The Ray White Noosa Dolphins swapped jerseys for cocktail wear with the official 40th anniversary celebrations on Saturday night when players and supporters gathered to reflect on what has been a journey, growth and success having played in 34 A Grade grand finals in that time winning 19 of those.
Whilst on field success has been a prominent factor in the Dolphins history, Club President Chris Burton in his opening address to gathered reflected on other aspects of the Dolphins proud history. ‘Over the past four decades, we’ve had our share of triumphs on the field—Premierships won, rivals bested, and young talent nurtured. But our proudest achievements extend beyond the scoreboard. We’ve built a community. A place where kids grow up learning values that last a lifetime, where friendships are forged, and where everyone belongs. A place you can rely on for support and camaraderie’ Burton said.
A highlight of the celebrations was the announcement so the Team of the Forty Years.
“This selection process has been very rewarding but also difficult when you try and compare players over difference decades,” Chris Burton said.
“The selection committee though, included people who have been watching rugby at Noosa since the first match in 1985 and are people who know rugby. That being said, there were a few positions where those who missed out can be considered very unlucky with robust discussions had before agreements reached,” Burton added.
Dolphins Team of the 40 Years
1. Richard Chapman
2. Adam Gamlin
3. Gary McNeil
4. Levi Shaw
5. Mick Coughlan
6. Digger Munro
7. Anthony Thomas
8. Tony Harmer
9. Matt George
10. Mark Brough
11. Brad Diggle
12. Chris Massoud
13. Kyle Beaky
14. Sean Chapman
15. Mark Johnston
Reserves
16. Tom Kearney
17. Will Rogers
18. Mark Martin
19. Shaun Payne
20. Jack Boyd
21. Ben Walker Snr
22. Grant Airey
23. Jarrad Postle
24. Kane Barrie
25. Brandon Mayhew
The evening also saw the honouring of four new Life Members recognising their distinguished service to the Noosa Dolphins.
Greg Dodd was recognised posthumously for his services as an administrator including five years as president, coach, committee member and sponsor.
Peter Hansen recognised for his contribution as a multiple premiership winning player, committee executive, coach and ongoing involvement with the Droopy Dolphins.
Tony Harmer, a member of the Team of the 40 Years, was acknowledged for his on-field contribution involving over 300 games of senior rugby during a 20 year playing career. Off the field, Tony was a long-time committee member and club captain.
Jon ‘Jerry’ Lewis was afforded life membership citing his on and off field contributions. Premiership winning player, club captain, club person of the year, committee member and immediate past president.
Back on the field, the Dolphins face the last of their three weeks without a match following the controversial postponement of matches due to weather two weeks ago by the governing body and last weekend’s round bye.
This weekend, all clubs have a bye with the Southeast Queensland Selection Trials being held on the Gold Coast.
At the time of writing, clubs have yet to be advised by Sunshine Coast Rugby Union as to the rescheduling of the washout games, however, president Chris Burton has recommended supporters to watch out for relevant details as they are made available on the Dolphins Facebook and Instagram pages.
