General Rugby Leagues Memory Lane

[tajhay]

Thanks to Eric Watson, we don't have it anymore

Eric Watson and not ARL? Could you please explain how Eric Watson is to blame for all the mismanagement at ARL? They would have to be the most inept sporting body in NZ (probably alongside NZRL).

 

[Juju]

Don't remember Joe Louis fighting there.
He was long before I was watching fights

My typo - Joe Frazier fought an exhibition in the 70s at Carlaw.

Joe Frazier Here in July – Fight Times Magazine

Great news for boxing fans is that Joe Frazier, on the the great World Heavyweight Champions, is headed 'down under'. Joe will be a guest commentator at this years "Fight For Life" in July 2005. The colonial, Bob Sheridan, is also expected to be here to commentate. Joe did come here in 1975...

magazine.fighttimes.com

Muhammad Ali fought an exhibition at Western Springs in 1979 (I have the program & ticket)

 

[john nick]

My typo - Joe Frazier fought an exhibition in the 70s at Carlaw.

Joe Frazier Here in July – Fight Times Magazine

Great news for boxing fans is that Joe Frazier, on the the great World Heavyweight Champions, is headed 'down under'. Joe will be a guest commentator at this years "Fight For Life" in July 2005. The colonial, Bob Sheridan, is also expected to be here to commentate. Joe did come here in 1975...

magazine.fighttimes.com

Muhammad Ali fought an exhibition at Western Springs in 1979 (I have the program & ticket)

I remember watching a few fights at Carlaw Park in those days.
A lot of fighters were travelling down from the States to fight our guys & some good P.I. guys.
A few of the yank heavy weights could not afford to bring sparring partners with them.
When they wanted a sparring partner most times the got a local hardman Bill Woolsley(Sonny Bills grandfather )who also played to an old age for City-Newton.Trying to recall some names.
Halifihi,Betham, Lave,.hope someone can help me with a few names.
You guys are probably too young to recall.
A few more names from that era: Don Mullet ,Chub Keith,Don Cockell

 

[bruce]

Eric Watson and not ARL? Could you please explain how Eric Watson is to blame for all the mismanagement at ARL? They would have to be the most inept sporting body in NZ (probably alongside NZRL).

As I have posted...many times...it was Eric Watson, as owner of the Warriors, who took the deal with the ARC to move or club to MSS.

 

[bruce]

Don't remember Joe Louis fighting there.
He was long before I was watching fights

I cannot remember, but I know there were lots if big bouts there, and some decent concerts, the Eagles played there once.

 

[bruce]

Tiger Collecutt

He was a hard bastard as well...top wrestler

 

[john nick]

He was a hard bastard as well...top wrestler

Yeah mate I know. The Collecutt family lived 2 doors away from us in Mt Roskill.
Gary (Tiger) Brian and Peter.
Brian was probably the best player but never went on with the game.
At different times they managed the Sheralee in Custom St.and the Pink Pussycat in K Rd.
Really good guys and characters 👌
Brian went on to manage the White Horse Inn in Pakuranga.
Previously had the pub on Great South Rd Penrose. Cannot remember the name but lots of freezing workers drank there. Tough joint

 

[Dave Brough]

I remember watching a few fights at Carlaw Park in those days.
A lot of fighters were travelling down from the States to fight our guys & some good P.I. guys.
A few of the yank heavy weights could not afford to bring sparring partners with them.
When they wanted a sparring partner most times the got a local hardman Bill Woolsley(Sonny Bills grandfather )who also played to an old age for City-Newton.Trying to recall some names.
Halifihi,Betham, Lave,.hope someone can help me with a few names.
You guys are probably too young to recall.
A few more names from that era: Don Mullet ,Chub Keith,Don Cockell

Tuna Scanlan, Earl Nukora

 

[playdaball]

Tuna Scanlan, Earl Nukora

Tony Mundine

 

[john nick]

Tuna Scanlan, Earl Nukora

Mahunga

 

[bruce]

Tuna Scanlan

Was a guard at Mount Eden prison

 

[john nick]

Was a guard at Mount Eden prison

Amazing how when I see these names memories come flooding back. I remember playing against a very good boxer in a 7 aside comp in Rotorua many years ago.
Kahu Mahunga playing for Ngongataha and all the other players were Orchards.
Also played with Billy Opetaia at Point.

 

[bruce]

Kahu Mahunga

he was a very good boxer.

 

[john nick]

he was a very good boxer.

Yeah mate and a good bloke as I remember

 

[bruce]

Yeah mate and a good bloke as I remember

Yes, I did meet him once...a lovely bloke

 

[Hardyman's Yugo]

I remember watching a few fights at Carlaw Park in those days.
A lot of fighters were travelling down from the States to fight our guys & some good P.I. guys.
A few of the yank heavy weights could not afford to bring sparring partners with them.
When they wanted a sparring partner most times the got a local hardman Bill Woolsley(Sonny Bills grandfather )who also played to an old age for City-Newton.Trying to recall some names.
Halifihi,Betham, Lave,.hope someone can help me with a few names.
You guys are probably too young to recall.
A few more names from that era: Don Mullet ,Chub Keith,Don Cockell

If it’s the same Don Cockell he fought Marciano in a world title fight. Quite well known in British boxing circles, from London I think

 

[Hardyman's Yugo]

Maurice Lindsay, former Wigan Chairman and one of the people behind Super League in England

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2...y-architect-of-wigans-golden-era-dies-aged-81

 

[john nick]

If it’s the same Don Cockell he fought Marciano in a world title fight. Quite well known in British boxing circles, from London I think

Yeah mate I am pretty sure he fought Marciano in a qualifying fight
There was also a fighter around then Brian London

 

[bruce]

Maurice Lindsay, former Wigan Chairman and one of the people behind Super League in England

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2...y-architect-of-wigans-golden-era-dies-aged-81

He was a breath of fresh air in many ways. Called it as he saw it. I remember when he was down on tour here a a Lions manager when a few of them including Bobby Goulding made arses of themselves downtown. He made no excuses and apologised, no bullshit.

 

[Hardyman's Yugo]

Yeah mate I am pretty sure he fought Marciano in a qualifying fight
There was also a fighter around then Brian London

They were all before my time, but I know ofvthem as I inherited sports books and comics from older relatives

Brian London was from Blackpool. One of the great sports clips of all time below, post fight tear up. Like a Scouse wedding