QLD rugby league cult hero Hugh O’Doherty dies aged 71

As rugby league debates the merits of the one-on-one strip, the game has lost the acclaimed master of the art, with cult hero Hugh O’Doherty passing away today.

As rugby league debates the merits of the one-on-one strip, the game has lost the acclaimed master of the art.

Former Queensland hooker Hugh O’Doherty, a cult hero of the 1970s, has died aged 71.

O’Doherty, a product of Ipswich Christian Brothers’ College, won BRL premierships with Valleys in 1970, ‘71, ‘73 and ‘74, and also played in the 1972 grand final, which Easts won 16-15 after a field goal by Jeff Fyfe, who died a week ago.

Ipswich rugby league great Hugh O'Doherty in action for a footy card.

O’Doherty was a relentless competitor and one of the great ball scavengers, a skill which won him the nickname The Ferret.

Former Test referee Bernie Pramberg watched O’Doherty’s trademark one-on-one strips from close range and said his pilfering ability was without peer.

“He was the absolute genius at the art of stealing the ball,’’ Pramberg said.

“He would do it half a dozen times a game. He had three key ways of winning possession for his team.

“He would strip the ball in a tackle, and he would also strike out in the play the ball which you were allowed to do in those days.

“Also he would win a lot of ball in the scrums when scrums were a contest. He was a freak. Just a 100% competitor. He came down to Brisbane from Ipswich and went back there and coached successfully when he retired.’’

O’Doherty came to Brisbane from Ipswich Railways, (which became Norths), ironically the same club which produced legendary halfback Allan Langer who was also known as a master ball stealer.

O’Doherty won the scrums 17-13 against New South Wales’ Test rake Elwyn Walters in his interstate debut in Queensland’s 32-15 loss at the Newcastle Sports Ground in 1970.

O’Doherty faced stiff opposition for his place from Test trakes Brian Fitzimmons and John Lang yet still managed to play a handful of games for Queensland.