Valleys Diehards

[DIEHARD]

Hi Rugby League supporters

As some of you may already be aware a Diehards Heriate Project has been set up to collect and protect as much VFC history as possible and present it to the world via the http://www.ValleysDiehards.com website.

It has been a year in the making and was launched at the last Valleys Reunion last month.

I've made this thread so updates on the latest news and content can be posted.

Have a look and enjoy!

Good old Valleys forever!

[DIEHARD]

Story of 1910 posted today. CLICK HERE TO READ (http://www.valleysdiehards.com/?p=451)

[DIEHARD]

Wally Lewis story - CLICK HERE TO READ (http://www.valleysdiehards.com/?p=406)

[DIEHARD]

Story of the famous Gladiator Emblem - http://www.valleysdiehards.com/?p=471

[GC_Titans_Fan]

As some of you may already be aware a Diehards Heriate Project has been set up to collect and protect as much VFC history as possible and present it to the word via the http://www.ValleysDiehards.com website.


I take it you mean world?

On another note, one of the saddest things about the way the game has evolved is the lost of clubs from both Brisbane and Sydney. Clubs like the Diehards, the Brothers, The Newtown Jets and the North Sydney Bears. But the sadder thing is that we could see the lost of history of these clubs, especially the old BRL clubs. Because of the fact that the NSWRL competition was the one to evolve into the National Competition, teams like the Newtown Jets and North Sydney Bears history will always have their place and will not be forgotten. And as clubs like the Brisbane Broncos, North Queensland Cowboys and even the Gold Coast Titans join the competition, it is my hope that this type of history is not lost and that is why I love peoples efforts in finding it and putting things like this together. Would be criminal to lose this crucial Rugby League history to time.

[Titanic]

I take it you mean world?

On another note, one of the saddest things about the way the game has evolved is the lost of clubs from both Brisbane and Sydney.

I take it you mean loss? :)

[hammer]

Nice work Diehard! I can see it as a really nice iBook on an iPad.

[DIEHARD]

Nice work Diehard! I can see it as a really nice iBook on an iPad.

That's the goal in some ways. Hopefully the work we do here helps down the track.

[Coaster]

That's the goal in some ways. Hopefully the work we do here helps down the track.

Its a great site Brad, i forgot to mention it to you Saturday

[DIEHARD]

Got a story on 1911 to share soon. Also another special, off the wall story about the Diehards. Up maybe at the end of the week.

[DIEHARD]

Its a great site Brad, i forgot to mention it to you Saturday

Thanks mate. Coming from you it means alot. It's my gift to Rugby League. Feels good.

[DIEHARD]

New story.

The ?Tail? of Two Dogs - http://www.valleysdiehards.com/?p=489

[DIEHARD]

New story;

The Story of 1911 - http://www.valleysdiehards.com/?p=502

Including the historic find of the 1911 Valleys FC Premiership team photo!

[DIEHARD]

https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/549023_420909784629025_565736929_n.jpg

Valley-Toombul 1911 BRL Premiers. Valley-Toombul defeated Ipswich B in the Final 13-8, however, Ipswich B had the “Right to Challenge” but Valley-Toombul beat them again in the “Grand Finale” 13-2. (30 September 1911)

This photo is a historic find, only recently coming to light after being missing from records for nearly a century!

[DIEHARD]

The story of the ?Die Hard? Brand! http://www.valleysdiehards.com/?p=533

[DIEHARD]

https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/217758_443629925690344_1187364265_n.jpg

Not the trophy.

It is the 1988 BRL Winfield Cup! Won by Valleys over Ipswich 17-14.

Really stoked to have located the trophy as it really is part of the goals of the Project.

Also in very safe hands. The gentleman who has it has even left his entire collection to Valleys Juniors in his will!

[DIEHARD]

https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/734064_10151436008063619_405408845_n.jpg

1990 BRL Grand Final t-shirt!

[DIEHARD]

https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/s480x480/535668_479949835391686_578556417_n.jpg

[DIEHARD]

https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc1/733797_479989445387725_489190121_n.jpg

Valleys "The Diehards" match box!

[DIEHARD]

https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/969752_493221517397851_1544986375_n.jpg

[DIEHARD]

Vale to a true friend, legend, partner, gentleman and mentor. His passion and work will live on at http://www.ValleysDiehards.com/. It has been an honour to know you Gerry. We won't let you down.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/1016624_504895019563834_807631673_n.jpg

I'm shattered.

[Toads]

https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/969752_493221517397851_1544986375_n.jpg

Great colours those Norths Devils had back in the day, remind me of a team in this modern era of NRL. ;)

[Titanic]

Thanks for posting that DH.

[DIEHARD]

Great news. I have borrowed every VFC annual report from 1908-1995 from Gerry's wife. Goal to scan them all and share them with the world!

[DIEHARD]

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/1016259_546580462061956_1043799787_n.jpg

Diehard Digest Volume 1 Issue 10. November 1973. Read it online now!

http://www.albionstudios.com/diehards/dd/vol1/DiehardDigestVol1No10.pdf

[DIEHARD]

Hopefully I will have some amazing things to share in the next week or two. One thing that is very exciting.

[DIEHARD]

CLICK HERE TO READ (http://www.albionstudios.com/diehards/dd/vol2/DiehardDigestVol2No2.pdf)

https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/t1/1478985_581444788575523_426861114_n.jpg

CLICK HERE TO READ (http://www.albionstudios.com/diehards/dd/vol2/DiehardDigestVol2No2.pdf)

[DIEHARD]

CLICK HERE TO READ (http://www.valleysdiehards.com/dd/vol2/DiehardDigestVol2No3.pdf)

https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/1533738_581773198542682_1251821848_n.jpg

CLICK HERE TO READ (http://www.valleysdiehards.com/dd/vol2/DiehardDigestVol2No3.pdf)

[DIEHARD]

https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/1483396_581982211855114_717931634_n.jpg

Very happy to welcome 1000 to the VFC facebook!

[Titanic]

Great reading :-)

[DIEHARD]

As a special Christmas surprise to you, the Diehards Heritage Team present to you the 1973 Annual Report!

Merry Christmas Diehards!

Click here to read: http://www.valleysdiehards.com/years/VFC1973-web.pdf


https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/1545054_583458291707506_828737880_n.jpg

[Titanic]

Most diligent U14 player W.Lewis :)

[DIEHARD]

Most diligent U14 player W.Lewis :)

Haha that's amazing!

We are also getting involved with the new QLD Sports Museum and also helping out Brothers with their heritage as well.

[DIEHARD]

Spending the day scanning scanning scanning.

[Titanic]

I failed to mention that misleading picture of Hughie and Marty seemingly running out in opposition to each other ... stretched my fading memory.

[DIEHARD]

I failed to mention that misleading picture of Hughie and Marty seemingly running out in opposition to each other ... stretched my fading memory.

One of the reasons why Im against jersey swaps, at least while the festivities are in play.

[DIEHARD]

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc1/375698_692545474098821_184353176_n.jpg
**Retro valleys jersey**

We are considering ordering retro valleys jerseys perfect for parents and supporters. We will only order though if we can achieve the minimum order quantity.

It is a polyester-cotton jersey and will be priced at $70.

Please comment below if you would like one and we will get an order form to you. Alternatively msg the Valleys Opens page. (https://www.facebook.com/valleys.openones)

[DIEHARD]

Diehard Digest Volume 2 Issue 6. July 1974.

Read it online now! - http://www.valleysdiehards.com/dd/vol2/DiehardDigestVol2No6.pdf

https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/1554585_590486601004675_1278788508_n.jpg

[Titanic]

Amazing in '74 that Greg Vievers, John Lang and Warren Orr couldn't make the Australian team for the 3rd test but no surprise that Peter Leis nor Bunny Pearce couldn't either … lol … but gee saying that Fitzpatrick and Strudwick were better than Cronin and Raudonikis is bit of a stretch, even for us diehard Queenslanders. Those were the days when you could hate NSWailers and the whole world was with you.

[DIEHARD]

Valleys and Brothers are looking at having a joint reunion for 1974. Stay Tuned.

[DIEHARD]

VFC retro jersey order form http://www.foxsportspulse.com/club_info.cgi?client=1-2471-22491-0-0&sID=107797&&news_task=DETAIL&articleID=27649211

[DIEHARD]

We've been getting a few emails lately from people wanting to donate lost VFC treasures to our archives! Very exciting. Will share photos in the near future.

[DIEHARD]

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/R9xSrjCUHh8?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[DIEHARD]

Had a lady send in some pictures of BRL Premiership pennants from 1957, they were her father's, Geoff O'Brien.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v483/diehard2/1922802_10202947788677491_510231525_n_zps47545279. jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v483/diehard2/10000237_10202947788717492_351851164_n_zps9005e2d3 .jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v483/diehard2/1947699_10202947788757493_1643496553_n_zps313df440 .jpg

[DIEHARD]

Diehard Digest Volume 2 Issue 8. September 1974.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/t1/q72/s720x720/1920620_613411758712159_701545020_n.jpg

Read it online now! - http://www.valleysdiehards.com/dd/vol2/DiehardDigestVol2No8.pdf

[DIEHARD]

Wally Lewis talks about Valleys Diehards and Ross Strudwick

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/NV04_MXHTp4" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[DIEHARD]

https://scontent-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc1/t1.0-9/10290710_634071909979477_3064880852593227135_n.jpg (http://www.valleysdiehards.com/dd/vol2/DiehardDigestVol2No9.pdf)

Diehard Digest Volume 2 Issue 9. October 1974.

Read it online now! - http://www.valleysdiehards.com/dd/vol2/DiehardDigestVol2No9.pdf

[DIEHARD]

Diehard Digest Volume 2 Issue 10. November 1974.
Read it online now! - http://www.valleysdiehards.com/dd/vol2/DiehardDigestVol2No10.pdf

https://scontent-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/l/t1.0-9/10347801_640387609347907_1817718518246548627_n.jpg

[DIEHARD]

1944 Premiers

https://scontent-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/t1.0-9/1959478_649639195089415_8091801119699572800_n.jpg

[DIEHARD]

1919 Premiers

https://scontent-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfa1/t1.0-9/10173526_649224981797503_8742252886515743939_n.jpg

[Titanic]

That's you middle of back row 1919 isn't it?

[DIEHARD]

642

Sign acknowledging the history of Valleys at the old Neumann Oval, now the home of Qld Cricket

[DIEHARD]

What an amazing jersey the Diehards have made for their return next year!

The classic VFC monogram, old and new Gladiators gracing the shoulders. And Valleys Old Boys Association gracing the front!


643

[kioli]

Wow that's class. Should sell a few if they open them to the public.

[DIEHARD]

You can now order a Valleys jersey!

https://scontent-hkg.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/10997472_766787690041231_8514010097317775818_n.png ?oh=fc728dd1ff80fc809751c60ca864f36d&oe=554CCD07

Buy: http://www.tripleplay.com.au/shop/valleys-football-club-rugby-league-jersey/

[Titanic]

Prefer the clean-skin version best but great stuff.

[DIEHARD]

Valleys display fighting spirit

The old fighting spirit of Valleys appears to live on in the next generation, with the Diehards snatching a thrilling28-20 win over Normanby on Friday night.

Valleys crossed twice in the final ten minutes at Purtell Park to thwart a second half Normanby comeback.

The Diehards held a 16-6 advantage at halftime but found themselves trailing 20-16 midway through the second.

It took a strong effort from hardworking lock forward Jake Cannon to regain the lead in the 70th minute before speedster Jake Picker closed out the match with his third.

They remain undefeated after the opening fortnight of the Studdys Sports pre-season competition.

Coach Pat O’Doherty said he was pleased with how his side had closed out their past two games.

“It was 28-all against West Panthers last week and we ended up on top,” he said, pointing that consistency was still a work-in-progress.

“We started well but only hit our groove at the twenty minute mark until just after halftime.”

Trailing by ten points at the break, Normanby mounted an inspired revival upon resumption.

They posted three straight tries, with Jack Walters nabbing a double which featured a perfect dummy at hooker close to the line.

“Normanby always come back, that’s the kind of side they are,” O’Doherty said.

“But we weathered the storm.

“I thought Jack (Cannon) was outstanding, as was (centre) Shane Picker and Reece Baker who had great impact off the bench with his scoots from dummy half.”

The big challenge for Valleys comes in future weeks against established sides Wynnum Manly Redland City and Easts Tigers, whose core playing group have been together for FOGS Cup campaigns in recent seasons.

“Most of the boys in this team are pretty young and in their early twenties, with their highest footy being Second Division or Premier League,” O’Doherty said.

“We’re still a bit lackadaisical in defence sometimes.

“The main thing for us is how we defend and then we can attack off the back of that.

“But I think we’ve done really well at the back-end of games so far, our fitness has brought us home.”

http://www.qrl.com.au

[DIEHARD]

Valleys Diehards promo video from 1984!

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/P3UJQ24kRyQ" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[DIEHARD]

Valleys have outdone themselves.

They have an amazing heritage jersey for sale. I ordered one immediately.

http://www.titansupporters.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/17.4.jpg

Our Retro Jersey launch has caused a stir. How about our models for retro Valleys...Rowan Klein(son of Russell) and Jack Miers (4th generation Diehard) You can get yours now or at the game. Act fast limited stock! $120 Click here to order - http://bit.ly/2DrZpyM

[DIEHARD]

Heritage Round vs Easts Tigers today and also Round 1 of BRL.

Also on LIVESTREAM. https://livestream.com/accounts/21470394/events/8107167

http://www.titansupporters.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/17.5.jpg

[DIEHARD]

Remarkable league journey for Guk Riec
http://www.qrl.com.au

You might have heard some of the story behind the remarkable life of Valleys Diehards fullback Guk Riec, but you haven't heard the full story.

Riec's journey from war torn Sudan to being an African United star playing in the Rugby League Brisbane competition is one of the most incredible stories you're likely to hear.

Born in the Upper Nile Village of Reng in South Sudan, Riec comes from a close and loving family - but has endured some immensely tough times. Not long after he was born, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) passed through the Nile Village, sparking a war with the Sudanese People's Liberation Army.

This is where a young Riec's life would change forever. At just one month old, his mother Elizabeth was alerted to gunshots that were raining out over their village where the fighting had started.

Holding her young baby as tight as she could, the terrified mother grabbed her newborn baby Guk and his four older brothers and fled; seeking refuge in snake infested waters for the frightening days that lay ahead.

Tired, hungry and disorientated, by pure luck, Elizabeth, baby Guk and his brothers finally made it to a checkpoint where they would eventually be admitted to Egypt as refugees. Egypt would prove to be the safety and stability the Riec's needed in order to survive.

"I owe everything to my mother," Riec explained emotionally. "My mother, my aunty, everybody who has helped myself and my brothers I will remember that.

"My mother is a truly amazing woman for what she has done to look after my brothers and I, from working long hours as a cleaner to rescuing me from the war in Sudan."

Riec's father was arrested and placed in jail by the Sudanese Government for allegedly working for the Sudanese People's Liberation Army. In fact, he was actually aiding the rebel forces fighting for equality amongst the people.

After a few years in Egypt, Riec would be on the move again, this time being granted a refugee visa to live in Toowoomba in 2002, where Gak's aunt Sisilia was residing.

It was in Toowoomba where Riec was introduced to rugby league through one of his teachers at St Joseph's College, Scott Edwards, who saw potential in the young Sudanese boy.

Taking to the game like a duck to water, Riec would make inroads and headlines with his footballing ability, so much so he was handed a trial and pre-season with the Norths Devils.

Sadly, one of Riec's older brothers was diagnosed with inoperable bone cancer and passed away not long after his diagnosis, a pain that is still fresh in his heart.

"My brother was a gifted rugby league and union player and he was a hero of mine," Riec said. "In my eyes, he could do anything, and I looked up to him."

Still at just 21-years of age, Riec moved to the Valleys Diehards and after a couple of eye catching performances for the men in royal blue and white, it was evident that he was destined for bigger and better things.

Riec has also further increased his skill level and fitness by being selected to play for the Australian Catholic University (ACU) team at Banyo campus.

His ability to perform at each new level he has experienced culminated with his selection in the 2017 African United side that played in the emerging Nations Cup in Sydney, suiting up alongside current Redcliffe Dolphin and countryman Obed Karwhin.

"That was probably the best time of my life being selected for Africa United," he said. "I was so proud singing the national anthem and being able to represent my country.

"I just wanted to make my Mum and my community proud and show them what I have achieved for the life she has given me in Australia.

"I just want to make the Sudanese and African people are proud of me. Hopefully, I can also become an African Rugby League ambassador for other Africans who want to play rugby league."

With players like Riec working towards their goals with the big smile on their face and the determination to never give up on their dreams; the future of African Rugby League is in good hands.

* Mike Simpson is a QRL correspondent who covers Rugby League Brisbane

[DIEHARD]

Come on down to Valleys on Saturday for the official launch of the Return Of The Diehards film. Function starts at 12.30pm then catch the BRL team take on Easts. In stock now. Order your DVD today here - https://www.aobmedia.com.au/product-page/return-of-the-diehards-a-rugby-league-comeback-story

[DIEHARD]

A little something for the BRL boys and girls.

88 Valleys Reunion Rd 2018


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=II-viq2WAhY

[DIEHARD]

Proud of the Diehards season, going down in the very end in a Grand Final to Wynnum.

Highlights https://www.qrl.com.au/news/2019/09/24/brl-in-safe-hands-cup-grand-final-highlights/

[DIEHARD]

New womens senior team going strong
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/a5yqZn1zPwY" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[DIEHARD]

Next weekend is going to be fun. Diehards in two Grand Finals!


The mighty BOQ Stafford Valleys Diehards are through to the BRL Grand Finals in both A-Grade and Reserve Grade after commanding wins today against Normanby. Congratulations to all involved! Thank you to the Normanby Hounds RLFC on a fantastic season. Up the Diehards!

http://www.diehardtitan.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/2.1.jpg

[Titanic]

Normanby used to be one of the most fearsome outfits 1/2 a century ago … lol.

[DIEHARD]

Brisbane A Grade Grand Final on now.

Diehards vs Wests Panthers

Watch here if you are thirsty for a game.

https://www.facebook.com/BrisbaneRugbyLeague/videos/903862843885740

[Titanic]

Lucky win Brad … Panthers pipped 18-20

[DIEHARD]

Lucky win Brad … Panthers pipped 18-20

Wests were the better team throughout the match. But the Diehards never say die. I was so happy to win in the dying seconds.

Even better for it to come after the Reserve Grade side winning as well! Double Premiers!

Oh I'd give anything to be at Emerson Park right now celebrating!

Up the Diehards!