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Norths Devils
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The Northern Suburbs Devils, or North Brisbane Devils, or often simply referred to as Norths for short, are a rugby league club representing the northern suburbs of Brisbane, Australia. The team colours are sky blue, navy blue and gold. They play in the Hostplus Cup, and, through their predecessors, are one of the oldest clubs in Australia. Norths have won 14 A Grade, 17 Reserve Grade and 14 Colts/Third Grade Premierships. They hold the record for most consecutive first grade Brisbane Rugby League premierships, winning six in a row between 1959 and 1964 and being crowned champions most recently in 2024.
Key Information
History
[edit]Before rugby league
[edit]The first incarnation of Northern Suburbs was the Past Grammars Rugby Union club, which was formed in 1891 as a separate Old Boys football club for Brisbane Grammar School. It shouldn't be confused with the school team known as Past & Present Grammar (made up of students, teachers & past students) which competed from 1888 to 1890.[1] The club was quite successful in its early years, winning premierships in 1892, 1898 and 1899, as well as 1914.[1] Wallaby captain Bob McCowan was a Past Grammar player when he led the national side in 1899.
Switch to rugby league
[edit]Following the disbandment of club rugby union in Brisbane towards the end of the First World War, Past Grammars, along with Christian Brothers and University, joined the Rugby Football League in 1920[2]
From Past Grammars RLFC to Norths
[edit]Past Grammars, also known as Grammar Norths, won their first premiership in 1927, before becoming Northern Suburbs, following the introduction of District Football by the Brisbane Rugby League in 1933.[citation needed]
Post-war
[edit]In 1959 Clive Churchill captain-coached Brisbane Rugby League club Norths to a premiership, his training methods were carried on by Bob Bax who coached Northern Suburbs RLFC to become the first club in BRL history to win three consecutive first grade premierships when they defeated Fortitude Valley 29–5 in the 1961 grand final in front of a then-record club crowd of 19,824 at Lang Park.[3] Norths continued to dominate the decade with 7 grand final wins in 8 appearances. It would be another 11 years before they tasted success again.
Norths' Queensland representative player Nick Geiger was selected as the Australia national team's hooker in the final of the 1977 Rugby League World Cup tournament.
1990s
[edit]
Logo in use during 1980s and 1990s
In the 1990s, along with many other Queensland clubs, Norths suffered heavily financially. Eventually it came to the stage that in 1998 they became a feeder club with National Rugby League newcomers, the Melbourne Storm, which attracted much needed finance, as well as some quality players, as well as securing the Devils' future. Also in 1998, the club won its first First Grade premiership since 1980,[4] beating Wests in the Grand Final.[citation needed]
2000s
[edit]In the 2006 NRL Grand Final Melbourne's 17-man team had 13 players who had played with Norths in past years, including Matt Geyer, who won a Premiership with the Devils in 1998[citation needed] and Melbourne in 1999. In the 2006 Tri-Nations series, 4 Norths players graduated to the Australian Kangaroos squad and 2 players, via Melbourne Storm, represented New Zealand Kiwis.[citation needed].
In 2008 the Devils signed a partnership agreement with the Brisbane Broncos which sees developing Broncos players train with and compete for the Devils in the Intrust Super Cup.[citation needed]
In 2018 Rohan Smith was recruited to be the Head Coach of the club. In 2019 he led the Devils to the finals, with the team falling agonizingly short of progressing past the first round.[citation needed]
In 2021, Norths won their first premiership since the 1998 season beating The Wynnum Manly Seagulls in the Grand Final as well as achieving the minor premiership. Such success was replicated the following season when Norths won the 2022 Queensland Cup with a 16-10 victory over club rivals Redcliffe marking The Devils first "back to back" premiership run in the Queensland Cup era.[5] Norths also won the 2024 Cup, also in a final over Redcliffe.[6] Under Coach Dave Elliott on 6 October 2024, Norths claimed their first NRL State Championship defeating the NSW Cup winners Newtown 20-18.[7]
Home grounds
[edit]For many years Norths played out of Oxenham Park in Nundah, but they moved to their current home ground, Albert Bishop Park, in 1969. Commonly referred to simply as 'Bishop Park', it borders the Schulz Canal in Nundah, and is named after club stalwart Albert Bishop, MBE. Norths has a licensed Leagues Club, Norths Leagues, at Bishop Park, as well as a second licensed Club at Anzac Avenue, Kallangur, further north of Brisbane.[citation needed]
Season summaries
[edit]
BRL (1920–1995)
[edit]| Season | Ladder position | Result | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Past Grammar | |||||||||||
| 1920 | 7th | did not qualify | |||||||||
| 1924 | 3rd | Semi-finalists | |||||||||
| 1925 | 6th | did not qualify | |||||||||
| 1926 | 5th | did not qualify | |||||||||
| 1927 | 2nd | Premiers | |||||||||
| 1928 | 6th | did not qualify | |||||||||
| 1929 | 5th | did not qualify | |||||||||
| 1930 | 4th | Semi-finalists | |||||||||
| 1931 | 3rd | Lost Grand Final Challenge | |||||||||
| 1932 | 2nd | Lost Grand Final Challenge | |||||||||
| Northern Suburbs | |||||||||||
| 1933 | 5th | did not qualify | |||||||||
| 1934 | 2nd | Premiers | |||||||||
| 1935 | 1st | Preliminary finalists | |||||||||
| 1936 | 3rd | Preliminary finalists | |||||||||
| 1937 | 4th | Semi-finalists | |||||||||
| 1938 | 2nd | Premiers | |||||||||
| 1939 | 1st | Runner-up | |||||||||
| 1940 | 1st | Premiers | |||||||||
| 1941 | 3rd | Runner-up | |||||||||
| 1942 | 4th | Semi-finalists | |||||||||
| 1943 | 4th | Preliminary finalists | |||||||||
| 1944 | 3rd | Runner-up | |||||||||
| 1945 | 1st | Runner-up | |||||||||
| 1946 | 5th | did not qualify | |||||||||
| 1947 | 4th | Semi-finalists | |||||||||
| 1948 | 5th | did not qualify | |||||||||
| 1949 | 6th | Wooden spoon | |||||||||
| 1950 | 6th | Wooden spoon | |||||||||
| 1951 | 3rd | Semi-finalists | |||||||||
| 1952 | 3rd | Semi-finalists | |||||||||
| 1953 | 3rd | Semi-finalists | |||||||||
| 1954 | 6th | Wooden spoon | |||||||||
| 1955 | 4th | Semi-finalists | |||||||||
| 1956 | 6th | did not qualify | |||||||||
| 1957 | 4th | Semi-finalists | |||||||||
| 1958 | 5th | did not qualify | |||||||||
| 1959 | 1st | Premiers | |||||||||
| 1960 | 2nd | Premiers | |||||||||
| 1961 | 1st | Premiers | |||||||||
| 1962 | 1st | Premiers | |||||||||
| 1963 | 1st | Premiers | |||||||||
| 1964 | 3rd | Premiers | |||||||||
| 1965 | 3rd | Semi-finalists | |||||||||
| 1966 | 1st | Premiers | |||||||||
| 1967 | 2nd | Runner-up | |||||||||
| 1968 | 4th | Semi-finalists | |||||||||
| 1969 | 1st | Premiers | |||||||||
| 1970 | 2nd | Runner-up | |||||||||
| 1971 | 4th | Semi-finalists | |||||||||
| 1972 | 6th | did not qualify | |||||||||
| 1973 | 3rd | Semi-finalists | |||||||||
| 1974 | 1st | Preliminary finalists | |||||||||
| 1975 | 2nd | Preliminary finalists | |||||||||
| 1976 | 8th | Wooden spoon | |||||||||
| 1977 | 4th | Semi-finalists | |||||||||
| 1978 | 8th | Wooden spoon | |||||||||
| 1979 | 5th | did not qualify | |||||||||
| 1980 | 4th | Premiers | |||||||||
| 1981 | 6th | did not qualify | |||||||||
| 1982 | 5th | did not qualify | |||||||||
| 1983 | 7th | did not qualify | |||||||||
| 1984 | 8th | Wooden spoon | |||||||||
| 1985 | 7th | did not qualify | |||||||||
| 1986 | 5th | did not qualify | |||||||||
| 1987 | 2nd | Semi-finalists | |||||||||
| 1988 | 6th | did not qualify | |||||||||
| 1989 | 3rd | Semi-finalists | |||||||||
| 1990 | 4th | Runner-up | |||||||||
| 1991 | 2nd | Semi-finalists | |||||||||
| 1992 | 3rd | Preliminary finalists | |||||||||
| 1993 | 7th | did not qualify | |||||||||
| 1994 | 12th | Wooden spoon | |||||||||
| 1995 | 11th | did not qualify | |||||||||
Queensland Cup
[edit]| Season | Ladder position | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 1996 | 9th | did not qualify |
| 1997 | 7th | did not qualify |
| 1998 | 1st | Premiers |
| 1999 | 2nd | Preliminary Finalists |
| 2000 | 5th | Preliminary Semi-Finalists |
| 2001 | 4th | Preliminary Semi-Finalists |
| 2002 | 5th | Preliminary Semi-Finalists |
| 2003 | 8th | did not qualify |
| 2004 | 2nd | Semi-Finalists |
| 2005 | 2nd | Semi-Finalists |
| 2006 | 7th | did not qualify |
| 2007 | 8th | did not qualify |
| 2008 | 11th | Wooden spoon |
| 2009 | 5th | Semi-Finalists |
| 2010 | 2nd | Runner-Up |
| 2011 | 10th | did not qualify |
| 2012 | 5th | Semi-Finalists |
| 2013 | 6th | did not qualify |
| 2014 | 8th | did not qualify |
| 2015 | 13th | did not qualify |
| 2016 | 11th | did not qualify |
| 2017 | 11th | did not qualify |
| 2018 | 8th | did not qualify |
| 2019 | 5th | Finalists |
| 2020 | N/A | Competition cancelled |
| 2021 | 1st | Premiers |
| 2022 | 4th | Premiers |
| 2023 | 11th | did not qualify |
| 2024 | 2nd | Premiers |
Source:[8]
Notable players
[edit]Greatest Team
[edit]On 16 August 2008 in the year of the Centenary of Rugby League, Norths Devils announced their greatest team ever. The team is made up of players in their entire 75-year tenure.[9]
- Harry Bates
- Fonda Metassa
- Jack Reardon
- Henry Hegarty
- Joe Kilroy
- Bill Pearson
- Jack Stapleton
- Vic Rudd
- Cameron Smith
- Lloyd Weier
- Trevor Gillmeister
- Mark Graham
- Edward "Babe" Collins
- Mark Murray
- Greg Inglis
- Greg Conescu
- Ian Massie
Coach:
Manager:
See also
[edit]
References
[edit]- ^ a b Brief History of GPS
- ^ Howell, Max and Reet. The Greatest Game Under The Sun: The History of Rugby League in Queensland (p47)
- ^ Higgison, Mike. "Fantastic Footy Flashback: 1961". qrl.com.au. Queensland Rugby League. Retrieved 13 September 2013.
- ^ Queensland Rugby League
- ^ "Norths Devils announce 2023 head coach". Queensland Rugby League. 4 August 2022.
- ^ "Devils dynasty: Niu fires to make it three in four years for Norths". Queensland Rugby League. 22 September 2024. Retrieved 5 October 2024.
- ^ "Late Keeley double propels Devils to State". www.nrl.com. 6 October 2024.
- ^ Waite, Roger (2017). "A history of Brisbane rugby league (1909-2017)" (PDF). rogerswebsite.com. [self-published source]
- ^ Pramberg, Bernie (17 August 2008). "Cameron Smith and Greg Inglis in Norths Devis 'greatest' team". The Courier-Mail. Retrieved 17 August 2008.
External links
[edit]Official sites
[edit]| Federation | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Representative teams | |||||||||
| NRL clubs |
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| NRLW clubs | |||||||||
| Major competitions |
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| Northern Division | |||||||||
| Central Division | |||||||||
| South-East Division |
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| Defunct leagues | |||||||||
| Queensland Cup clubs | |||||||||
| Queensland Cup seasons |
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Norths Devils
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Club Overview
Formation and Identity
The Norths Devils Rugby League Football Club originated as the Past Grammars Rugby Union Club, established in 1923 by former students of Brisbane Grammar School as an old boys' organization dedicated to rugby union.[1] The club transitioned to rugby league around 1922–1923, joining Brisbane Rugby League competitions, at which point it operated as the Past Grammars Rugby League Football Club (RLFC).[11] This shift aligned with the growing popularity of rugby league in Queensland following its introduction in 1908.[11] In 1933, to participate in the newly structured district-based Brisbane Rugby League competition, the club rebranded as the Northern Suburbs District Rugby League Football Club, reflecting its representation of Brisbane's northern districts.[1] The nickname "Devils" emerged during the club's dominant era in the late 1950s and 1960s, symbolizing their fierce and unrelenting style of play, and by the 1980s, it had become the official moniker, with "Norths Devils" fully adopted.[12] The club's emblem, featuring a distinctive devil mascot, was introduced in the 1980s to embody this identity and has since become a central element of its branding.[13] The traditional club colours—sky blue, navy blue, and gold—were established during the mid-20th century and evoke the heritage of the northern suburbs, appearing prominently on jerseys and memorabilia.[2] As a longstanding community institution, the Norths Devils primarily represents the northern Brisbane suburbs of Nundah, Wooloowin, and surrounding areas like Kallangur, fostering local pride and participation in rugby league while serving as a hub for social and sporting activities.[1][10]Current Status and Affiliations
The Norths Devils compete in the Hostplus Cup, Queensland's premier statewide rugby league competition, as a standalone club, fielding teams in the senior division alongside reserve-grade squads such as the under-21 Hastings Deering Colts side. In the 2025 season, the club advanced to the Hostplus Cup Grand Final, where they suffered a 22-8 defeat to the Burleigh Bears on September 27 at Kayo Stadium in Redcliffe.[14] Since 2024, Norths Devils have served as the primary development partner for the Dolphins NRL club, enabling seamless player pathways from the Hostplus Cup to the National Rugby League through allocated training and match opportunities.[9][15] The club maintains a strong focus on junior development via the Norths Juniors Rugby League Club, which participates in the Brisbane Junior Rugby League competitions from under-6 to under-18 levels, complemented by community programs like the Devils Foundation's wellbeing initiatives in local schools.[16][17] Norths Devils operates as a not-for-profit entity with a community-based ownership structure, governed by a board of directors and led by CEO Troy Rovelli, in close partnership with the Norths Devils Leagues Club for facilities and support.[4][18]History
Origins and Switch to Rugby League (1891-1932)
The Past Grammars Rugby Union Football Club was established in 1891 as an old boys' organization affiliated with Brisbane Grammar School, providing a competitive outlet for former students in Queensland's burgeoning rugby scene.[11] The club quickly integrated into the Queensland Rugby Union (QRU) senior grade competitions, competing against established teams from other institutions, including those linked to Greater Public Schools (GPS) such as Ipswich Grammar and Brisbane Boys' College.[19] Over the next three decades, Past Grammars demonstrated resilience and skill, securing QRU premiership titles in 1892, 1898, 1899, and 1914, which highlighted their status as a formidable force in Brisbane's amateur rugby union landscape prior to the code's major disruptions.[19] Amid the ongoing national schism between rugby union and the emerging rugby league code—sparked in Australia since 1908—Past Grammars made a decisive switch to rugby league in 1920, aligning with the growing professional ethos and player payments that had taken root in New South Wales and Queensland.[11] The club joined the newly formed Brisbane Rugby League (BRL) as Past Grammars RLFC, entering a competition that emphasized district loyalty and competitive balance among Brisbane's working-class suburbs.[11] This transition reflected broader trends in Queensland, where union clubs sought to retain talent amid defections to league, though Past Grammars retained its old boys' identity initially. The club's inaugural BRL seasons from 1920 to 1926 were marked by inconsistency and challenges, as the team adjusted to the faster, more physical league style while facing established rivals like Valleys and Wests; they often finished mid-table or lower, enduring several winless stretches that tested their resolve.[20] Progress came in 1926 with their first finals appearance, reaching the semi-finals but falling short against the eventual premiers, Valleys, in a match that drew significant crowds to the Exhibition Grounds.[20] Building on this momentum, 1927 proved transformative: under the leadership of forward Vic Armbruster—a former Toowoomba star and Queensland representative—Past Grammars topped the ladder and advanced through the playoffs, culminating in a hard-fought 13-11 grand final victory over Western Suburbs at Davies Park before approximately 5,000 spectators.[21][20] This inaugural premiership, secured via a late try and conversion, not only ended a seven-year title drought for newcomers but also validated the club's code switch as a pathway to sustained competitiveness in Queensland rugby league.[21] By 1933, evolving BRL structures mandated district-based representation to broaden participation and fan bases, prompting Past Grammars to rebrand as Northern Suburbs RLFC and draw players from Brisbane's northern areas like Nundah and Wooloowin.[1] This shift diluted the old boys' exclusivity but aligned the club with the league's community-focused model, laying groundwork for future expansion while honoring its foundational rugby union heritage through retained traditions like the red and black colors inspired by Grammar school attire.[1]Pre-War and Post-War Eras (1933-1969)
In 1933, the club transitioned to a district-based structure in the Brisbane Rugby League (BRL), adopting the name Northern Suburbs to represent the northern districts of Brisbane, incorporating players from the former Past Grammars club. This period marked the beginning of stability and early success, with the team qualifying for finals consistently from 1934 onward. Northern Suburbs secured their first premiership in 1934, followed by titles in 1938 and 1940, led by star centre Jack Reardon and forward Ed "Babe" Collins, who helped establish the club as a competitive force in the pre-war era.[5][22][23] The outbreak of World War II significantly disrupted the club's operations from 1939 to 1945, as many players enlisted in the armed forces, leading to severe shortages in player availability across the BRL. Seasons were shortened, with some clubs fielding incomplete teams—such as Wests playing with only 10 men in key matches—and games were often relocated to outer suburban grounds to accommodate military use of central venues like the Gabba. Northern Suburbs struggled to maintain full squads, resulting in inconsistent performances and no premierships during this time, though the competition continued on a reduced scale to provide community morale.[24] Post-war revival began in 1946 with the resumption of full seasons amid a surge in rugby league's popularity in Queensland, drawing record crowds to matches. Northern Suburbs remained competitive, reaching finals regularly through the late 1940s and 1950s, but faced a premiership drought lasting until 1959 as the club focused on rebuilding its roster and infrastructure. This era saw the development of a strong team culture, setting the stage for future dominance, though specific standout players from the 1950s are less documented beyond the club's consistent finals appearances.[24][5] The club's golden era arrived from 1959 to 1964, when Northern Suburbs—now commonly known as Norths Devils—achieved an unprecedented six consecutive BRL premierships, a record unmatched in Queensland rugby league history. In 1959, captain-coach Clive Churchill ended a 19-year title drought with a grand final victory over Fortitude Valley Diehards. Bob Bax then took over as coach from 1960, guiding the team to decisive wins, including 15-12 over Valleys in 1960, 29-5 against Valleys in 1961 (highlighted by winger Jimmy Sutton's three tries), 26-18 versus Valleys in 1962, 18-8 against Souths Magpies in 1963 after an earlier upset loss in the major semi-final, and 13-4 over Brothers in 1964. This dynasty featured high-scoring attacks and defensive solidity, with the team amassing minor premierships alongside their titles and fostering intense rivalries, particularly with Souths Magpies, who provided stiff competition in key clashes.[12][2] By 1969, Norths Devils had added further success with premierships in 1966 and 1969 (defeating Valleys 14-2 in the grand final), bringing their total pre-1970 A Grade titles to 11 and solidifying their status as a BRL powerhouse. To accommodate growing crowds during this dominant period—often exceeding 20,000 at home games—the club shifted venues in 1958 from their original Nundah ground (shared with Toombul Cricket Club since the 1930s) to the larger Bishop Park in Nundah, enhancing facilities for supporters and training. These achievements underscored the club's growth from wartime adversity to mid-century supremacy.[5][12][25]BRL Challenges and Decline (1970-1995)
The Norths Devils experienced a period of inconsistency and decline in the Brisbane Rugby League (BRL) during the 1970s, following their post-war era of dominance. After reaching the 1970 grand final, where they lost to Fortitude Valley in extra time by a score of 15-11, the club faltered in 1971, exiting the playoffs with a 21-11 minor semi-final defeat to Eastern Suburbs.[26] Financial pressures began to mount across the BRL as clubs struggled to retain talent amid increasing player payments and competition from Sydney's New South Wales Rugby League (NSWRL), leading to an exodus of high-profile players.[27] Norths finished last on the ladder in 1976 under coach Tommy Bishop, marking their first wooden spoon of the decade.[28] The late 1970s saw further struggles, with Norths claiming another wooden spoon in 1978 after finishing eighth and last on the ladder with only six wins from 22 games.[29] Despite a brief resurgence, including a fifth-place finish in 1979, the club endured ongoing financial strain as BRL teams like Souths and Brothers faced bankruptcy risks from inadequate revenue sources, such as the absence of poker machine funding available in New South Wales.[27] In 1980, amid rebranding efforts to revitalize the club, Norths officially adopted the "Devils" nickname, reflecting a push to strengthen their identity in a competitive landscape.[1] That year proved a high point, as coach Graham Lowe led them to the BRL premiership with a 20-10 grand final victory over Souths Magpies, highlighted by a length-of-the-field try from Joe Kilroy.[30][31] The 1980s brought renewed challenges, with the departure of key players like Mark Graham to the NSWRL exacerbating the decline. Norths secured another wooden spoon in 1984, finishing at the bottom of the ladder amid widespread BRL financial instability that required Queensland Rugby League (QRL) bailouts for clubs like Wynnum-Manly.[30] The introduction of the Winfield State League in 1982, a statewide competition parallel to the BRL, added scheduling pressures and highlighted the need for broader restructuring, as Brisbane clubs competed against regional teams while grappling with reduced local crowds and revenues.[30] Entering the 1990s, Norths avoided merger discussions with other BRL clubs, which were fueled by escalating financial woes and the growing influence of the Brisbane Broncos' entry into the NSWRL in 1988, diverting talent and sponsorship away from the local competition.[1][32] The club endured a final wooden spoon in 1994, underscoring their diminished status. The era culminated in the 1995 BRL grand final, where Norths fell to Wynnum-Manly Seagulls 26-18, signaling the end of the club's top-tier participation in the competition as precursors to the 1997 Super League war accelerated the shift toward statewide professional structures.[33][34]Queensland Cup Transition and Early Years (1996-2009)
Following the closure of the Brisbane Rugby League in 1995 due to financial pressures and the rise of the National Rugby League, the Norths Devils transitioned to the newly established Queensland Cup in 1996 as one of the inaugural teams, rebranding from their previous Northern Suburbs identity to compete in the statewide competition. This move provided a platform for the club to continue its rugby league operations amid the restructuring of Queensland's premier competitions.[35] In 1998, the Devils formed a feeder club affiliation with the Melbourne Storm, marking the beginning of a long-term partnership that lasted until 2007 and focused on player development for the NRL side.[36] That same year, under coach Mark Murray, the Devils achieved their first Queensland Cup premiership, defeating the Wests Panthers 35-16 in the grand final at Suncorp Stadium on September 19.[5][37] The victory featured a hat-trick from winger Matt Geyer, who trailed early at 0-16 before a second-half comeback, and highlighted the affiliation's benefits as several players, including Geyer, had featured for the Storm in the NRL that season.[38] This success underscored the Devils' role in nurturing talent for Melbourne's inaugural NRL grand final appearance in 1999.[38] The 2000s saw inconsistent performances for the Devils, with mid-table finishes dominating despite occasional finals appearances, reflecting challenges in maintaining consistency amid player movements and competition expansion.[39] They reached the preliminary final in 1999 and 2002, but key setbacks included a 2003 eighth-place finish and a dismal 2008 season where they claimed the wooden spoon with only two wins from 20 games.[39] Notable highlights included strong campaigns in 2004 and 2005, finishing second both years and advancing to semi-finals; in 2004, they lost 18-36 to the Wynnum Seagulls at Bishop Park, while 2005 featured emerging talent like a 17-year-old Greg Inglis, who scored crucial tries before his NRL debut.[40] The Storm affiliation facilitated player loans, with future stars such as Billy Slater, Cameron Smith, and Cooper Cronk gaining experience at Norths, contributing to their development into NRL premiership winners.[40] Administratively, the Devils integrated closely with the Norths Leagues Club during this era, leveraging the organization's resources for financial stability and operational support in the professionalizing Queensland Cup environment.[1] This partnership ensured the club's survival post-Brisbane Rugby League, funding facilities at Bishop Park and sustaining participation through the affiliation's shared pathways.[1]Modern Revival and Success (2010-2025)
The Norths Devils experienced a gradual resurgence in the 2010s, marked by key coaching transitions that laid the foundation for later success. Mark Gliddon served as head coach from 2013 to 2017, guiding the team through a rebuilding phase in the Queensland Cup with a focus on developing young talent and improving consistency.[41][42] Following Gliddon's departure, Rohan Smith took over in 2018, leading the Devils to a strong regular season performance where they contended for a top-six finish but ultimately missed the finals after a late-season slump.[43] The club's fortunes peaked in 2021 and 2022 with back-to-back Queensland Cup premierships, signaling a modern era of dominance. In 2021, under coach Rohan Smith, the Devils defeated the Wynnum Manly Seagulls 16-10 in the grand final at Stadium Australia, securing their first title since 1998 and showcasing standout contributions from hooker Cory Paix, who excelled in both attack and defense during the campaign.[44][45][46] The following year, they repeated the feat by overcoming the Redcliffe Dolphins 16-10 in the 2022 grand final, with Paix again pivotal in orchestrating the team's structured play.[47] These victories highlighted the Devils' tactical discipline and depth, built on a core of emerging NRL prospects. In 2024, the Devils achieved a historic double, winning both the Queensland Cup premiership and the NRL State Championship. They clinched the Cup title with a commanding 34-20 grand final victory over the Redcliffe Dolphins at Kayo Stadium, capping a season of resilient performances.[48] This success propelled them to the national stage, where they edged the Newtown Jets 20-18 in a thrilling NRL State Championship final at Accor Stadium, marking only the third time a Queensland club has claimed the honor and ending a long drought for interstate recognition.[8][49] The 2025 season saw the Devils in strong contention for the minor premiership early on, holding the top spot with a 7-1 record and the best points differential by mid-year, but they ultimately finished second behind the Burleigh Bears.[50] Their grand final campaign ended in a 22-8 defeat to the Bears on September 28, 2025, at Kayo Stadium, despite a gritty effort led by halfback Sean O'Sullivan.[51] This period also featured a significant affiliation shift, as the club ended its long-standing partnership with the Brisbane Broncos in 2023 and aligned with the Dolphins starting in 2024, enhancing player development opportunities.[9] The revival from 2010 to 2025 has had a profound broader impact, boosting junior recruitment through targeted development programs and strengthening NRL pathways for talents like Cory Paix, who transitioned to a full-time Broncos contract.[16][52] This success has elevated the club's profile, fostering increased community engagement and producing multiple NRL debutants, while partnerships like the 2025 agreement with the Maitland Pickers further expand talent pipelines.[53]Facilities
Home Grounds
The Norths Devils' primary playing venue from the club's entry into the Brisbane Rugby League in 1933 until 1970 was Oxenham Park in Nundah, a multi-purpose ground near the Nundah railway station that served as a secondary site for BRL matches generally considered unlikely to attract large crowds to major stadiums like the Brisbane Cricket Ground or Lang Park.[54] Oxenham Park hosted 388 BRL games over its tenure, including the 1942 grand final between Brothers and Souths, though it was not the standard site for premiership deciders.[54] During the club's dominant post-war period in the 1950s and 1960s, when Norths secured multiple premierships, Oxenham Park served as the venue for their home games.[55] In 1971, the Devils relocated to Bishop Park in Nundah, which has remained their home ground since and earned the nickname "Bash-Up Park" for its intense, physical matches.[54] The venue hosted 192 BRL games through 1995 and continues as the base for Hostplus Cup fixtures, accommodating the team's modern professional and junior competitions.[3] Reserve-grade and junior games occasionally utilize adjacent fields at the Norths Leagues Club complex to support the club's extensive development programs.[1]Clubhouse and Training Facilities
The Norths Devils Leagues Club, located at Bishop Park in Nundah, Brisbane, serves as the primary social infrastructure for the club and its members. Established over 50 years ago, it functions as a vibrant community hub in Brisbane's northern suburbs, providing financial support to senior and junior rugby league programs through annual contributions exceeding $110,000 in cash payments, alongside coverage of operational costs such as energy and insurance.[10] The clubhouse features a spacious 240-seat restaurant, versatile function rooms suitable for events accommodating up to 100 guests in cocktail format or 60 for seated dinners, a sports bar overlooking the adjacent playing fields, and 93 gaming machines that generate revenue to sustain club activities. These facilities host member events, community gatherings, and sponsorship initiatives for local schools, reinforcing the club's role in fostering rugby league participation and social connectivity in the region.[10][56] Training operations are supported by the club's Elite Sports Program, which invests in state-of-the-art facilities for athlete development across northern Brisbane sites. Junior academies operate through affiliated programs in multiple northern suburbs locations, emphasizing skill-building and wellbeing for young players. Senior players access partnered recovery services, including the Recovery Lab in Alderley, to maintain peak performance throughout the season. As an affiliate of the Dolphins NRL club since 2024, Norths integrates with their pathways for joint development initiatives, such as the 2025 RISE Player Talent Development Program, which includes structured training and competitive opportunities culminating in events like the RISE Carnival at Redcliffe.[57][58][9][59] Recent enhancements to the club's infrastructure include upgraded floodlighting at training grounds, funded by $83,761 from the Queensland Government in 2025, enabling night training sessions and broader community use. In October 2025, solar upgrades were installed at Albert Bishop Park to power community facilities, enhancing sustainability.[57][60]Competition History
Brisbane Rugby League Era (1920-1995)
During the Brisbane Rugby League (BRL) era from 1920 to 1995, the Norths Devils established themselves as one of the competition's most successful clubs, securing 13 premierships in 1927, 1934, 1938, 1940, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1966, 1969, and 1980.[39] The club also reached the grand final as runners-up on 9 occasions in 1931, 1932, 1939, 1941, 1944, 1945, 1967, 1970, and 1990, while finishing last and earning wooden spoons 7 times in 1949, 1950, 1954, 1976, 1978, 1984, and 1994.[39] These achievements reflect a period of peaks and troughs, with the club originally competing as Past Grammar before renaming to Northern Suburbs in 1933.[1] The most notable stretch came during the 1959–1964 dynasty, where the Devils won six consecutive premierships, a record unmatched in BRL history and rivaling national dominance seen in Sydney.[2] This run included grand final victories with substantial points differentials, such as 24–18 over Brothers in 1959, 35–11 over Valleys in 1961, and 13–4 over Brothers in 1964, showcasing defensive solidity and offensive prowess that saw them outscore opponents by an average margin of over 10 points in those deciders.[61][62] The era's highest attendances underscored the excitement, with 34,752 spectators at the 1969 preliminary final against Valleys and 32,000 at the 1980 grand final triumph over Souths.[63] Rivalries with Souths Magpies and Brothers fueled intense competition, defined by frequent clashes in finals and regular-season battles. The Souths matchup spanned over 80 BRL games, with Norths holding a narrow edge in wins, highlighted by grand finals in 1963 and 1980.[64][65] Similarly, encounters with Brothers exceeded 70 fixtures, featuring multiple premiership deciders like 1959 and 1964, contributing to the era's passionate local derbies.[61] Statistical highlights include decade-leading point scorers such as Cec Aune in the 1950s with consistent try-scoring contributions during early post-war recovery, Barry Spring in the 1960s amassing key goals during the dynasty, and Mark Murray in the 1980s topping club tallies with versatile playmaking in the 1980 premiership year.[12] These efforts helped the Devils lead the BRL in total points scored in four seasons across the 1960s, emphasizing their attacking dominance without exhaustive individual metrics.[2]Queensland Cup Era (1996-2025)
The Norths Devils transitioned to the inaugural Queensland Cup season in 1996, marking their entry into the statewide professional rugby league competition following the demise of the Brisbane Rugby League.[38] Over the subsequent three decades through 2025, the club established itself as one of the competition's most successful teams, securing four premierships and reaching six grand finals, with a total of 17 playoff appearances.[39] This era highlighted the Devils' resilience and competitive edge in a league featuring expanded regional rivalries and varying formats, including top-eight playoffs and elimination series. Key successes came in the late 1990s and a dominant run in the 2020s. The club's first Queensland Cup title arrived in 1998, capping a minor premiership with a comeback grand final victory. After a runners-up finish in 2010, Norths Devils claimed back-to-back premierships in 2021 and 2022, followed by another in 2024, before falling short as runners-up in 2025. These achievements underscored a revival under consistent coaching and player development, contrasting earlier inconsistent results in the competition's formative years.[66][67][48][68]| Year | Opponent | Result | Score | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 | Wests Panthers | Win (Premiers) | 35–16 | Suncorp Stadium |
| 2010 | Northern Pride | Loss (Runners-up) | 20–30 | Dairy Farmers Stadium |
| 2021 | Wynnum Manly Seagulls | Win (Premiers) | 16–10 | Moreton Daily Stadium |
| 2022 | Redcliffe Dolphins | Win (Premiers) | 16–10 | Moreton Daily Stadium |
| 2024 | Redcliffe Dolphins | Win (Premiers) | 34–20 | Kayo Stadium |
| 2025 | Burleigh Bears | Loss (Runners-up) | 8–22 | Kayo Stadium |