League icon grows from shaking teen to living legend

As the QRL celebrates country week, we've unearthed the unsung heroes and colourful characters playing for the love of the game across the state.

LIVING LEGEND: Graham Allen played more than 315 games for Nambour, first with Souths then Crushers, played until he was 50 with his son. Picture: Warren Lynam

GRAHAM Allen was sitting in the sheds "shaking like a leaf” ahead of his debut for Nambour Souths.

He doesn't remember the game, not the first tackle or hit up, nothing, but he remembers the nerves all too well.

Back then, 18-year-olds never really got a look in, not into a dominant Souths side packed with internationals.

Fewer still, were chosen in the all-important five-eighth role.

"It was so daunting in those days, some of the blokes were dead set scary for a kid like me,” Allen laughed.

"But it was such a thrill. The game went by like a blur.”

In the 1970s, Nambour was the rugby league capital of the Sunshine Coast. Souths had won the 1971 title under superstar fullback Ray Laird, who was captain and coach.

Old newspaper clippings from Graham's playing day. Picture: Warren Lynam

Crosstown rivals Nambour All Whites guided by John Reddy swooped to titles in 1972 and 1973. It was the golden era for Nambour.

"Oh yeah. It was a pretty fair team we had,” Allen said.

"Ray Higgs went on to play for Australia that year, he looked after me. We had Ray.

"We had this English halfback, I can't remember his name... playing outside of him was a dream. He'd put you through holes you'd put the Queen Mary through.”

Graham Allen

Age: 64

Clubs: Nambour Souths, Nambour Crushers, Sunshine Coast Falcons

Games: More than 315 for Nambour. Debuted at 18, last game at 50 with his son.

Position: five-eighth originally, but played "everywhere”

Current role in football: Nambour Crushers committee member and volunteer

Key achievements: Sunshine Coast Falcons five-eighth of first-ever 47th Battalion Shield winner. Multiple premiership player

Old newspaper clippings from Graham's playing day. Picture: Warren Lynam

Success came naturally to Allen, and as Souths took out the 74 premiership, rep footy followed.

Later in the year, at 19, he helped the Sunshine Coast Falcons claim their first 47th Battalion Shield title as rank outsiders.

"I remember being a nervous wreck in the front row of the bus heading to the game,” he recalled.

"I was marking Ian "Bunny” Pearce (Brisbane Rugby League legend) who played for Queensland. I was panicking a bit.

"The coach had to come sit next to me. Ray (Laird) just put his hand on my shoulder.

"But I did alright I think, I held my own.

"We were never supposed to win it. It was special. What a year.”

As he slowed down, Allen moved out of the playmaking duties and floated between most postions except the front row and halfback.

His love for the game never diminished.

His last season was as every bit as special as his first.

"I was 50, but I got to play with my son Benjamin,” he said.

"It was second grade, but so good to play that season.

"I made a special point to be fit enough to play with him.”

Graham Allen played more than 315 games for Nambour, first with Souths then Crushers, played until he was 50 with his son. Picture: Warren Lynam

Current Crushers coach Dave Cordwell said the "family” club was built by "invaluable” blokes like Graham.

"He was an exceptional player. He could basically play in the forwards or backs with the same amount of ferocity and toughness,” Cordwell said.

"A tremendous player and a great person.

"Even after he retired, you'd still see him at training every week.

"He's still on the board too; he lives and breathes the club.”

Allen said the club was his second family.

"I wouldn't know what to do with myself without it, truly,” he said.

"I love being around the younger blokes, they keep me on my toes, the mind fresh.

"I'm going on a little trip to Toowoomba for three weeks, so I'll miss the games.

"But I've told the president the first thing I'm doing is coming here to be filled in.”