Sport
21 July, 2026
The battle of the Tablelands
LONG gone are the days when 200 people would storm a football field for an all-out brawl during a fiery rugby league match.
But in 1950 when the Malanda Pioneer Football Club defeated the Atherton Roosters 14-7 in extra time, it was likely one of the most ferocious grand finals the region has ever seen.
“What made it so special? When 200 people ran on the field!” Phil English, Malanda five-eighth and the only player still alive to tell the story, exclaimed.
“There was punching everywhere, old Percy got knocked ass over end… the bloke who knocked him over said, ‘You charged me too much commission when I bought that farm off ya!’,” he burst out laughing. “Wally Russell had a bit of a record – if you punch him, he’s going to punch you back.”
It was 1950 at the Atherton Showgrounds and the stage was set for a fierce grand final finish in front of hundreds of onlookers after the full time siren sounded with the score locked up at 7-all.
However, a fight soon broke out between both teams’ captain/coaches and ignited the tension that already lay thick in the atmosphere.
“When we went back to play the extra, Percy Hansen (front row) picked a fight with Wally Russell,” English began.
“They both got sent off and 200 people started running onto the field – 200 people – fighting everywhere! Just punching and fighting. After about 10 minutes we settled down, they got sent off, and it rolled Percy… he had to go to hospital they kicked him that much.
“Anyway, they decided to carry on the match and straight away Maxi Kidd (fullback) had a kick at goal right on the boundary line, just one foot in.
“Charcoal, my brother (halfback), was captain now (following Hansen’s departure) and he said, ‘Have a go at it Maxi’. (Maxi) said it was too far for him but he had a go and he kicked it – that lifted our morale.
“Then Darrel Heidke (centre) ended up scoring a try in the final minutes and Maxi Kidd kicked that goal too. It was a bloody hard tackling match.”
English said both teams had planned to celebrate together – “had”.
“It had been raised before the match that both teams were going to meet down at the Black Stump (Hotel), but the hostility was so bad that everybody went home,” he said.
“We were a bit late coming back to Malanda, we went and seen the blokes at the hospital – Donny Kidd and Percy had to go to hospital before the game was over. We finished up with 11 men and Atherton only had 11 too. (Teams were not allowed to replace injured players in the second half).
“But when we crossed the Malanda bridge we could hear the noise up at the pub, and when we walked in, the cheer went up – nearly lifted the roof.
“It was bloody wonderful to be part of that. A lot of them blokes retired after that match though.”
Now that enough time has passed, English revealed his side were likely given a helping hand by the local publican, Jack Hanrahan.
“The day before the football, some fellas called Danny Johnson, Jerry Daniels, and Billy Liaver, three of (Atherton’s) best players, right? Turned up at the Malanda Hotel,” the centenarian said.
“Old Jack Hanrahan was the publican, and as soon as they come in he put them on free beer. They staggered out at 6 o’clock when the pub closed – they didn’t play too good that day,” he chuckled.
The Roosters are inviting everyone to be part of the celebrations this weekend and remember the history of the former Malanda club.
EVENT PROGRAM
Friday night, 31 July: Meet and greet book launch at the Big Pub Malanda (6pm).
Saturday 1 August: Game day at Mungalli Creek Dairy Stadium, Atherton, from 2pm.
The Roosters will take on the Innisfail Leprechauns across Under 19s, Reserve Grade, and A Grade. Prior to the A Grade match there will be a parade and ceremony from the former Malanda club. The Roosters A Grade will play in the old Malanda jersey design and colours, with the jerseys set to be auctioned off after the game.
FUN FACTS:
The Malanda Pioneer Football Club operated from 1919-1980.
Captain/coach of the 1950 premiership team, Percy Hansen, went on to start the Hansen Ford car dealership in Mareeba.
In rugby league, tries were worth 3 points up until 1983, while goals were still 2 points.
Teams in possession of the ball had unlimited tackles, this was until 1967. Following this, a four-tackle rule was introduced from 1967-1970, and in 1971 it was changed to six tackles, which still remains the rule today.
