the club Year Ten Year Service The late Eighties saw the club reintroduce senior grades to the Canterbury competition. In 1994, the club commit- 1994 Geoff Chehine tee felt that since players could now play for the club for 1995 Norm Doumit 10 years, it would be suitable to honour these players Stephen Michael with Junior Life membership. 1996 Daniel Potts Wally Estephan The club started the concept of honouring its long serv- George Tobaji ing players through a video tribute at the end of their Andrew Bechara tenth year. Players are also presented with a jacket with Mark Cutajar the years of service embroidered on it. 1997 Charlie Alam Verna Kesi Over the years the honour roll of Junior Life Member will Sean McGrath increase and we hope that some will be able to dedicate time to become a full Life Member of the club. Steven Dib George Khoury Damien Michael 1998 Ian Cutajar Nicholas Karam Erik Trostel Charbel Youssef Tony Zouein 1999 Jack Tarchichi Pierre Sassin Anthony Coorey Geoff Chehine 2000 Anthony Karam Claude Kattar Chris Saab Ramon Garcia 2001 Antonio Mino Dean McGrath Raymond Roumanous Carl Roumanous Trevor Brown Norm Doumit, Steven Michael & Geoff Chehine Peter Lui Charbel Khoury Charbel Mardini 2002 Richard Sarkis Danny Youssef George Farah Raymond Wynne Johnny Massoud

Danny Chehine Peter Lui

42 Club Awards Year Vince Ryan Senior Club man Life Member Award Graham Hardy Bill Wall 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& Nopoto Taniela Siale Danny Youseff Teresa Mansour Tuimaualuga

2002 Sebastion Calderon Mark Tuulau Mitchell Raimona John Kite Sam Nohra Domenic Campisi Nopoto Tuimaualuga

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

ST. JOHNS SENIOR CLUB MAN, U15 - A Grade This award is presented to the senior club member who has shown sportsmanship on or off the playing field or a person 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 JUNIOR This award is presented to the junior player of the year, as voted on by the executives and members of St Johns JRLFC.

BILL WALL MINI PLAYER OF THE YEAR This 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 game of rugby league

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

Sponsored by Michael Khoury 43 Teams and Competitions A B C D E F G G H H I I J J K K L L M M N N Res Res Res Res Res Res Res Res 1954 DID NOT COMPETE IN CANT/BANKSTOWN JUNIOR RUGBY LEAGUE - 1955 SCHOOL TEAMS COMPETED IN KNOCKOUTS 1956 1957 4 X + F + 1958 DID NOT COMPETE IN CANT/BANKSTOWN JUNIOR RUGBY LEAGUE - SCHOOL TEAMS COMPETED IN KNOCKOUTS 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

44 Teams and Competitions A B C U17 U16 U15 U14 U14 U13 U13 U12 U12 U11 U11 U10 U10 U9 U9 U8 U8 U7 U7 U6 U6 or Res Res Res Res Res Res Res Res Res U18

1994 14 F X + F X + F F + F + X + F 1995 17 + X F F X F F X F + F + X + + + + U17 1996 15 F + X X F F F X + X F F X + X U17 1997 15 X F FF F + F F F X F F + F F U18 1998 17 F + FF + + F X + F + X F F + F F U19 U17 1999 15 F X + X F + + F F F F X F X F U17 2000 15 F + + F F F F X F F F F X X F U18 3rd's

2001 16 + F F F X F X X F F + F F F X X U18 3rd's 2002 17 F F + F F X X F + F + F X X + F + U18 Tie 2003 17 + + + + + + + + + + + + + ++ + +

Total 432 teams 80 Grand Final Wins

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

Legend:

+ Team entered - did not make finals

F Team competed in Finals

X Team won Grand Final

45 100 + Point Scorers Year Grade/ Player Tries Goals Field Total Year Grade/ Player Tries Goals Field Total Age Goal Age Goal 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) G George Abraham 23 5 102 # Leading point scorer in district ##leading try scorer

Andrew Abounader Mario Guidiello Danny Abounader Charbel Mannah

46 Executive Honour Roll YEAR PRESIDENT SECRETARY TREASURER No earlier accurate records can be found 1967 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

47 Signatures