Passing of former Northern Suburbs forward Donny Lloyd 1961 – 1963.
We would like to advise of the passing last Thursday of former Northern Suburbs forward Donny Lloyd who played Reserve and First Grade from 1961 – 1963.
Donny previously came to the Bluebags from the Nobby’s Surf Club rugby union side.
Our condolences go out to Donny’s sons Richard and Adam, family, friends and former teammates at the Bluebags and the Nobby’s Surf Club.
Funeral details to follow.
Passing of former North Newcastle player Peter “Skeeter” Barclay
We would like to advise all of the passing last week of former North Newcastle and South Newcastle player Peter “Skeeter” Barkley. Peter started off in the juniors in 1970 and progressed through to grade football in 1981 and 1982 playing in several positions in the backline. Our condolences go out to all of Peter’s family, friends and all former teammates.
See attached funeral notice for further details.
passiPassing of former Northern Suburbs Bluebag (Newcastle) hooker Milton “Zonka” Kelly.
We would like to advise of the passing of former Northern Suburbs Bluebag (Newcastle) hooker
Milton “Zonka” Kelly.
Our condolences go out to all Milton’s family and friends.
Just a few notes on Milton’s career;
1934 – Born in Islington.
1948 – 1950 as Hooker, Captains the Under 16’s to three successive
premierships, all undefeated. Truly incredible.
1951 – 7th April, Graded straight to Reserve Grade, and debuts
against Maitland at Maitland.
1951 – 28th April, debuts in First Grade aged 17 and 3 months
against Lakes United at No 1 Sportsground, Newcastle.
* We believe Milton to be our youngest player ever to debut in First Grade?
Unfortunately for Milton at that time, we were very strong in the hooking department and he faced the unenviable task of competing for the position with Newcastle and NSW Country Bob Crane, Newcastle and NSW Country rep Harry Gibbs and finally Newcastle Rep in Don “Ducky” Williams.
1951 – 1954 Milton continued playing grade, whilst still eligible to play in the Under 20’s and Patrons Cup.
1955 Joins the Australian Navy.
1958 – 1961 Plays with Waratah-Mayfield.
passing recently of Passing of former Northern Suburbs Bluebag (Newcastle) hooker Milton “Zonka” Kelly.
We would like to advise of the passing recently of former Northern Suburbs Bluebag (Newcastle) hooker Milton “Zonka” Kelly.
Our condolences go out to all Milton’s family and friends.
* Just a few notes on Milton’s career;
1934 – Born in Islington.
1948 – 1950 as Hooker, Captains the Under 16’s to three successive
premierships, all undefeated. Truly incredible.
1951 – 7th April, Graded straight to Reserve Grade, and debuts
against Maitland at Maitland.
1951 – 28th April, debuts in First Grade aged 17 and 3 months
against Lakes United at No 1 Sportsground, Newcastle.
* We believe Milton to be our youngest player ever to debut in First
Grade?
Unfortunately for Milton at that time, we were very strong in the hooking department and he faced the unenviable task of
competing for the position with Newcastle and NSW Country Bob
Crane, Newcastle and NSW Country rep Harry Gibbs and finally
Newcastle Rep in Don “Ducky” Williams.
1951- 1954 Milton continued playing grade, whilst still eligible to play in the Under 20’s and Patrons Cup.
1955 joins the Australian Navy.
Passing of former North junior Andre “Bundy” Solhaug.
We have just been advised of the passing of former North Newcastle junior from the mid 80’s Andre “Bundy” Solhaug has just passed away in the John Hunter Hospital.
After leaving North’s Andre went on to play Rugby Union with the Veterans club.
Our condolences go out to Andre’s family, friends and former teammates.
Cancellation of 2021 Northern Suburbs annual Old Boys Day
Hi all,
Kerry Gilchrist from the Northern Suburbs Old Boys has advised that this year’s 2021 Northern Suburbs Old Boys Day has been cancelled due to Covid.
With recent announcements from the NSW Government we should very well back to normal for next years function.
For any further information please feel free to contact Kerry.
Passing of Kelvin Rayfield former player from the 1991 squad.
Announcement from Ray Keightley.
It is with great sadness to inform all involved with the North Bluebags in the 1991 Grand Final winning side that their mate and second rower Kelvin Rayfield has passed away after a battle with illness, our sympathy to his mum Noelenne and family.
On behalf of the North Bluebags, our condolences go out to Kelvins family, friends and former teammates.
Passing of former 1974 first grade coach Russell Devonshire.
From the Lakes United Old Boys Page.
We have just been advised of the passing of Russell Devonshire.
Russell was our First Grade Captain/Coach in 1974.
Our condolences at this time go out to Russell’s family, friends and former teammates.
We would like to advise of the passing of former club Junior Terry Mitchell.
We have just been advised that former Northern Suburbs Junior and member of the all conquering undefeated Under 20’s squad of 1970, Terry Mitchell has passed away after a long illness. After playing with North’s, Terry went on to play with the Shortland Devils, featuring in 99 games and then entering the Australian Defence Force.
Terry’s son has also also made mention that Terry was a very proud Bluebag who grew up in Wickham.
On behalf of the North Bluebags our condolences go out to all of Terry’s family, friends and former teammates.
Funeral details to follow when available.