The Stanthorpe Rugby League Club and community are set to celebrate 100 years of rugby league this year.
A dedicated subcommittee of past players and administrators has been formed to help prepare for the weekend of celebrations and fellowship on Saturday, August 3 and Sunday, August 4.
Rugby league originally started in Stanthorpe on July 19, 1919 when a representative team played Toowoomba Valleys and lost 20-19.
They then played a return match in Toowoomba and went on to comprehensively win their first match in the club's 100-year history, 38-16.
Over the past century, there have been many changes; from a sole team representing the town to a full local competition, which in its peak included up to six teams.
The last major change occurred back in 1974 when the Stanthorpe Gremlins came into fruition.
The club still proudly competes under this banner in both juniors and seniors and are uniquely, the only club of any sport in Australia that has the Gremlin as their logo.
The centenary celebrations will culminate on Saturday, August 3 with a full day of junior and senior rugby league, kicking off at 9am and concluding at 4.30pm.
That evening, the club will be hosting a social event at the local Stanthorpe Civic Centre, where a Stanthorpe Team of the Century, pre- and post-Stanthorpe Gremlins, will be formally announced and acknowledged on the night.
Stanthorpe Rugby League President Lindsay Adams looks forward to celebrating the centenary.
“The club is looking forward to welcoming past and present rugby league players, supporters and administrators back home to Stanthorpe to help celebrate this very important milestone,” said Adams.
“Stanthorpe has seen many great players over the years, and it will be great to remember and honour their contribution to our game locally.
“On behalf of the club, I welcome any past junior and senior players and supporters of the club to come home and celebrate this important milestone.”
The evening will commence at 7pm and be hosted by Bernie Pramberg, a well-known Courier Mail columnist, rugby league tragic and past referee.
Tickets are $20 each and will be on sale soon.
The club is also collating a history of rugby league over the past 100 years.
Any information to assist the collation can be given to David Ball on 0417 873 842.
