Harold Broderick, Danny Shearer and Heinze Blume at the Moree Boars’ Back to the 1960s Day at Boughton Oval. Danny’s brother, Ivan Shearer, was a member of the club’s 1960 side. Image: Moree Online News
Past and present generations of the Moree Boars came together at Boughton Oval on Saturday as the club celebrated its Back to the 1960s Day.
Before the A Grade match, former players and family representatives presented replica 1960 grand final jerseys to members of the current squad.
Each jersey displayed the name of the player who originally wore that number, giving the current players an opportunity to learn about and represent an earlier generation of Boars.
Club representatives said what had initially been planned as a small tribute had grown into a much larger celebration of the people who helped build the club.
“One of the highlights of today is seeing the past and present players come together,” the crowd was told during the presentation.
“It is a wonderful way to connect generations of Boars and recognise the legacy that continues to inspire our club today.”
Among the former players attending were Harold Broderick and 91-year-old Heinze Blume.
Broderick, who played on the wing and at centre, said he spent about eight years with the club across reserve grade and first grade and scored 54 tries.
Reflecting on the present-day facilities at Boughton Oval, Broderick said the club had come a long way since his playing years.
“We didn’t play on a ground as good as that,” he said.
“It’s very well done, and the club itself — they’re to be congratulated.”
Blume, known during his playing days as “The Golden Colt”, said he came to Moree from Boggabilla and played with the club for five or six years before later joining Canterbury-Bankstown.
He said he scored 44 tries for Moree and remembered his time with the club fondly.
“I had a marvellous time,” Blume said.
“The people were fantastic.”
Danny Shearer also attended the event in connection with his brother Ivan Shearer, who played in the 1960 side and was honoured on the number three jersey.
Shearer, who played in the club’s junior ranks, shared stories from the era and helped recall Blume’s reputation as a fast and formidable player.
The jersey presentation began with Max Scott’s number one jersey, worn by Adrian Smith, before Harold Broderick presented the number two jersey worn by Dereik Newman.
Alex Barker wore the number three jersey honouring Ivan Shearer, while Mark Pegus wore the number four jersey bearing Blume’s name.
The presentation continued through the squad, with jerseys also recognising Eric Gilligan, Kevin Bourke, Rodney Skaines, Reg Mitchell, Allan Johnson, Don Cameron, Arthur Henderson, Ross Jenkins, Alf Hardman, Clive Churchill, Rodney O’Mullane, Keith Jarvis and Bob Picone.
The A Grade side also played for the Paul Raveneau Cup as part of a program that included Ladies Day and Sponsors Day.
Historical photographs, jerseys and memorabilia contributed by former players and families were displayed around the club during the afternoon.
Organisers thanked those who attended and contributed material, saying the strong response had helped turn the tribute into a significant day for the Boars.
