Over 260 guests celebrated the long and rich history of the Redcliffe Dolphins at a gala dinner held at Moreton Daily Stadium last Friday night.
The pioneers of the club were recognised alongside some of the greatest players and administrators the Dolphins have seen at the 75th anniversary dinner title ‘From The Showgrounds to the Big Show’.
As the club gets set for a new era when they join the National Rugby League next yes as the 17th team, it was fitting to showcase some of the monumental moments in Dolphins’ history.
Included in these were the 1947 formation of the Dolphins, the club’s 1960 entry to the Brisbane Rugby League, 1965 first BRL premiership and the all-important move from the Redcliffe Showgrounds to Dolphin Oval in the early 1980s.
The fabulous 90s – where the club won three premierships in four years – and the grand final wins of the golden 2000s were also remembered.
The successful development of the retail/health precinct and the Moreton Daily Stadium was made mention of as well as a focus on the Dolphins’ successful NRL bid.
The entertainment was led by Redcliffe tragic and accomplished poet Rupert McCall.
Speakers interviewed spanned the club’s generations, including Australian Kangaroos’ rep Wally Fullerton-Smith, Terry Webb, Ian Graham, James Hinchey, Mark Shipway, Troy Lindsay and current club captain Cameron Cullen.
A special video interview with 1965 premiership player John Treeby, taken at his home earlier in the week and showcasing his wonderful memory about the club’s first BRL grand final win, was a treat for the crowd.
Chairman Bob Jones, Dolphins Group CEO Tony Murphy and NRL club CEO Terry Reader also spoke about the successful NRL Bid process.
The band Anthems then provided music for the crowd as patrons celebrated the club’s history long into the night.