Some of the former Wolves with some of today’s Wolf pack at the jersey ceremonyEileen Iszlaub, from Wondai, with the gold watch presented to her brother, the late Percy Iszlaub AM, when he was made a Life Member of the club in 2008 … a video interview with the Wolves’ legend, who died in 2018, was shown in the clubhouse during the afternoon
May 28, 2021
Wondai rugby league players from the past bonded with current Wolves in a moving ceremony at Wondai Sportsground last Saturday.
The reunion was organised to mark the 51st anniversary of the opening of the Wolves’ clubhouse.
(It was to be a 50th celebration last year, but like just about everything else was postponed due to COVID.)
Wondai veterans who turned up for the day included Des Kemp, Gavin Potter, Scott Holding, David Anderson, Liam Duggan, John Schofield, Skippy Exelby, Michael Hedges, Frank Ramke, Alan Shooter, Peter Keyes, Col Ramke, Michael Close, Ross Goodhew, Danny Radunz, Paul Cooper, Mark Hayden, Peter Howlett, Rob Hansen and Ashley Newson.
The veterans were handed a 2021 Wondai jersey approximately matching their former field positions which they then presented to the current Wondai Wolves’ players after sharing memories at the microphone with the crowd.
Memorabilia from the Wondai-Proston club’s proud history was on display all day in the clubhouse.
Former players returned from across Queensland for the event, and to watch two A Grade South Burnett games played later in the afternoon.
What all the fuss was about … the old Wondai Courthouse which was relocated and turned into the G.T. (Tom) Kemp Clubhouse 51 years agoThe 19 former Wondai players lined up and presented the 2021 jerseys to current WolvesFormer Wondai player – and sports commentator – Russell “Skippy” Exelby shared anecdotes with the crowdRobert Hansen, from Greenview, wearing a Wolves’ jersey dating to when Wondai won the premiership two years in a row in the mid-1990s; and Kevin Schmidt, from Toowoomba, who played for Wondai before they were the Wolves; his last game was in 1971Former Wolves John Schofield, from Caloundra; Liam Duggan, from Cooroy; and Alan Shooter, Wondai … Alan played in Reserve Grade but was the Wolves’ masseur for more than a decade and reckons he has massaged just about every Wondai player at some time! Liam played for Queensland against the touring Great Britain side in 1968Working hard in the canteen were Esme Bligh, Fay Kerkow, Marevel Garland and Natalie MannThe Wondai Town and District Band played at the clubhouse’s opening in 1970 and reprised their performance at the delayed 50th anniversary celebrations on Saturday
