New inductees added to Suncorp Stadium Media Hall of Fame

Steve Ricketts and Gerry Collins have been announced as the latest inductees to the Suncorp Stadium Media Hall of Fame.

Minister for Recreation and Sport Steve Dickson praised the men for their role in promoting sport, and motivating Queenslanders to get active - a goal shared by the Newman Government.

“Steve and Gerry are very worthy recipients, and I congratulate them on their successful careers and the respect they command through the sports industry,” Mr Dickson said.

“They have both made a massive contribution to the coverage of sport here over many years and this acknowledgement by their peers is a testament to that.

“They are also men that children can look up to as we aim to get them more active as we deliver our flagship Get in the Game election promise.”

Mr Dickson said sport was a key part of Queensland’s cultural identity.

“Queenslanders love their sport and initiatives such as the Media Hall of Fame and the Walk of Fame provide a link to our sporting history,” he said.

“They also remind us of the many identities who have contributed to the success of all three codes of football at this wonderful venue.”

Mr Dickson said the sports media plays a vital role in showcasing Suncorp Stadium events to an international audience.

“Our two inductees were around long before the internet, social media and player managers became the norm,” he said.

“Both Steve and Gerry’s ability to inform their readers and listeners was through the contacts they made, their credibility as storytellers and their love of the game.

“The Newman Government is keen to encourage more young Queenslanders to get active and we’re supporting grassroots recreation and sport participation to ensure the next generation of sport media has plenty of stars to write about.”

[ENDS] 5 March 2013

Media Contact: Michelle Buckworth 0418 433 647

*NB please see over for biographies

2014 Inductees

Steve Ricketts

Steve Ricketts began covering Rugby League in Lismore in 1971 before moving to the Brisbane Telegraph as a general reporter four years later. From 1981, first with the Telegraph and later the Courier Mail, Steve dedicated his career to covering Rugby League until his retirement in 2012. In that time, he covered every State of Origin series, all domestic international matches, two Kangaroo tours to England, two Tri-Nations series in New Zealand and Great Britain, a World Cup in Great Britain, and a Kangaroos visit to PNG. In 2011 Steve delivered the second annual Harry Sunderland Address, titled ‘The French Connection’, which marked the 60th anniversary of the first French tour of Australia. He maintained his interest in Rugby League after retiring, mentoring the next generation of writers and serving on the QRL History Committee.

Gerry Collins

Gerry Collins commenced his working life as a teacher, calling Rugby League on a part-time basis at2DU in Dubbo before joining the ABC in Canberra in 1984. He moved to Brisbane three years later as the chief Rugby League caller and remained ABC Grandstand’s head caller in Queensland until retiring at the end of the 2010 season. In that period, he hosted ABC TV’s coverage of the Queensland Cup and called National Rugby League games at the Stadium. Gerry also called Queensland Rugby and Wallabies internationals as well as the famous Brisbane Strikers NSL grandfinal victory over Sydney United at this ground in 1997. Away from football, Gerry was ABC’s swimming commentator for six Olympic Games and seven Commonwealth Games.

Inaugural 2006 Inductees

Jack Reardon – a former Queensland player and Australian vice-captain who became the Courier Mail’s senior Rugby League writer for 30 years.

George Lovejoy – who called Rugby League at the Stadium for 19 years - 652 games straight - who coined the now famous phrase “the greatest game of all”.

Frank O’Callaghan the journalist synonymous with the Courier Mail’s coverage of Rugby Union for over three decades.

Hall of Fame selection criteria:

• Nominees must have long standing experience within a major media organisation, their work must be of outstanding merit over a long period and/or represent a career of considerable achievement. This must be affirmed by their peers;
• Nominees have either passed away or retired from active sports reporting or commentary.