He's been a voice of the outback for half a century.
William 'Meggs' Morris turns 88 this year and reckons his outstanding tenure as ground announcer at St George Rugby League Club in the Maranoa region could be over.
But then again, there are others who maintain there's every chance the octogenarian won't be able to keep himself away when the Saints strap up again in 2019.
The association of the Morris family and the St George club stretches back to before the Second World War.
William's father Tom was president and secretary of the proud club, even serving as a local school teacher at the age of 18. Later he was bestowed life membership of the Saints.
'Meggs' himself played 10 years of A-grade for the club and has been a representative player, coach, selector and committee member.
Also a life member, his most readily associated role is that of being the man behind the microphone, updating fans through generations of try-scorers and goal-kickers.
He's introduced countless new players to the community, whether they be fresh arrivals in town, or the descendants of club stalwarts before them.
'Meggs' first started out his role with the rudimentary elements of a chair, table and stopwatch with no shelter from the dry Australian sun, the wind and rain.
His surroundings are a touch more comfortable these days and he has helped continue a legacy which also sees his sons Mark and Greg bestowed as life members, as well as daughter-in-law Majella.
A recent presentation saw a plaque dedicated to him at Bassett Park before an assembly of dignitaries.
The same afternoon St George announced their Team of the Century:
1. MARK MORRIS
2. JEFF BETTS
3. BARRY WRIGHT
4. KEVIN MCDONALD
5. ROBERT CLEVIN
6. LIONEL JONES
7. STAN HOWE (CAPTAIN)
8. DUANE ANDERSON
9. DAVID COOPER
10. GERRY NIXON
11. DOUG BROWN
12. PETER ALBECK
13. MICK KINGS
RESERVES
14. HAROLD LITTLETON
15. KEVIN KIRBY
16. HERB NOWLAND
17. TED BEATON
COACH:- HENRY MOGG
FULLBACK – 1. MARK MORRIS
Exciting attacking player and deadly defender who wore the number 1 jersey for 12 years from 1976, collecting five (5) Premierships. Selected as Fullback for the Division Side in 1982 and held off massive competition from Herb Nowland, Reg Betts and Doug Jones to win selection.
WINGER – 2. JEFF BETTS
A fierce attacking and defensive player, equally at home as a winger or centre. Gave his best every time he took the field and was rewarded with five (5) Grand Final appearances and three (3) Premierships. He forced his way into the Toowoomba side in 1981 and played in every game. Made a late start to the 1982 season but was recalled for the game against the New Zealand team.
CENTRE – 3. BARRY WRIGHT
A powerfully built straight running player who blossomed under 1963 player/coach Brian Davies and the following year was signed by Brisbane Brothers. He quickly forced his way into the Brisbane Representative team and held his own at the top level.
CENTRE – 4. KEVIN MCDONALD
A key member of the great St George teams of 1947 to 1949 that swept all before them. Scored many match winning tries in intertown football and starred in an era regarded by many a good judge as the best ever.
CENTRE – 5. ROBERT CLEVIN
Clevin was selected in the Queensland U18 team in 1982 and was a regular member of the Toowoomba and Southwest A Grade team in 1983 and 1984 while still playing with St George. Switching to the All Whites club in 1985, he continued to play at the top level for many years including games for Queensland Country.
FIVE EIGHTH – 6 LIONEL JONES
Although St George has had many very good pivots, none could match the player who played in that position for the champion Nudgee sides of 1953 and 1954. His superb skills left an indelible mark on all those who saw him play. Many rated him as good as Bobby Banks who he marked on many occasions while Banks was the Australian 5/8 playing for Cunnamulla.
HALF BACK – 7 STAN HOWE (CAPTAIN)
World War II interrupted the career of Stan, but his contribution before and after the war left an indelible mark. Fiercely competitive, he gave St George a distinctive advantage every time he pulled a jersey on. He scored many outstanding tries that broke the spirit of opposing teams.
FRONT ROW – 8 DUANE ANDERSON
A specialist Front Rower who was a non stop worker both in attack and defence. Between 1989 and 2004 or for 16 years straight, he was the backbone of the St George team and played in 8 Grand Finals including two (2) Premierships and winning the Best and Fairest award on four occasions.
HOOKER – 9 DAVID COOPER
Few players over the past 100 years could match the dedication and durability of David who gave his absolute all between 1981 and 1992. Cooper played in four (4) A Grade Premiership teams and represented South West QLD on a number of occasions. As John Robertson would say ""As tough as old boot leather".
FRONT ROW – 10 GERRY NIXON
A member of the Champion Side of the late 40's that dominated intertown football and won the Zone Championship for three (3) consecutive years. A relentless worker in attack and defence, he gave St George a decisive advantage.
2nd ROW – 11 DOUG BROWN
A great Back Row Forward who played in that superb forward pack that dominated the South West League from 1946 to 1949. Frequently rated the best player in the field and never giving an inch to opposing players.
2nd ROW – 12 PETER ALBECK
Albeck burst on the scene fresh out of the Toowoomba Grammar School and thrilled League followers with his non stop contribution in both attack and defence. No surprise that he took out the Best and Fairest award in 78, 80, 84 and 85 plus the Toowoomba Rugby League Player of the Year in 1982.
LOCK – 13 MICK KINGS
Like Albeck, Kings was a non stop player who played all but one year of his career with St George. From the time he broke in to the Division Representative side, he held his position unchallenged until his retirement. His record speaks for itself:-Club Best and Fairest 1987, 88 and 89. Premiership – 4. Toured with QLD Residents for three consecutive years.
14. HARROLD LITTLETON
A most gifted player of the late 20's. He possessed blinding speed, brilliant defence and was a great thinker. The great Duncan Thompson paid him the ultimate compliment near the end of his career. "A great player who has gone to waste in the bush".
15. KEVIN KIRBY
A talented player equally at home as a back row forward or in the backs. An automatic selection in Representative teams and the winner of numerous awards including the Best and Fairest Player on a number of occasions.
16. HERB NOWLAND
Played a lot of football at fullback but equally at home at almost any position. Won the award as the Outstanding Player at the big carnival in 1927 and a decade later was still winning Player of the Match awards in intertown games.
17. TED BEATON
Under the guidance of master coach Jack Olive, Beaton emerged in the 1959 season and picked up a number of the match awards. Over the next few years he was regarded by many as the best lock forward in South West QLD and was a regular in Representative teams.
COACH HENRY MOGG
Selected to play for QLD from the Valleys club in Toowoomba in 1947, Mogg was engaged as Player/Coach for the 1947 and 1948 seasons. He assembled arguably the best ever St George teams over those two years and his legacy remained with the club for a long time.
