In it’s short existence, they were simply the best team in the State. Blessed with a wealth of speed, skill, fitness, experience and youth the Qld Police Academy were known as the entertainers, proving their ability with two State Championships and a runners-up medal from their four appearances.
The team was made up of recruits and staff attending the Academy at the time, which gave them the enviable advantage of the experience of the fitness skills instructors blended with the youthfulness of the young recruits. Sadly, due to policy changes and difficulties in the recruits obtaining leave within their first 12 months of employment, the folding of the side in 1991, drew the curtain on the Qld Police Services proudest of Rugby League institutions.
1985 Qld Police Academy
Throughout the ‘70’s and 80’s, the Qld Police Academy, produced some of the greatest Rugby League players ever to have played the game. The likes of internationals Mal Meninga, Wayne Bennett, Peter Jackson & Paul Hauff all wore the Academy’s colours with distinction, as well as many other players who went on to play 1st Grade in the Brisbane RL competition, the State League and represent Qld Country and Qld Residents over the years.
In the ‘70’s Wayne Bennett was instrumental in the forming of extremely strong Academy sides that contested a number of leagues including the Tertiary League and Brisbane sub-Districts as well as playing many challenge and charity matches during this time. This tradition was carried into the ‘80’s and early ‘90’s under the coaching skills of Academy legends John Weier and Trevor Wendt.
Our Association recognises the contributions of those involved in rugby league at the Academy and today, the best and fairest player of the annual State Championships recieves the John Weier Memorial Medal.
