https://www.dailymercury.com.au/news/red-devils-spirit-pulled-norths-back-from-the-brin/3887273/ SINCE competitive rugby launched in Mackay 100 years ago the Norths Devils have been ingrained in its history. But, if not for a community of dedicated clubmen and women, they would have fallen short of the esteemed century. Before the 2018 season began the club was in disarray - no training facilities, financial stresses and a lack of senior players. That is when Colin Hill assumed the presidency and called on a group of former Norths players and supporters to rebuild the foundation club - which returned to the name Carltons as season 2018 began. "These people, you couldn't get better. That's what comes through the grassroots - the Red Devil spirit. That's what the committee and these players had," Hill said.
"You have to have been there and know the club to know what it's all about." The newly formed committee rallied to get the support needed to stay afloat. Victoria Park State School offered its grounds as a training site. Andergrove Tavern and Harrup Park provided facilities to host raffles and fundraising events. Hill also praised the efforts of Barry Blanchfield from Mackay Junior Rugby League. The club has always had a proud junior football history - the likes of Josh Hoffman and Wendell Sailor pulling on the red jersey. But to survive to their 100th year, the senior sides had to rely on natural talent from the community. Hill said there was a group of 20-plus players who played two games all year. If it was not for them, he said, the club would not have got through the year. "Those players need a lot of respect for what they've done … and deserve a lot of credit for getting the club to what it is today," Hill said. "We were sitting in the dressing sheds on game day ringing players as (the team) were running on the paddock to get more players there so we could always get two teams on. "The players don't get paid or anything, those blokes just hung in. Every team we played, all the players respected them and their coaches, but they hung in there when no one thought they could without a forfeit. "It lifted the club up, without those blokes and the committee you wouldn't have a club today." With Carltons now building towards a brighter future, the committee members of the past two years - including Hill - have stepped aside. Former Devil Bo Hargraves will preside over the club in 2020 and Hill believes the time is right to let new blood steer the ship. "We were there to stop the club from falling over - that's what we've done," the departing club president said. "We made it to 100 years and got the club back on track, now it looks promising so we're handing it over to the younger brigade." The club will host a 100-year reunion ball in April to commemorate the milestone.
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November 2019
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