Junior rugby league came to Mt Gravatt in 1958 at the Mt Gravatt Youth Club.
In 1959, Cec Rowlands, Bill Lederhose and Bob Payne established the Mt Gravatt District Junior Rugby League Football Club that played home games at the Mt Gravatt Showgrounds. The new club’s business was conducted from the Lederhose residence with Bill’s wife Connie taking on the responsibilities of treasurer, registrar and chief fundraiser and becoming the backbone of the club. She passed away in 2004.
The club relocated from the Showgrounds to Tones Road, Mansfield, in 1978 and the clubhouse was opened in October 1985. The home ground was named Allan Innes Field in 1987 in honour of the dedicated volunteer groundsman who moved with the club to its new premises.
In June 1987, the club wrote to the Brisbane City Council requesting the Tones Road ground be named Allan Innes Field. The secretary wrote: “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 formally approved in September 1987.
Initially nicknamed the Mt Gravatt Eagles, the club had a period as the Mt Gravatt Mountain Lions before reverting back to the Eagles in 1994. In 2015, Mt Gravatt introduced its first dedicated women’s team, which would go on to win its first premiership the following year.
The club has had a long association with and is a junior affiliate of Queensland Cup team Brisbane Tigers. Their role as a feeder club to NRL powerhouse the Melbourne Storm provides the opportunity of a clear pathway for Mt Gravatt juniors to rugby league’s top flight.
As of 2020, three players who played junior footy at Mt Gravatt were contracted to NRL clubs – Corey Thompson (Gold Coast Titans), Edrick Lee (Newcastle Knights) and Liam Knight (South Sydney Rabbitohs) – while many more have performed in the Queensland Cup, including Alex and Lachlan Barr, Jack Joass and Caleb Daunt.
2021 “GOLDEN EAGLE” We were proud to introduce the Easts Mt Gravatt Junior Rugby League “Golden Eagle” award in 2021. Presented annually during our “Old Boys Day” celebrations, this prestigious trophy was generously donated by the Cook family. It honors former Easts Mt Gravatt Eagles and Mountain Lions who have made a lasting impact in our colors over several years at the Mt Gravatt Showgrounds and Allan Innes Field.
We were very proud to induct our first five Golden Eagles at Senior Trophy Night last night. The Golden Eagle is a new trophy donated by the Cook family to recognise former Easts Mt Gravatt Eagles and/or Mountain Lions who have distinguished themselves in our colours over several years at the Mt Gravatt Showgrounds and Allan Innes Field. The first intake were Steve Wilson, Alan Struby, Peter Sullings, Tyrone ‘Bodgie’ Rogers and Darren Plunkett. Unable to attend, Steve’s award was collected by his brother Dean, and Peter’s was accepted by his great mate and fellow life member Trevor Cory. The awards were presented by life member Raelene Cook and her husband and former president Ian.
