Slater joins Innisfail celebrations

Organiser Nick Birchley with former internationals Trevor McDonald, Kerry Boustead, Lionel Williamson and Billy Slater.

The Cassowary Coast region celebrated its rich rugby league history when more than 300 guests attended the Innisfail Rugby League Centenary Ball on the weekend.

The glittering event attracted current and former state and international stars, including Billy Slater, Kerry Boustead and Lionel Williamson.

A proud Innisfail junior, Slater made a surprise appearance on the night after playing for the Kangaroos in their World Cup quarter-final win over Samoa in Darwin the day before.

He spoke passionately about his time growing up in Innisfail, a major township of the Cassowary Coast Region which is renowned for its sugar and banana industries.

QRL Managing Director Robert Moore, Northern Division Chairman Leigh Anderson and CCRC Mayor John Kremastos were among the special guests.

Moore spoke about the region’s significant contribution to the game in Queensland and presented a plaque to Centenary Committee Chairman Jim Arnell.

Historical points of interest:

-          Innisfail Rugby league established in 1917, Tully Rugby League established in 1926.

-          Rugby league has a strong foothold in the hearts and minds of people in NQ and the townships of Innisfail and Tully are no exception.

-          Innisfail had its own competition with many clubs over the years and also competed in all the various inter town competitions from 1921.

-          Inter town Cup: Started 1918 and went until 1924. Innisfail won in 1922, the only side outside of Cairns, Mackay or Townsville to win this competition.

-          Crowley Cup: 1925-1931

-          Carlton Shield: 1932-47 – Innisfail won in 1936.

-          Foley Shield 1948 -2012: Innisfail won in 1960 under the coaching of Australian rep Jim Paterson. Tully won in 1963. Innisfail won it again in 1964, 1968, 1975, 1898-90 and 2009.

Innisfail / Tully bred internationals

* Jim Paterson was selected for the 1960 Australian World Cup squad while playing in Innisfail and former Australian representative Bob Banks was captain of Tully when they won in 1963.

Innisfail / Tully Queensland representatives