One of Newcastle’s smallest rugby league clubs is ready to celebrate a big milestone later this year.
The West Wallsend Magpies have been soaring since 1971 – and will commemorate its 50th anniversary in September, much to the delight of those hard-working locals who built the organisation from scratch.
But, it was no easy feat, especially for inaugural presidents Barry Reed and Phil Grogan, according to life member Gary Smith.
“I’m thrilled with where we’re at, especially after the way we started,” he said.
“It was very difficult to kick off a rugby league club out here as it was predominantly a soccer town.
“However, an old bloke on the committee, by the name of Les Wakeman, helped us win them over.
“Now, we get on well with the footballers.
“Luckily, West Wallsend has embraced both codes.
“I’ve very, very proud the club has lasted all this time – 50 years is quite an achievement.
“Everything we’ve achieved out here we’ve done it by ourselves.
“We’ve built the dressing sheds with voluntary labour, installed the lighting and, basically, made a fairly good community asset in West Wallsend.
“I remember we had lots of brickies and labourers giving their time freely early on.
“Payment was a keg of Tooheys Black at the end of the day and a heap of hamburgers and chips from the local Blue Bells Takeaway.
“You could say they laid the foundation for the Magpies.
“Over the years, we’ve started junior rugby league, too.
“We’re fielding six sides at the moment as well as men’s and women’s tag teams.
“We are also proud of that accomplishment.”
Smith said it was extremely fitting to name the field in honour of Wakeman.
“I’ll admit, it was hard to sway the local people to our way of thinking, however they slowly came around,” he told the Newcastle Weekly.
“And, much of that was due to Les.
“He played for West Wallsend in 1936 – when they won the reserve grade title in the Newcastle competition.
“Back then, they took the field wearing the ‘black and white’ jumper.
“The next year, Western Suburbs (Rosellas) brought most of the players in the side, so we had to fold.
“When we started up again in 1971, Les informed everyone the boys wore those colours and were known as the Magpies.
“So, that’s what we adopted as our own.”
Since then, the club has enjoyed much success on the playing paddock, with a number of grand final appearances and several titles under its belt.
But, it was the Magpies’ maiden premiership in 1979, which Smith claims is the most memorable.
“I’m pretty sure we’ve won about six crowns; and missed out on about three others,” he said.
“However, it’s our first one when we were coached by Terry McNaughton [in the Newcastle second division], which meant so much to everyone.
“I remember the game clearly – we had a big half-time lead, but Shortland drew level with two minutes left on the clock.
“And, that’s how it ended.
“After a quick meeting with the officials, they decided there wasn’t an opportunity to play extra-time, so it [the trophy] was presented to both teams.
“Even though it was our initial premiership, and we had to share it with Shortland, it’s better than not having one.
“That’s my highlight during my time as president.
“We’ve also had a lot of good players come through the Magpies, with former Newcastle Knight and St George Illawarra Dragon Darren Treacy the most notable.
“Five decades on, what makes me proud is seeing people wearing black and white club shirts, or hoodies, things like that, when I’m up the street.”
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