July 9, 2019
A rugby league all-star who grew up in Blackbutt will be remembered on Friday (July 12) at the Roy Emerson Museum in Blackbutt.
Ian “Bunny” Pearce, the son of a Benarkin forestry worker who went on to play for the Redcliffe Dolphins and Queensland, will be the subject of the Museum’s monthly history morning.
“Bunny” was a speedy fullback and centre who captained the Queensland side in their 1975 clash against the Blues.
He scored all four goals in the first game of the three-match series, helping to deliver an upset 14-8 win over NSW.
While Queensland narrowly lost the next two matches, the 1975 series laid the foundations for State Of Origin and proved that Queensland was the equal of NSW.
Bunny was also the first Redcliffe player to win a prestigious Rothmans Medal.
The medal was established in 1968 for both the Brisbane Rugby League and the NSWRL competitions and ran until 1997, when the National Rugby League was established and it was replaced with the Dally M Medal.
It was given to the player voted by referees as the best and fairest for the season, and it was awarded to Bunny in 1978.
Sadly, Bunny’s life ended in a car accident in late 1993, which a Dolphins biographer described as “possibly the saddest day in the proud club’s history”.
But former team-mates like Arthur Beetson and Bob Fulton still remember him fondly.
The sportsground in Blackbutt is named in his honour.
Friday’s History Morning will feature a display wall outlining Bunny’s achievements.
Many special guests including Bunny’s widow and former team-mates have also been invited to take part.
It will run from 9:30am to about noon, and is free to attend.
An optional morning tea will also be available for $2.
More details? Phone the Museum on (07) 4163-0146, send them an email or visit their Facebook page
