News
30 May, 2025
Stanley Rivers salute Old Boys
Contributed by Rex Klein The Stanley River Wolves are looking to reconnect with U16 players from 1975, as the club gears up to host a Rivers Old Boys Day on Saturday, July 26, at Claude Bleakly Oval, Woodford Showgrounds — the same day the Wolves take on the Nambour Crushers. The club is hoping to make this special day an annual event.
The Old Boys Day will celebrate the 50-year anniversary of the club’s first grand final victory, achieved by the U16 team of 1975. On July 26, the Rivers A Grade team will wear retro jerseys in blue and white, with player names on the back, to honour the historic U16 side.
The 1975 team was spearheaded by Russell Klein and Russ Litherland, who both went on to play A Grade in Brisbane — Klein for Valleys and Brothers, and Litherland for Redcliffe. Several other players also advanced to A Grade with Rivers, including Larry Prior, Shane Bleakley, Ash Bleakley, and Mark Smith.
Known as the Woodford Wolves in 1975, the team secured victory over the Nambour All Whites 9–6 in the grand final, played in muddy conditions at the Nambour Showgrounds. Try scorers for Woodford were Robbie Juffs, Sam Draper, and Kev Mills. Despite the close scoreline, the Wolves were always in control.
It was a champion team, winning the Chairman’s Trophy by defeating Caloundra 16–8, and going on to win the Minor Premiership. The Wolves also beat the Whites 11–8 in the Major Semi Final to progress straight to the grand final. The team played 14 regular season games, winning 12, scoring 255 points and conceding only 73 — a testament to their strong defence.
Coached by master coach Ron Prior and managed by Trevor Phillips, the team was in excellent hands.
The 1975 squad was:
Mark Cannon
Ashley Bleakley
Sam Draper
Russell Klein
Michael McAtee
Russell Litherland
Larry Prior
Jack Hume
Jeff Shallcross
Mark Smith
Kev Mills
Robbie Juffs
Eric Pickersgill
Reserves: Billy Tones, Steve O’Brien, John Burgess, Shane Bleakley, Jim Pratten, Allan McMillan, Alan Traves, Neil Pickersgill, Ken Burgess, John Perham.
Anyone with contact details for these players is encouraged to send them through to: stanleyriversecretary@gmail.com
