In 1969 Barry Spring and Norths coach Bob Bax came together to hatch a devilish master plan that involved an AFL convert winning the premiership, and a beer coaster.
Like all of Bax’ plans, he ticked both boxes.
Legend has it that Box Bax coaxed you from AFL to Rugby League, figuring that an AFL player would have no problems slotting the then two-point field goals?
I remember on a Sunday the Norths’ president turns up at my house and explains that Baxy is at Bishop Park and would like it if I came down for a bit of trial. I liked Rugby League and kept across all sports so I knew who Baxy was, and what would be involved in coming to League, so I agreed to meet Baxy the next day and he threw me some balls and said kick them.
So I kicked 10 field goals from over halfway.
What was next in this plan?
Like all good Baxy plans it involved a trip to a pub to talk details.
We went to the Exhibition Pub because we thought it would be lowkey, and that no one would see us, but the Brothers’ President at the time Doc Alroe was there.
Doc was chatting to me about if I was going to Norths, and how he hopes it all works out — he had no idea who I was, so the secret was still safe.
I was in the grocery game, and I used to come across Mick Retchless who was a great player, so I had asked him what sort of deal does a League player get Mick?
He had given me the rundown of most deals, so I knew sort of what I was worth.
Not that it was going to be much, Baxy wrote down $100 sign on and then a certain amount after five games, 10 games, 15 games.
I said Mayne offered me a $200 sign on so Baxy upped it to a $200 sign on.
I was a shrewd negotiator obviously, so it was all written down on the back of the coaster and I was a league player.
You join Norths, who were enjoying some success — 11 finals in a row, six minor premierships, and by the end of 1969 premiership number eight in 11 years. That’s not a team you just see if you can join is it?
I knew they were very good.
My first game was Souths at Davies Park, and Baxy comes up to me and says I think you’re going to play front row.
Sounds good I thought, then someone pointed out that Elton Rasmussen was the Souths Captain, Coach, and a test front rower who was going to be my opposite.
I thought Baxy must know what he’s doing.
Fullback in the Grand Final — what are your memories of that win over Valleys?
I loved playing at Lang Park, we just didn’t get crowds like that in AFL in Brisbane at the time. 35,000 at Lang Park was just fantastic.
I just remember Baxy saying you just must play your part, we had so many good players who were playing in their fifth or sixth Grand Final, you didn’t have to worry about them just do your job.
Valleys didn’t score a try, that’s probably as good as it gets for a fullback.
Do you still have your 1969 Grand Final jumper?
No, I swapped it with Norm Clarke, I should have kept it.
Favourite Norths teammate?
Don Simpson was a great mate, we used to work near each other so we would meet up for a beer while still at work. He was great in 1969, great front row with Bob Fowler and Peter Hall.
Don and I were competing to see who could play every game in 1969, he got replaced at half time in a game. I said good idea Baxy.
Can you give me your best Bax story?
Baxy used to say you’re not the best team I ever coached but you’re the happiest. Something in that. Happy teams win.
How many field goals did you kick in 1969?
30, so that’s 60 points. I kicked four against Valleys and we won 13-9, that’s my most in a game.
Who was a player you dreaded playing against?
Des Morris came through the line one day and I tackled him.
Des got up and said good tackle Baz — that stays with me.
I am sure he doesn’t remember it, but I certainly do.
Wynnum at Wynnum wasn’t a lot of fun either to be honest.
The great Fonda Metassa—man, myth or legend?
Probably all three, he was so strong, a great finisher.
His record in Grand Finals is extraordinary.
He was nearly a guaranteed try in big games.
13 tries in finals in his career, that’s more than some players’ whole careers.
I remember he made a break and I was backing up the inside and thinking try time here but no way Fonda would pass the ball.
He scored and told the ball boy to wait in the in-goal, he said I will be back again in a few minutes.
I was beside him for that one, so I know it’s true.
