Norths St Josephs Junior Rugby League Club closes after 60 years of history

A Brisbane junior rugby league club which secured back to back premierships just seven years ago has closed after almost 60 years after it was not granted affiliation from the game’s governing body.

The home of Norths St Josephs Rugby League at Virginia. Picture: Facebook

A Brisbane junior rugby league club has closed the doors on almost 60 years of history after they were not granted affiliation from the game’s governing body.

Norths St Josephs Junior Rugby League club, which was established in 1966 and is based at Virginia, announced the news on September 10 following its annual trophy day to celebrate the 2023 season.

After thanking their members for this past season, the post went on to say their club had “been asked to close for the 2024 season and beyond”.

“Two weeks ago, Queensland Rugby League made the decision to not grant us affiliation for the 2024 season. This is absolutely heart breaking,” the post from president Brendan Ganley said.

“We feel like as a club we have fought extremely hard for many years but the decision is the decision.”

The home of Norths St Josephs Rugby League at Virginia. Picture: Facebook

The chair of Brisbane Rugby League, Sharon Hickey, said it was the BRL’s board’s decision to not grant Norths St Josephs affiliation for 2024.

Ms Hickey said the decision was due to issues arising from the club’s dwindling numbers, having gone from more than 100 registered players in 2020 to just 38 in 2023.

She also said the BRL had worked with the club in the past four years to find a solution, including merging with either Norths or Banyo to stay alive — options which Norths St Josephs declined.

Norths St Josephs previously had junior teams feature from under-6 to under-18 and even opens teams in recent years, including a senior men’s team which won back-to-back premierships in the Brisbane Second Division Rugby League North Side competition in 2015 and 2016.

The rest of the club’s social media post recognised the 57-year history of Norths St Josephs.

Norths St Josephs celebrating one of their senior men's premierships. Picture: Facebook

“What we acknowledged at our gathering was the history of the club since its inception back in 1966. Our founding members that started our club, Sr Francis and Bernie Kayrooz. We also acknowledged all the leaders and committees that have led this club and created such an incredible community and family atmosphere,” the post said.

“So much history through all our players, volunteers and supporters. Many can say that they played at Joeys and that part will never die.

“We are sorry to all the members past and present that this has happened to this proud little club. We have fought until the end.

“We are saddened by the timing of the decision as we have not had the opportunity to celebrate as a club the history that has been created.

“We thank everyone for their support of the club over almost 60 years. The Joeys spirit will forever live on. UP SAINTS.”

The news was met with comments from many past and current members of the club, who said they were “shattered”.

“Joeys was a massive part of mine and my families life for over a decade. What a massive loss to not only Junior Rugby League but also the community of Virginia and the surrounds. I’m beyond sad,” one person wrote.

“This is sad news. Is there something we can all do as a community to help have it overturned. UP SAINTS. Where lifelong friendships have been made for so many,” another person commented.