One of Brisbane’s Oldest Rugby League Clubs
Normanby RLFC is one of Brisbane’s oldest surviving amateur Rugby League Football Clubs. Arguably Brisbane’s most successful amateur club, Normanby has won a number of Premierships in five different Leagues over the years and is probably the only club to do so. These include trophies in Shiftworkers League, Commercial League, Metropolitan League, Public Service League, and Brisbane Second Division.
“Normanby RLFC isn’t just a club; it’s a legacy of community, determination, and excellence in Brisbane rugby league.”
Early Days at the Normanby Hotel
The club was formed in 1947 and was originally based at the Normanby Hotel. Before the recent change of ownership and refurbishment of the hotel, many of the club photos once hung proudly on the walls of the bars.
In 1950, a team was first entered in the Shiftworkers League – a Sunday competition played at Hamilton and which in the early days was reputedly run by bookmakers, including the great John McLeod, who donated trophies to the winners. In this first year, Normanby made the finals but went down to Sandgate-Nundah 23-6 in the minor semi-final.
The Shiftworkers League Era
The Shiftworkers competition consisted of teams from district worker groups, as well as the wharfies from Hamilton and provided popular Sunday entertainment for an otherwise dull day of rest. Crowds of up to 13,000 people attended Grand Finals, and players often received more money in this competition than they did for their clubs on Saturdays.
In 1951 the club fielded A and B Grade teams, both of which were competitive, especially the B Grade, which played in the mid-season Wight Shield and the Grand Final. Normanby played home games at Gilbert Park, Red Hill, and regularly attracted crowds in excess of 1,000 at the ground. Normanby went on to win the Premiership in 1951.
Normanby formed an early connection with Western Districts, and many Wests players backed up for Normanby in the Shiftworkers League. This caused friction in 1951 when the BRL had to schedule three weeks of match of the day fixtures on Sundays June 17, 24, and July 1, due to the use of the Brisbane Cricket Ground by other codes on the Saturdays. Tom Purtell (Wests President) told the Courier Mail, “We will hold our players on July 1”.
This rift caused both the Shiftworkers League and the BRL to seek a compromise, and in 1952, the Shiftworkers League sought affiliation with the BRL. The terms of the affiliation were hotly debated, and the application dragged on most of the 1952 season.
Premiership Success and Talent Development
The club was always strong in Shiftworkers, winning the 1952 A Grade premiership in this very tough League, defeating Hamilton 16-14 in front of 12,000 spectators. In this year, they won a rare double, also beating Hamilton in the B Grade 21-12.
In an interesting sidelight, hooker Leo Johnson, who played in the Grand Final for Normanby, was offered a place in the St. George side for 1953 after the game. Johnson, who was 19 at the time, was praised by St. George chairman of selectors, Len Kelly, who said, “In my opinion, the only hooker in Sydney football who would beat Johnson is the Test hooker, Kevin Schubert.”
Normanby proved their Shiftworkers’ premiership win was no fluke by again beating Hamilton, 22-8, for the Flem Hickey Cup as a curtain-raiser to Sydney v Brisbane Waterside Workers eleven days later.
Transition to the Commercial Rugby League
The Shiftworkers League eventually evolved into the Commercial Rugby League, and most games were still played at Hamilton. Commercial League was also known for its toughness and competitiveness.
Normanby’s success continued, and they added more premierships to their growing trophy cabinet. Normanby won Premierships in Commercial League in 1961, 1962, 1971, and 1972.
Dominance in the Metropolitan Rugby League
In 1973, the club moved from Commercial Rugby League to the Metropolitan Rugby League, based at Gibson Park, Stafford. Normanby was immediately competitive and were Minor Premiers, Premiers, and won the President’s Cup, the Carlton Cup, and the Castlemaine Cup in their first year. The club went on to win many premierships, becoming the most successful club in the Metropolitan League. They were winners in 1973, 1974, 1976, 1981, 1982, 1983, and 1984.
“Winning is a tradition at Normanby – our history reflects decades of determination and teamwork.”
Adapting Through the 1980s and Beyond
In the mid-1980s, Normanby moved to the Public Service League at Kalinga and again won the premiership in 1985, the first year in their new competition. They also won a B Grade Public Service League Premiership in 1986.
In 1993, the club moved to Brisbane Second Division, winning a premiership in their first year. Since then, Normanby has won Second Division Premierships in 1993, 1999, 2007, 2013, and 2018.
Continuing the Legacy
Normanby RLFC has built an extraordinary legacy through its adaptability, resilience, and commitment to the sport. From the historic walls of the Normanby Hotel to modern-day triumphs, the Hounds remain a proud symbol of community rugby league.
“The Hounds’ history isn’t just about trophies – it’s about the people, the passion, and the enduring spirit of rugby league.”