15/03/2026
The RALPH STAFFORD – OBE “Testimonial Match” 15th May 1977
Queensland v Wide Bay Invitational side at “ESKDALE PARK”
Ralph Stafford was instrumental in forming the Hervey Bay Seagulls Rugby League Club, he served as President for the first 3 year, 1973-1975. As a sign of recognition and respect to Ralph the Seagulls home ground bears his name “Ralph Stafford Park”.
This game was played as a tribute to Wide Bay’s “Mr. Football” – Ralph Stafford – who had been associated with all facets of Rugby League during the prior 51 years. Whether as a player, coach, referee, or administrator, Ralph had always taken part for the betterment and development of the game.
At the end of the year 1977, he would retire from his positions as the President of the Wide bay Rugby League, member of the QRL management committee and board of directors and Queensland country delegate to the Australian Rugby League.
Staging this invitation match was the QLD Rugby League’s way of saying thank you to Ralph for all his years of dedication to the greatest game of all.
He first came on the league scene as a player in Howard where he worked in the coal mines. In 1931 he was a member of the Howard side which took out the Maryborough Premiership involving 6 teams. He was a member of the Maryborough representative side which remained undefeated in the Leitch & Federal Brewery Cup in 1930. Included in that all-conquering side were 2 International, Norm Potter and Fred Gilbert.
From 1930 to 1936 Ralph represented Maryborough at Fullback and was chosen for Wide Bay on 2 occasions. During the years of the War Ralph and his family shifted to Maryborough where he became involved in refereeing. He saw the role as a referee as an exciting new challenge and he continued until 1962 when he found himself refereeing his own sons.
In between he combined the roles of President and Coach of Wallaroos and Coach of the Maryborough representative side. He coached 5 consecutive Premierships sides and won 3 out of 5 district premierships with the M’Boro side. In 1966 he was elected Wide Bay President and for the past 4 years had been the QLD Country member of the Australian Rugby League.
During his career he was involved in the foundation of 3 clubs, which Ralph regarded as his greatest achievements and contribution to the sport. Those clubs were Rosedale & Wanders in Howard and the Hervey Bay Seagulls.
In 1971 Ralph was team Manager of the Australian side which toured New Zealand and also managed a number of Australian teams in the coming years.
WHEN QUEENSLAND CAME TO TOWN…...
What a memorable week this was for Hervey Bay when the Queensland team came to town, they stayed, they played, they wined and dined and interacted with the community and even had training sessions against the Dennis Manteit coached Seagulls “A” Grade.
GAME DAY……. Queensland defeated Wide Bay 12-nil.
The Seagulls had 5 representatives in the “Wide Bay” run on team with Henrick named as Captain and also 1 player on the reserve bench. Having 6 players selected to play in this side against Queensland was an honorable and very proud moment for the Hervey Bay Club, and an indication of the quality of the Seagulls team at that time. The selected players were:
Fullback...Dennis Watt
5/8th…Ross Fraser
Halfback & Captain…Allan Henrick
2nd row…Billy Skepper
Front Row…Former International, Dennis Manteit
Reserve…Terry Steiger (wing/centre).
The Wide Bay side also included Dave Brown (South Burnett) who of course went onto to represent Qld & Australia, Brisbane Souths, Sydney Roosters, Manly and of course Captain/Coached Seagulls to their 1st “A” Grade Group 1 “Premiership” in 1991. Gary Pearson (Isis) a former Qld front row forward also who later coached the Seagulls “A” Grade in 1987 & 88 was Mantiet’s front row partner in this game.
The curtain raiser on the day was between a selected Maryborough U’23 No. 1 V Maryborough U’23 No. 2 side, the Seagulls had 7 representatives in the No. 1 and one player in the No. 2 side. Another great representation by the Seagulls. Players selected in the No1. Side were, Phillip Young, Ian “Wizza” Harwood, John Cockburn, Neil Jamieson, John Thompson, Bruce Yarrow, and Jerry Johnson whilst T. Kirkbride was selected in the No. 2 side.
Although being defeated, the Wide Bay invitation side performed creditably against the state side and held their own in every regard. The performances of both front row forwards Dennis Manteit and Gary Pearson were absolutely outstanding and were applauded by all, including the Qld players and Coach Barry Muir. So much so, Muir consulted the pair of their interest in re-considering their representative careers. Bob Kellaway, Ken Donnelly, Ross Fraser and Allan Henrick also had games every bit equal to their State counterparts. In the light of the news that 5 of the State players were selected in the Australian World Cup squad, it was interesting to ponder just how good the local players were on the day. The day was also a big one for the Henrick family. In Maryborough Allan out pointed State ½ back Greg Oliphant, whilst in Brisbane his brother the Late Ross Henrick was playing a blinder at 5/8th for Redcliffe. After playing a full game in Reserve Grade Ross went on the field in “A” Grade against Wests with the match in only the 10th minute. Ross scored a try and won the player of the match award, he normally played ½ back for the reserve grade team. Oliphant the man keeping Ross out of the Redcliffe “A” Grade side, quoted whilst in the Bay, that Ross was playing the better footy. Ross of course went onto to have a successful “A” Grade playing & coaching career, with Norths & Valleys whilst also playing State of Origin for Queensland. Unfortunately, Ross passed away in May 2005. The game and the visit of the Queensland team and staff to the Fraser Coast area was also a magnificent event to happen particularly within the Hervey Bay community. As they freely mixed with the towns people and had training sessions against our Seagulls team of the time, many life time memories were created. Two young Seagulls at the time in Craig Baumann and Terry Trott will never forget the moment when playing the role of food waiters offering fresh mud crab and prawns to all the Qld players/staff and invited dignitaries at a special function. This event truly was an outstanding promotion of Rugby League to our area, one that the Hervey Bay Seagulls will forever be grateful and proud to have been a part of. Furthermore, the game itself was a magnificent tribute and acknowledgement to the great Ralph Stafford for his contribution to the game of Rugby League. Sadly, Ralph passed away in December 1997, his name/legacy will forever be alive in Hervey Bay “RALPH STAFFORD PARK” the home of Rugby League in Hervey Bay. RIP Ralph Stafford. Article by David Yarrow
