About Us....
The Beginning. Panthers are Born
Railway Rugby League Football Club was formed in 1919, after a meeting under the trees on Hinkler Avenue in North Bundaberg near the Railway Hotel. Club colours on the jerseys were blue, with white trim. In later years, the rabbit was adopted as its logo. The Club trained at Hinkler Park, which was administered by a Trust, and as the Club was only tenants, was restricted in expansion. With expansion in mind, Jubilee Park was selected because of its proximity to Salter Oval and, in 1966, Railway Football Club moved to Jubilee Park, West Bundaberg. Millbank Progress Association was only too happy to have the club use these grounds. The Bundaberg City Council assisted in leveling and grading the grounds. The Club installed floodlights for training, but there were no facilities for the players. The only means of raising funds were from "chook" raffles, selling doubles, etc. The Club, with voluntary labour, built a clubhouse on the corner of the grounds for the use of its players and supporters and was the first football clubhouse in Bundaberg. In 1971, Wally Cooper was elected President of Railway Football Club but, unfortunately, inherited a debt from the previous years from the building of the clubhouse. The Coopers bought a small coldroom with their own money to make things a little easier. In 1972, Railways, under the captaincy and coaching of Terry Haggert, won the local rugby league premiership, and the last under the Railways colours. It was apparent that additional fundraising methods were required to support the rugby league club. So, Wally Cooper put the idea of extending the existing, but small, clubhouse and applying for a Liquor Licence so that the Club could open every day to raise this financial support. Unfortunately, with the carry over debt, and the costs of such extensions, a loan from the banks could not be obtained. To make this dream a reality, Wally and Eva Cooper went Guarantor for the club. The previous debt was paid out, the Liquor Licence was granted, the extensions designed, with the Coopers having to purchase a coldroom with their own money to complete the project.
In October 1973, Railway Leagues Club opened, and traded till January, 1974.
The Birth of Western Suburbs.
The Railway Football Club Committee, in 1974, moved a motion, with one member descenting, that, seeing that the Clubhouse was in West Bundaberg, the Club change its name to Western Suburbs Leagues Club and the football club to Western Suburbs Rugby League Football Club and that the Clubs colours be Red and Black and adopt the Panther as its logo. The Leagues Club and Football Club had to become separate identities because of liability and insurance reasons. The primary aim of the Leagues Club, with its separate committee to that of the Football Club, was to raise funds to assist the Football Club and to encourage and support other sports to use the facilities provided by the Club. Wally Cooper was the first President of the Football Club and was the first manager of the Leagues Club. Former Brisbane player, Nev Harman was the first coach of the new club and continued as coach for two years. After the first year as Manager of the Leagues Club, Wally's position was passed on to his wife, Eva, who managed the Leagues Club for four and a half years and, it is believed, that Eva was the first female manager of a Leagues Club in Queensland. The inaugural President of the Leagues Club was Mr Bob Stitt. In the subsequent years, the Leagues Club had its good, and not so good times, with some loyal members going guarantor to assist with financial support and voluntary labour to help with extensions and alterations. The Leagues Club released the mortage documents to the Coopers in 1981 and all other guarantor agreements with its loyal members finalized in subsequent years. Mr Con Ryan has been a member of Railway Football Club and now a Life Member of Western Suburbs Leagues Club since 1948.
And Now.
In April, 2005, agreement was reached with the Department of Natural Resources and Mines for the Leagues Club to purchase a 5200m2 parcel of land so that an enlarged area for the Club building and carpark would be under freehold title. In another agreement with the Department of Natural Resources and Mines, Western Suburbs Leagues Club is now sole Trustee of Jubilee Park.
The Leagues Club provides training and playing facilities for, and financially assists:
* Western Suburbs Senior Rugby League Club
* Western Suburbs Junior Rugby League Club
* Western Suburbs Softball Club
* Western Suburbs Netball Club
* Wests Barbarians Rugby Union Club
* Country Wests Cricket Club
* Knights Soccer Club
* Rumruckers Golden Oldies Rugby Union Club
* Railway Social Golf Club
Special thanks to Eva Cooper, Con Ryan, Claude Appo, Len Winlaw and Lester Marner for their assistance in compiling this history of Western Suburbs
WESTERN SUBURBS RUGBY LEAGUE CLUB 30 YEARS ON
* Please Note : The following Sourced from recollections , News Paper clippings.
The Year 1975 the Dream Western Suburbs becomes a reality. Under President Wally Cooper and First Grade Coach Nev Harman the Mighty Panthers are Born.
A new era begins for the players and supporters from the little Club house on Avoca Street, As Western Suburbs Rugby League Football Club is born.
A quality Team Under Captain/Coach Nev Harman is formed and without doudt they leave an indelible Impression on the Bundaberg Rugby League.
it would have been a fitting honour Western Suburb and Club President Wally Cooper had the Club taken out the Premeirship in the clubs inaugural year, but alas its wasnt to be.
HOW EVER this honour was acheived in ur first year by our truy Talented and deserving Under 16 Team, Coached By John Cooper.
This team Included Club Greats of the likes of Danny Tanner and His Brother Nathan , Barry Ryan and Mal Mason.
The Spirit Of The Pnathers that begun in 1975 with our Under 16 premeirers and the clubs founding Committee and players has been passed on from Committee to Committee , Player to Player, Coach to Coach , Supporter to Supporter. This Spirit shall never be forgotten nor extingused its is the very blood that keeps this grand Club alive and sometimes it is what ensures the survival and future of our club.
Under 16 Team. ( First Premeirship 1975 )
DANNY TANNER / BARRY RYAN / GARRY BRYANT / LES WALK / LARIE WIGG / CHRIS POSTLE / MAL MASON / BARRY BRIGNELL / JAMIE REVOY /BRAD LUTZ / NATHAN TANNER / RAY FISHER / WAYNE CLOSE / LASLO KIRALLY / GREG ROBERTSON.
1976
In 1976 Graeme Cousens Replaced Wally Cooper as President Ans Nev Harman Stayed on as Coach.
Having encouraged determination at wests in ur Inaugural year, Coach Nev Harman put his all in going after that " TROPHY "!
Retaining many players from the Inaugural Year, Nev had some new players to mould into the Wests Spirit of togetherness, During the season.
Probably the most noted new arival in 1976 was Hooker / Frontrower Frank Ramke, who was to go on and serve the club for mny years ahead.
A mighty task was asked of him, to complete the Frontrow with Nev Harman and Hooker Mick Martin against Wabderers on Grand Final Day.
His Pure Guts and Persistant Tackling overcame his lack of kilos.
Unfortunatly 1976 wasnt to be for the club being Defeated By a Red Hot tigers Outfit. But it was another Year Building ther Panthers Spirits towards Future successes.
1977
With West's looking to " Crack the Big One" for the Clubs first A-Grade Premiership, it was with some change in the air that season 1977 got under way. The departure of Nev Harman saw Bill Nosworthy take over the A-Grade Coaching duties.
A Wide Bay Representative , Bill , also had a strong supporting cast in Halfback Jeff Tolley , New GoaKicker Wayne Higman , Fullback Joe Walker , Dave Irwin in the Centres , Wayne Heidrich and Peter Nixon , Lock Mick Martin along with Mark Allington , Terry Dodd , Les McIlwain and newcomer Dave Duncan.
Season 1977 also the tragic death of Player John Cronin in a horrific car Accident. Its was at this point the Introduction of the Clubs players player award was born. A Perpetual trophy was donated by Mark and Dorothy Allington. Each and every year since. A-Grade players have selected this by secret Ballot for the player the fell most deserves this award. I am well sure Frank Ramke is still proud that he was the first player to be honored in the memory of hi late team mate John.
It was also a year when some players were lost to the newly formed North's Club. But as a club we still had the strength and depth to reach the Grand Final against Wanderers.
Unfortunately , the tigers were too strong on the day and yet again The Panthers name did not appear on the Elusive Premiers Trophy.
1978
Season 1978 saw Bill Nosworthy Return for his Second Year as coach , With the combination of existing experience and New Blood all things pointed to a encouraging year on the field.
Dave Harrison and Matt Nagas had Experience and speed on the wing, Bill O'Shea was equally at home at Five Eighth or Centre, Wayne Higman easily slotted into the Five eighth position when called upon and raised the flags with many goals throughout the season.
Halfback Jeff Tolley was one of several Players who suffered Injury during the year, but returned in time to play in the Semi's. In the forwards Bill had the backing of Dave Duncan, Mick Martin and his key Man Hooking, Les McIlwain.
The Youth of former QLD U/18 Player Chris Blom, enhanced both the attacking and defensive capabilities of the pack. The hard running, 15 stone Prop from North Queensland, of Dave Arbourn upset many an opposing forward.
The Newcomers in the backs were Former Atherton Player Graham Brown, Equally at home in defense or attack, and Steve Jacobsen with Plenty of pace as Fullback coming to us from Northern Districts.
This was the year we said Farewell to Dave Duncan's Uncle, President Kerry Styles. Kerry was associated with the club initially when it was Railways, Since 1971 as both player and administrator. Since departing Bundaberg, he has never failed to return to his old stomping ground when in town to have a beer and a joke with his West's mates.
The Club was sorry that it could not farewell this old stalwart with a premiership.
1979
Season 1979 was a year of mixed fortunes for the Mighty Panthers. Under New Coach Mick English (Of Milanda) and side President Bob Temple, it seemed we may have a difficulty in forming an A-Grade Side. Our Strength lay in our Reserve Grade Side Under Coach Mick Martin, We combined with North's and Wearing Jumpers in Parramatta Colors.
New Club Prop Dave Dansie was consistent all year. Jeff Moss from Atherton and New South Welshmen Richie Crane and Brain Aborzard from Dapto made their Presence felt in Bundaberg Rugby League.
The Statement " WE WERE ROBBED" was heard throughout the Little Clubhouse on Avoca after the Knockout Semi Final. This opinion was reinforced by sports journalists and other clubs. Failure by the BRL to suspend a wanderers player for a head high tackle the previous week was inconsistent with earlier rulings, and was the first incident to leave a sour taste in our players mouths. A Wanderers Try, scored after a blatant knock-on , equalized and forced the Semi Final into Extra Time, Resulting in the end of the year for West's A-Grade, Finally being Defeated 34 -20.
Not to be out thwarted, Mick Martin took his Reserve Grade to the Grand Final. Being down 24 - 2 at half time against the up and coming Future Brothers A-Grade Side, all seemed lost. Dave Irwin obviously took heed of his coach's advice, " Let your Worries go to your Feet " and became a hero of the Club. He secured the Club's first Senior Premiership, By converting the equalizing try that was scored on the bell.
It was great to See Bob Temple as President and Mick Martin the recipients of this honour having been involved with , and worked for the club for so many years.
1980
The start of a new Decade saw Ralph King take over from Bob Temple as President and Dave Irwin and Terry O'Shea as A-Grade Coach.
The year started on a high following the Reserve Grade win in 1979, However the exist of Richie Crane and Jeff Moss after their Brief stint with us, left a gap in the senior ranks.
Pressure was put on Coach Dave Irwin to play again, having already signed on as a Non-Playing Coach. Dave Unfortunately found it necessary to resign from his Coaching duties and Terry O'Shea took over, to ensure the Club's Survival.
Policeman Dave Dansie was the Club's ' ENFORCER ' throughout the season of 1980, with new stars Peter Graham, Ray Sweeney, Mark Kennedy and Aaron Dunrobin shining their through. Again those Players that were Synonomous with West's were their: Matt Nagas, Danny Tanner, Wayne Heidrich, Nathan Tanner, Bill O'Shea, Neil Gough, Barry Ryan and Dave Dansie.
A 16 - 13 defeat at the hands of Natives in the Knock - Out Semi Final was by no means a Disgrace, as Natives went on to Win the Premiership.
Good Years are Often followed b y Bad For Football Clubs, But the Reverse is often also true. President Ralph King and his committee worked hard throughout the season and Coach and Sportsman Terry O'Shea had begun a era for West's that would ensure that the Panthers would Long be Respected in Rugby League Circles in this TOWN.
1981
This year saw the Leagues Club and Football club working as one, towards a common goal Under Coach Terry O'Shea and New President Herb Lutz who took over the reins from Ralph King who moved on to take the Job of Leagues Club Manager on.
The year begun with a healthy sponsorship from Total Transport and the signing of Barry Dansey from Brothers. Barry came to Bundaberg in 1978, played 2nd row for Queensland Country and having fulfilled his 3 year contractual duties with the Brethren, Decided it was time to be part of the Panthers.
Spirit built, games were won and Grand Final Day arrived with our A-Grade facing Wanderers and Reserve Grade, Under Coach Dave Harrison, up against Brothers.
West's entered the game, surprisingly, as underdogs after performing brilliantly all year. We were without Barry Dansey and most critics believed that the gap at lock and goal kicker could not be filled. Barry's recent injury and exclusion from the side was only further fuel towards the much sought after victory.
Ray Sweeney at fullback and Bill O'Shea at Halfback, had Wanderers Imported Captain-Coach Dave Adams, well Contained. Forwards Mark Swann and Dave Dansie pounded the opposition in the first half, with the backs taking over and sealing the game in the second stanza.
Peter Graham constantly fed Bothers Nathan and Danny Tanner, who's brilliance widened the score margin. All players Matt Nagas, Wayne Heidrich, Neil Gough, Barry Ryan, Doug White, Dave Gerrard - were instrumental in the sides 33-15 victory to give the club its first ever A-Grade Premiership.
Dave Harrison made it an even more memorable day and year taking his Reserve Grade side to a 16 - 10 Grand Final win.
Minor Premiers in both grades made West's Club Champions and Realized a dream for many who had been with the club since its inception 7 years earlier.
1982
After the success of 1981, Season 1982 began with a wealth of talented players taking the paddock in all Three Grades. Terry O'Shea not only wanted to repeat his `81 West's success but looked at a 47th Battalion win as Bundaberg Coach. The city had not held the Trophy since its inception in 1971. Arch rival Maryborough were Defeated 28 - 12 much of the Credit going to West's players, Nathan Tanner, Barry Ryan, Barry Dansey and Danny Tanner.
Along with Terry, Barry Dansey had a hectic season with Representative Duties, as A-Grade Lock and Reserve Grade Coach. Dick Grant, also had a talented group of Under 18 Players to Coach towards the sought after end of season Trophy.
With the majority of A-Grade retained, the season started with a narrow win over Brothers. West's put in a rather lackluster performance which fortunately was rarely repeated again during the year.
Second Rower Dave Wilson brought new meaning to this position with Flair in attack and a 80 minute workhorse in defense. The other Second Rower , Mr. Versatility himself, Neil Gough, would knock down brick walls while his side defended and run through them , when in possession.
Bill O'Shea and Peter Graham as Half and Five Eight never wasted an opportunity , Feeding the ball out wide to Centres Ryan and Ross, and Wingers Nagas and Brimelow. The ever safe Fullback, Kerry Cooper completed the hard and fast backline. This talent and experience made Terry's Job a "Piece of Cake".
Hooker Dave Gerrard had Props Nathan Tanner and Mark Swann on his flanks - an awesome Trio to say the least. When you see the Reserves of the caliber of Greg Heading, Kenny Eggmolesse, Wayne Higman, Peter O'Shea, Trevor Raynor and Les McIlwain, its little wonder we expected to take both senior Premierships in `82.
Not to be outdone, Our Under 18 side had plenty of depth and talent also -- the Sbrensni brothers Mark and Geoff, Wesley Tanna and Glen Norris.
Three West's teams contested the three Grand Finals, but with only one success. The Under 18 Title was lost, through a Brothers try in dying minutes. West's lost 21 - 20. From the moment the game finished, Coach Dick Grant began planning his teams tactics to take out `83's Trophy.
WEST'S SPIRIT NEVER DIES
The Reserve Grade relinquished its crown to Brothers, 17 - 7 in a hard fought battle. They were NOT disgraced.
There ended the Brethren's Trophies for `82. Captain Bill O'Shea, after leading 10 - 7 at the break, took his side on to a 23 - 12 Victory.
Every West's player gave his all throughout the game and the Black and Red Supporters showed their team admiration and lifted the roof as the Final siren Sounded.
None were more proud that day than President Frank Ramke, who had given the club 6 years of Dedicated service, both as a player and administrator.
1983
I might as well try for the Hat Trick before Retiring," That was the Famous Word that Flowed from the mouth, and became quote of the year as Terry O'Shea accepted the Senior Coaching Job for season `83.
The pressure was on all year as the team's form sea-sawed, coming from behind in many games to clinch victory. With players of the caliber of Dave Gerrard, Barry Ryan, Barry Dansey, Danny Tanner, Nathan Tanner, and Peter Ross involved in Representative games for Bundaberg, we relied heavily on back up from Reserve Grade ranks.
However, under the captaincy of Bill O'Shea, West's reserved their place in the Grand Final by defeating Wanderers 24 - 18 in the major Semi - Final, Giving Terry and Manager Hobie Tanner a welcome week's respite to iron out injuries.
The combinations of experience, in Barry Brimelow (Former Brisbane Player), Matt Nagas (Playing in his 9th year for the club) and Barry Ryan, with the youth of Danny Tanner (Wide Bay Centre), Neil Gough ( From the Clubs Juniors) , and Peter Ross ( Former Wide Bay Under 18 Player) added up to a daunting back-line against Brothers on Grand Final Day.
Wide Bay Lock Barry Dansey, second rowers Dave Wilson and Trevor Rayner were punishing defenders. We had a 15kg advantage over the Brethren in our front row of Nathan Tanner ( Former Club Junior) , Dave Gerrard ( Wide Bay Hooker) and Mark Sbrensni ( 1982 U/18 Player ).
Captain Bill O'Shea was the play director at Half-back, with reserves Mark Swann, Aaron Dubrobin, John Gorton and Rick Gadischkie very handy as Backup.
We were too big. Too powerful and Too fast, Winning the Grand Final 18 - 10. Tries went to Dave Gerrard, named Man of the Match, Bill O'Shea, Neil Gough, and Danny Tanner, with one Conversion to Barry Dansey.
The day's Success was topped by our Under 18 side, Under Coach Dick Grant, Take out the Premiership. This team included Graham Tanner, Phil Brown, Willy Saunders, Brett Cox, Shane Kelly, Leroy Eggmolesse, Steven Payne and Robbie Sajko.
THE RED AND BLACK OF THE MIGHTY PANTHERS REIGNED SUPREME IN 1983.
1984
Rugby League in Wide Bay embraced a major change in 1984, with the introduction of group football between the Bundaberg and Maryborough Clubs.
Terry O'Shea after his Hat Trick, Handed over to younger Brother Bill, who now had two goals in his sights, The club's 4th consecutive A-Grade Premiership and the inaugural Group 1 Trophy.
Retaining the majority of our `83 lineup, the club welcomed Prop Paul Lucy into the fold. Paul quickly earned the respect of teammates, opposition and Representative spotters, being selected for Bundaberg and Wide Bay Duties.
He was not huge man by front rower standards, but had heart and tackling prowess that belied his size. He read the game well and proved he was as viable in attack as he was in defence. He was out of the true Panther Mould.
Former Brisbane West's player, Greg Heading , at five eighth, combined with half and Captain - Coach Bill O'Shea, giving tons of experience in to pivot positions. Greg had played with our Brisbane namesakes in the premiership side in 1976 and showed that he still "had it" 8 years later. Kerry Cooper's experience and kicking ability at fullback assured Coach, Bill , we had that position covered against all opposing teams.
John Gorton came into his own in `84 and was a more than admirable partner for our experienced winger, Barry Brimelow. Danny Tanner and Peter Ross were a centre combination that seemed instinctively to know what each other's next move would be. They caused more trouble out wide than their opponents cared to remember. Ross's copybook tackling style and Danny's size and strength allowed few players to get past them
Barry Dansey as lock, Brett Cox and Barry Ryan in the second row, Paul Lucy and Nathan Tanner as props and Dave Gerrard in the hooking position, were all powerful tackling machine and constantly worked hard. Having gone down to Brothers in the Group 1 Final, 25 - 13, Bill set out to fine tune his team to win the local prize.
A fiery win over Brothers 15 - 12 in the major Semi - Final put West's into the local Grand Final. The incident filed match saw cautions, several players Sin Binned and Leprechaun Tony Funge being sent from the field.
Our Grand Final Combatants were known a week later after Natives ousted Brothers. The class of Dansey and undisputed Man of the Match, Gerrard, put paid to the Magpies aspirations midway through the second half. A score line of 20 - 4 gave the Mighty Panthers Four titles in a row.
1985
After the highs of the previous 4 seasons the 1985 season started very slowly. Some of our more experienced players moved on and we had vacancies on the committee. Brian Scheuber took the Presidency and Wide Bay Representative Kerry Cooper Handled the Coaching Duties.
As the season opened West's could only field an A-Grade side. Players to stand out were Prop Nathan Tanner, Second Rower Sam Dunrobin and Newcomer lock Andy Abbott. It was the first year that the player's vote on their player of the year resulted in a tie showing the high regard they had for Andy Abbott and Brett Cox.
This was one year that the `SPIRIT OF THE PANTHERS' carried the club through. However, we did play the final of the Pre-Season, First round Crystal Gem Trophy, but went down Narrowly to a new look Brethren Side.
After a long season with only a few wins we were invited to play the Northern Districts Competition Champions, Miriam Vale. This game saw an experienced (Centre) Danny Tanner oppose an up and coming Centre / Lock , in 17 year old Garry Larson. West's took the Winner , take all cheque to end the season on a high note and were looking forward to a brighter year in 1986.
Queensland Country selection was earned by Danny Tanner in 1985 with a tour to remember with him playing in Darwin, Perth, Adelaide and Melbourne. All of us at West's were very proud of our local Junior and were pleased to see his talents recognized.
1986
New coach Nathan Tanner had a good response to the early training sessions and was well supported by President Brain Scheuber and his Committee.
Early Trials and Fixtures saw West's showing their traditional Free running, ball throwing style that had served us so well in the past few years. This year we had depth, unlike 1985, and poor performances in A-Grade could be penalized with a game or two in Reserve Grade.
West's were in great touch and progressed to the final of the Crystal Gem Trophy, without loss, where we took on brothers and played out a 12 all Draw. The Trophy was finally decided next round , with Brothers running out winners 16 - 4. Players in the spot light were Coach Nathan Tanner, leading by example, Peter Ross, Danny Tanner, Brett Cox, Andy Abbott, Neil Gough, Chris Blom, Paul Lucy, Ross Cobbo, Neil Gough, Wesley Tanna, Neil Farlow, Rob Sajko and Craig Buckley.
Grand Final day saw Western Suburbs Panthers taking on Brothers for the 1986 Title after we had disposed of Wanderers 25 - 20 in the Semi's and making it 5 Grand Final appearances in the past 6 years. Brothers won the day 17 - 10 but if there had been fewer injuries to key players the score line could have been easily reversed.
1987
West's had once again gone from high to not so healthy at the start of the 1987 season. Neil Farlow Stepped into the Coaching Role and had the support of Fellow player Paul Lucy as President.
Several players from the 1986 side had moved on and West's were again relying on some of their Favorite Son's to don on the famous Red and Blacks and do battle for their Club.
Wide Bay Under 19 Representative Ashley O'Brien was a gain from Mundubbera and Mick Martin pulled on the boots again. Nathan Tanner was still there as was Wesley Tanna, Ross Cobbo, Ian Grills, Craig Buckley, Neil Gough, Sam Dunrobin, Andy Patroney, Chris Chapman, Paul Lucy and Coach Neil. Dean Temple made his A-Grade Debut for the club and in those first couple of games showed his talents.
President and Player of the Year Paul Lucy having been with the club for only a short few years engaged in the true Panther Spirit, Keeping interest and morale high. He was ably backed up by his committee.
The 1987 season finished with a loss to Brothers in the Knock out Semi-Final. We were quick to organize the AGM and get the next season underway. That is the spirit of this club, looking forward and working towards a more promising future.
1988
West's opened 1988 with a 24 all draw against the highly ranked Hervey Bay Seagulls and gave Coach Nathan Tanner and President Frank Ramke and committee a great start to the new season. A season that proved to be as closely fought as any in the past. We had changed from the North Sydney Strip to the Illawarra jersey and were a different side to 1987 despite the inclusion of only a few new faces.
John and Robbie Sajko had `Little' Brother Mike join them, and Nathan had Brother Danny back from Natives. Kev Doolan and Athol Eggmolesse joined us from up North. Brett Cox, Neil Farlow, John Gorton, Paul Lucy, Ernie Douglas, Ian Grills, Andy Abbott, Marcus Nagas, Neil Gough, Noel Pettitt and Chris Chapman made up the balance of a very formidable A-Grade squad.
1988 saw some of the closest games ever contested by the Panthers. The most memorable was against Hervey Bay in the second round when Danny Tanner, John Sajko and Neil Gough stole the game with a match winning length of the field try after the bell. several weeks later Kev Doolan robbed Wanderers with a penalty from just inside half way as the bell was sounding. In all we won six games by less than 4 points that year.
After the competition rounds West's were in second place on both Group and Local League Ladders. We lost the Group major semi to Natives and then traveled to Maryborough with an injury riddled side the next week only to be bundled out of the group contention by Brothers-West's.
We did not recover from this set back and when we took on Wanderers in the local Knock out Preliminary Final our season ended. A season that has promised so much, but ended with our injuries.
1989
Three times Bundaberg Rugby League and Two time 47th Battalion Premiership winning Coach Terry O'Shea returned to the helm of Western Suburbs Panthers in a year that saw the Panthers Flying High after a good year in 1988.
The old names were still there, Captain Nathan Tanner, Danny Tanner, Rob Sajko, Ian Grills, Athol Eggmolesse, Neil Gough, Neil Farlow, Andy Abbott, Wesley Tanna, Brett Cox, Ross Cobbo, Kev Doolan, Chris Chapman, Jarbie Eggmolesse, Dean Temple was traveling from Brisbane each weekend, Ashley O'Brien, Tony Hess and Adam Wiseman joined us from Mt Isa.
Expectations were high and West's did not disappoint their supporters. We were playing open, free running game that resulted in some big winning margins. An A-Grade try scoring record was set by Wesley Tanna when he crossed the try line seven times against Brothers-West's .
At the end of competition fixtures West's were in 3rd spot locally and 4th spot in Group 1. We were bundled out of the Group and Terry had Plenty of time to fine tune his team for the showdown with Brothers to see who would take on minor premiers Wanderers in the Grand Final.
We accounted for Brothers and were keen to take on the tigers in the season decider. Defense dominated the first half of this Grand Final and half time saw West's leading 6 - 4. The second stanza opened with brilliant attack from West's and we were rewarded with two quick tries which broke Wanderers spirit and put the game out of their reach.
The final score-line of 28 - 10 was a tribute to a coach and a side that believed the title could be theirs.
1990
West's were in trouble as 1990 season opened. Numbers were way down and it looked at one stage as tough the club would fold. Bob Temple once again stepped in as President and he convinced Barry Dansey to end his recently announced retirement and take on the captain - coach position.
We were unable to field an A-Grade side in the first round and were given till the start of round 2 to field both A-Grade and Reserve Grades. We did this with the help of club stalwarts Neil Gough, Tony Hess, Brett Cox, Neil Farlow, Laurie Wigg, Steve Love and new comers Craig Riethmuller, Layton Armstrong, Sam Hill, Clayton Wimbus and on the occasions Under 16 players Brad and Brett Temple.
1990 saw Barry Dansey end his career in tragic circumstances after suffering a extremely badly broken leg, Serious injuries also claimed Craig Riethmuller and John Gorton.
We survived 1990 with that Famous `PANTHER SPIRIT' and immediately made plans for our assault on 1991.
1991
After the Lull in 1990, the year began with rekindled spirit, as President Joe Beath and Leagues Club President Terry O'Shea secured James Sandy as the Seasons Coach.
James had an impressive background, playing for Brisbane Clubs West's and Redcliffe As well as Castleford in England. The new Blood encouraged other to approach the Panthers to sign, notably Queensland U/21 and Wide Bay Prop Andrew Rohdmann and Dean Temple returned home to the Panthers after a season with Brisbane Brothers in 1990.
Many other Talented players Who continued to don the Red and Blacks were Warren Hess , Andrew Paradine , Mark Peall , Lyndon Currie , Sean Appo , Craig and Neil Reithmuller, Mike Bailey and the list goes on. Of course Neil Gough , Brett Cox and Neil Farlow were still there and many young exciting players added to the existing experience.
VACC INSURANCE became the Clubs Major Sponsor and the Financial contributions from other parties flowed in with encouragement of Tony Hess, to build and support the swelling ranks of players in all grades.
Part way through the season, after a dynamic start, things went awry after injury spread through the Senior ranks. As the business end of the season drew close, our recovery came to late. We were knocked out of the Super League and gamely fought on in the Preliminary Final Against Natives who won 32 - 22 in extra time.
Our U/18 side were the heroes of the Season Under Coach Danny Tanner, taking out both the Group 1 and Local Titles. The Boys were " Bursting" with Talent and were never in doubt throughout the year.
Even Though 1991 did not end with the A Grade Premiership as all had anticipated, many friendships were made, the club spirit once again came to the fore. The future careers of Mike Bailey, Neil Reithmuller, Jason Terare, Wayne Hotz and needless to say the Three Temples, Dean, Brett and Bradley who will be followed by football supporters in Bundaberg.
We now embark on the next period with west's, that I am sure will hold as many memorable moments for as many people.
1992 ( By Peter Hamilton: Head Coach )
My initial attraction to Coaching Western Suburbs was centred on the High Regard I had for Terry O'Shea and Joe and Deidre Beath along with the challenge of playing with and Coaching seasoned First Graders such as Neil Gough, Dean Temple, Warren Hess and Neil Pharlow.
This experienced Brigade along with up and comers such as Les Tyger, Paul Jacobsen, and company was enough to lure me to Coach West's in 1992.
I was fortunate to have followed in the footsteps of James Sandy who had done a great job the previous year developing players. I consequently arrived at a club which was predominantly happy, but which had not tasted success for some time. Danny Tanners decision to come out of retirement during the year along with the additions of talented players such as Phil Higgins and Colin Prince as well as the existence of Talented players Mike Bailey and Jason Terare gave me great confidence that a good year was ahead.
The player, supporters and the committee at the club all worked very hard and consequently got the results and success that comes with that type of attitude. 1992 proved to be a year of firsts as we won the Crystal Gem Trophy and then our first ever Group One title by defeating a Star Studded Wallaroos side on their Home Turf in Maryborough, but as quite often Happens we failed to raise to the occasion in our third trophy final going down to a Good Brothers team in the Local Grand Final.