The Early Years
Junior rugby league was first introduced to Mt Gravatt in 1958 through the Mt Gravatt Youth Club.
In 1959, the Mt Gravatt District Junior Rugby League Football Club was formally established by Cec Rowlands, Bill Lederhose and Bob Payne. Home games were played at the Mt Gravatt Showgrounds, while the administration of the fledgling club was conducted from the Lederhose residence. During this period, Bill’s wife, Connie, undertook the duties of treasurer, registrar and chief fundraiser. Her commitment and tireless service provided the foundation upon which the club was built. Connie remained a central figure in the club’s development until her passing in 2004.
Relocation and Growth
In 1978, the club relocated from the Mt Gravatt Showgrounds to its present home at Tones Road, Mansfield. The new clubhouse was officially opened in October 1985, marking a significant milestone in the club’s history.
In 1987, the ground was formally named Allan Innes Field in recognition of Allan Innes, a long-serving volunteer groundsman whose dedication and contribution to the club extended well beyond its move to Mansfield.
Honouring Allan Innes
In June 1987, the club submitted a request to Brisbane City Council seeking to have the Tones Road ground named in honour of its long-serving groundsman, Allan Innes. The club secretary’s letter stated:
“The development, improvement and maintenance of this ground has largely been due to the dedication of our groundsman, Mr Allan Innes. The untiring efforts of this elderly gentleman have resulted in a playing facility for the boys of this area that is second to none.”
The request was approved in September 1987, and the ground has since been proudly known as Allan Innes Field.
Identity and Milestones
The club was originally known as the Mt Gravatt Eagles, before adopting the nickname Mt Gravatt Mountain Lions for a period of time. In 1994, the club reverted to its traditional identity as the Eagles, a name that continues to represent its proud history and community spirit.
A new chapter began in 2015 when the club fielded its first dedicated women’s team. In a testament to the players’ talent and commitment, the side secured its first premiership in 2016, marking a significant milestone in the club’s history.
Pathways to the Top Level
The club has maintained a long-standing affiliation with the Brisbane Tigers, a Queensland Cup team. This relationship provides a clear and established pathway for Mt Gravatt juniors aspiring to progress to the highest levels of the game.
Three former Mt Gravatt juniors had earned NRL contracts: Corey Thompson, Edrick Lee and Liam Knight.
In addition, a number of players have represented the club with distinction in the Queensland Cup, including
Jack Joass, Caleb Daunt and Alex and Lachlan Barr.
The Golden Eagle Award
In 2021, the Easts Mt Gravatt Junior Rugby League Club proudly introduced the Golden Eagle award, a prestigious honour presented annually during the club’s “Old Boys Day” celebrations. The trophy, generously donated by the Cook family, recognises former Easts Mt Gravatt Eagles and Mountain Lions who have made a significant and lasting contribution to the club across their years at both the Mt Gravatt Showgrounds and Allan Innes Field.
The inaugural presentation took place at the Senior Trophy Night in 2021, where five distinguished members of the club’s history were inducted as the first Golden Eagles: Steve Wilson, Alan Struby, Peter Sullings, Tyrone “Bodgie” Rogers and Darren Plunkett. Although Steve Wilson was unable to attend, his award was proudly accepted by his brother Dean, while Peter Sullings’ honour was received by his great friend and fellow life member, Trevor Cory.
The awards were fittingly presented by life member Raelene Cook and her husband, former club president Ian Cook, whose family’s generosity has ensured this important tradition will endure for generations to come.