Past Brothers

Past Brothers Rugby League Football Club, more commonly known simply as 'Brothers', or as 'the Leprechauns', are a rugby league club in Brisbane, Australia, that played in the top level of football since their foundation in 1919 until 1998.

History

Brothers entered the Brisbane Rugby League under the name Merthyr, named after the locality near New Farm Park; and were also known as Christian Brothers before becoming Past Brothers. Initially many Brothers players found it difficult to adjust to the new code, and the club enjoyed little success until 1923, when they won the Pike Cup, before finishing as runners-up to Valleys the following season.

In 1926 Brothers signed Tom Gorman from Toowoomba, paying him a 400 pound sign-on and making him the club's first paid player in the process. Gorman inspired the club to win its first premiership (vs. Coorparoo, 6-5), and in 1928 became the first Queenslander to captain the a Kangaroo touring side. Brothers did not win another premiership until 1935, but quickly backed it up with more in 1939, 1942 and 1943. When district football was introduced in the 1930s, Brothers clearly defied the idea as they were not a location in Brisbane, unlike their competition counterparts Valleys, Norths, Souths, Easts and Wests, and although pressure was placed upon them by the governing bodies, they were allowed to keep their unique name.

In the 1960s, while playing for Brothers, Peter Gallagher was selected as captain of the Australian national rugby league team.

Brothers last success was as premiers in 1987, defeating the Redcliffe Dolphins in the Grand Final. They were runner-up to the Wynnum-Manly Seagulls the year before in 1986. By the time the Brisbane Broncos entered the NSWRL in 1988, they were in financial trouble that only got worse as the years progressed. They were forced out of their traditional home at Corbett Park by financial administrators, and after temporarily playing out of Crosby Park they relocated to Bray Park, renaming the club Pine Rivers Brothers. In 1998 they moved back to Brisbane under the name Brisbane Brothers and became a feeder club to the Broncos before closing at seasons end.

Seemingly out of their financial hardship by the turn of the century, Brothers applied for a position in the 2000 and 2001 Queensland Cups, but were ultimately unsuccessful. In 2002 they merged with Valleys, and formed Brothers-Valleys, playing in the Quest Cup before entering the Queensland Cup in 2004. They finished last, with their only point coming from a draw in Round 1. A new name and jersey was planned for the following year, but on November 22 that year the Queensland Rugby League announced

The only club not participating in 2005 will be Brothers Diehards. While the QRL acknowledges the rich history associated with the organisation, the club’s inability to meet specified guidelines has resulted in this situation.

At present, Past Brothers compete in the South East Division junior competitions, playing out of Gibson Park, Stafford.

Crest & Colours

Traditionally the club wears a predominantly navy blue jersey with white butcher stripes (irregular hoops), although for a time they wore an all-navy blue jersey with a thick white bar through the middle. The players' numbers were normally red, although they were white at times, depending on the jersey design being used.

Home Grounds

Traditionally the club's home ground was Corbett Park in Grange, however they were forced out by financial administrators when the club's financial position severely worsened. They temporarily played out of Crosby Park in Albion and Lang Park, but in 1996 they relocated to Bray Park in the Pine Rivers Shire, hoping for greener pastures. This proved unsuccessful, and in 1998 they were back in Brisbane. Through their feeder club arrangement with the Brisbane Broncos, they played some "home" games as curtain-raisers and ANZ Stadium, with the remainder at Crosby Park, sharing the venue with Brothers Rugby Club