Forty years ago, September 30, Wynnum-Manly did a job on Souths Magpies 42-8 in the grand final that should still keep the Magpies awake at night.
Leading the charge from fullback was Brian Walsh.
Walsh had been at the Seagulls since 1978 and celebrated his stay in green and red with two premierships in two different positions.
Brian Walsh Q&A
Why did you come to Wynnum from Murwillumbah?
I came down from Murwillumbah in 1976 and trialled with Brothers, but I just didn’t like it and went home again after one game. I played for Murwillumbah Brothers and Bob Hardie came and saw me play and offered a go at Wynnum. I was reluctant to go again but, in the end, I was 22 years old and thought if I don’t go now, I never go. So, 1978 I was at Wynnum. I started in the centres in the Woolies Pre-season Cup and scored a try against Valleys in my first game for Wynnum - we lost 25-3 at Lang Park.
1982 grand final, Wynnum’s defence was just outstanding scoring 61-5 in two finals - 35-0 over Redcliffe and 26-5 over Valleys - and 17-3 in the grand final - what made that Wynnum team so good defensively?
Des Morris put a real value on defence, it takes pressure off your attack. We were really connected and valued keeping sides to low scores to keep Souths to three means we only had to score three tries to win a grand final.
What did Rod Morris bring to Wynnum when he came back in 1982?
The best way to describe it was Rod had authority. He gave your pack and team instant respect. He was very similar to Des and he was Des’ voice on the field. You just didn’t want to let Des down or Rod on the field.
Des Morris - man or legend?
Des had such a quiet way of explaining things to you and he would always be fair. You knew if he said you were going back to reserve grade to work on these two things, then you would be back based on fixing those two things and he’d help you fix those things too. I can’t remember him ever being angry at Wynnum.
That Wynnum team was stacked - who was underrated but you loved playing with?
I loved playing with so many players we were so tight as a team. We all lived locally and worked locally. My wife used to complain about going for our walk in the afternoon because it would take a long time with people wanting to chat about football. That was the impact the Seagulls had on Wynnum; it was a great time to be there. I loved playing with Peter Dawes - he was a great half at getting the ball to the right spot - loved Wayne Bullock and Gary Coyne too.
1984 and Colin Scott is sent off against Souths in the finals in the 18th minute, Wynnum still win and Wally gets three tries - but when did you know you’re going to play fullback in the grand final?
I’d been playing lock and then Scotty (pictured above on right, with Brian Walsh) is suspended and I got the nod on the Tuesday to play fullback. I was a bit nervous and I fumbled the kick off, which wasn’t a great start.
A try just after half time in the biggest grand final win in BRL history is pretty sweet.
Greg Dowling taps it on and it rolls out and I pick it up and run 30m untouched in the corner. Just on the right spot. Not sure what Dowling was doing out there.
1984 and the King arrives at the Bay - you’re the current no.6, how did you feel?
I remember when he was coming, we had a lot of press at training and Steve Ricketts asked me the same question. I said I hope Wally is OK playing reserve grade. Wally was the current Queensland and Australian captain and 1984 was probably his best year. I just wanted to fill any spot I can.
Do you have a favourite premiership - Wynnum’s first or biggest ever BRL grand final win?
I think the first, a club’s first is very special and Wynnum had been going since 1951, so 32 years is a long wait.
Do you still have your 1982 and 1984 grand final jumpers?
I still have both, every time Colin Scott sees me, he asks for his number one jumper back, but no way am I giving it up.
You coached at Wynnum in 1989 - How did you find coaching?
I coached the reserve grade in 1986, I hurt my back in 1985 and retired because it just wouldn’t come right so I coached under Wally which was a lot of fun. Then coached first grade for one year, which was a hard year, but I enjoyed it.
Which Wynnum star did you love to watch play?
Gene Miles, he could have been given man of the match every game he played for Wynnum.
1978 Brisbane v Country at Lang Park, Country win 19-10 but look at the City team - Fitzpatrick, Leis, Callus, Lindenberg, Grant, Morris, Morris, Lang and Veivers - that’s a fair side?
Up against Dauth, Platz, Hancock, Smith and a young Boustead. Greg Platz was unstoppable that day. I think that was the game where everyone thought Kerry Boustead might be a bit special. He took on Stacey and just dominated and a scored a try too at 18 years old. He was playing for Queensland and Australia within a month.
Channel 10 man of the match in 1984 and ABC man of the match in 1982 - what did you score?
1984 was stereo and Canterbury clothes and 1982 a new suit.
