Excerpt from Booklet - "50 Years of ...Tweed Rugby League" by Tom Hogan

Mullumbimby Rugby League Club - Existed in 1909

" It is known for certain that Mullumbimby were in existence in 1903, and were probably formed in 1900.
Mullumbimby has always fielded a team in either the Tweed or Brunswick districts. They are a club with a distinguished and proud record of service.
Like Seagulls they would be one of the oldest clubs of any code in Australia. In the early years Mullumbimby travelled to Burringbar, Tumbulgum, Chinderah and Tweed Heads.

Main Arm team farewell to Albert Broomham 1911
photos taken from the book
"The Brunswick" Another River and Its People" by Jim Brokenshire. April 1988

Player from the past...

Mullumbimby Football Club 1924

Harold King was born at Main Arm about 1904. He was a cousin to Vic Armbruster & Jack Garrard. Played 1st Grade for Eastern Suburbs in 1925.

Eastern Suburbs Team 1925

He played 13 First Grade games, scored 2 tries (6 points) and there is no record of him playing for Australia while with Easts. Nick Hollingworth from the Eastern Suburbs Football Club, now the Roosters.

Football Team returning to Sydney

Casino Byron Representative Team.

Victorious Mullumbimby 1960's team

They produced many champions. 
Some of the great names are;
Albert Broomham, Vic Armbruster, Joe and Bill Torrens, "Bunny" Turner, George Wise, Arthur Suter, Jim Kilroy, Clarrie Plater, Peter Knowles, "Zoob" Plater, Tom O'Connor and Paddy Walker.
Of all the personalities associated with Mullumbimby, perhaps a chap named Alby Lofts stands out. Lofts was a great supporter for the Mullumbimby Club in many district conferences. He was a real personality. Mullumbimby had many stalwarts who kept the the club flourishing through many difficult years.

Mullumbimby carried their great work through to 1960 when they pulled off the A , Reserve and C Grade premierships, coached by former Eastern Suburbs (Roosters) player Ken McMorrow.

In recent years the club has produced many players of rare ability.
Included in this are Geoff Hampson (NSW Country Representative)
Trevour Williams, John Wooldridge, Keith Dunster, Barry Robinson, Bob Mudge, Rex McIllwain, Trevor Henderson, George Baggaley and Dave and Peter Plater.

Capable officials like Frank Porterhouse, Harry McIllwain, Pat Johnson, "Basher" Wraight, Ray Stewart, Doug Henery and Percy Jarrett all have made the club prosper.
Their 1964 office bearers were 
President - Harry McIllwain, 
Secretary - Dave Clifford 
Coach - Bill Petley  

The history will continue...more to come !

Historical Moments ...

1. South Sydney Great Elwyn Walters also spent time nurturing the Mullumbimby sides in the eighties. (more details coming...)

2. Mullumbimby went close in 1985 to winning all three grades under the leadership of  Balmain Rugby League legend Neil "Bing" Pringle who took the club to the major semi final in 1st Grade, won the reserve grade grand final and unfortunately were beaten in the under 18's grand final.
A great effort from the club.

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