Sport
26 July, 2023
Wattles and Pittsworth to Unveil Shield
Two of the Darling Downs region’s more highly respected rugby league identities in Wattles Warriors’ Jack Duggan and Gary Sutton of the Pittsworth Danes are to be honoured with a perpetual shield recognising decades of devotion to their respective clubs and the game of rugby league.
The Jack Duggan – Gary Sutton Shield between the Danes and the Warriors will be contested annually in one of their Toowoomba Rugby League annual A Grade fixtures on an alternate host basis.
The initial challenge between the two clubs that joined the TRL premiership in 1967, will be hosted at Club Pittsworth this Saturday, 29 July.
Both Gary and Jack consider the shield a tremendous honour.
Wattles and Pittsworth club Presidents Amanda O’Halloran and Greg Quinn agree their two club devotees are overdue for recognition given their years of service.
Aside from the two club stalwarts’ recognition, from a club perspective “Wattles and Pittsworth have always been good mates” according to Gary.
Pittsworth and Wattles share many similarities as rural centres/regions who are avid supporters of their community groups, sporting organisations and of course their rugby league clubs.
The Wattles club was formed in 1966 with the amalgamation of the Allora and Clifton clubs.
Prior to that merger Pittsworth, Allora and Clifton took part in the Warwick District Rugby League Competition, and so the clubs and respective areas have a long history of football.
The Jack Duggan – Gary Sutton Shield will not only recognise the contributions of two iconic rugby league identities, but also a century long association of two high achieving clubs.
Former Toowoomba Rugby League official and international player Greg Platz considered having played with both Gary and Jack a privilege.
“Both gentlemen have given enormous contributions to their clubs and the Toowoomba Rugby League, as players, coaches, committee officials, club sponsors and both have been bestowed so deservedly with their club Life Membership recognising their efforts,” Platz said.
Both Jack and Gary can boast an involvement in rugby league with their clubs and the Toowoomba Rugby League in excess of fifty years.
Hailing from Hendon near Allora, Jack’s football life began at St Patrick’s School in Allora, along with class mate and future NRL coach Wayne Bennett.
He went on to wear the Allora colours as a junior 7 stone 7 player in the Brian Pigeon Memorial Shield winning two premierships, Pittsworth one of many regional opponents.
As an Under 18 player, Jack graduated to the Allora – Clifton senior club ranks in 1967, the club later adopting the name of Wattles in 1969.
Injury robbed Jack of a premiership in 1970, Wattles first A Grade title, a regular team member throughout the season unavailable for the historic season decider.
A more than respected community member across the Darling Downs league region, Jack was also a very capable full-back or centre who earned plenty of on field respect and never took a backward step.
Jack served as a long-standing Vice President of Wattles before graduating to President from 2002 – 2004 and 2006, and continues to be an active club committee member to this day.
Gary Sutton cut his footy teeth as a youngster at Southbrook State School before heading to Pittsworth High.
As a twelve-year-old he was selected in the inaugural Zone 4, 6 Stone Schoolboy Rugby League Carnival for Pittsworth, the annual event now having grown in to a
59-year tradition.
Aside from two seasons in Mackay with Brothers, and a year with the Millmerran Rams, Gary Sutton has been a lifetime Pittsworth Dane.
His footballing ability has seen the tough front-rower represent Toowoomba, including the former Bulimba Cup, North Queensland in the famous Foley Shield and in 1982 Queensland Country in a glittering career.
In 1986 he was Captain-Coach of the Pittsworth TRL A Grade premiership winning side, along with runners-up honours in 1987.
His coaching and captain-coach achievements are numerous and include Mackay Brothers 1979 runners-up, Pittsworth Under 18 1981 runners-up and the 1990 Pittsworth reserve-grade Premiership.
Aside from taking the
field at club and representative level, and coaching he has enjoyed a decades long presence on the Pittsworth club committee.
He was at the club helm as President from 2001 – 2005 and again 2007 – 2009, and is a Life Member of
the Toowoomba Rugby League.
The Jack Duggan – Gary Sutton Shield seems certain of a long and illustrious future with names attached of two gentlemen with names synonymous with their clubs and rugby league.
- Glyn Rees
