Famous name back at Bishop Park
The most famous name in Norths history is back at Bishop Park, riding the Devils’ backs through the 2019 season.
Robert Bax and Associates Solicitors will sponsor the back of the new-look Norths’ jerseys for this season, continuing an association that sparked the Devils’ most celebrated era.
Robert’s father Bob is the most famous figure in Norths history.
As a coach at Brothers, Bax lost the grand final to Clive Churchill’s Norths in 1959. During the off-season, he was recruited by the Devils and came to Nundah for an astonishing run that yielded premiership victories in 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1966 and 1969.
Bax was awarded Norths life membership in 1970 – the year that the Devils lost a grand final in extra time.
His funeral in 2000 was packed with as many mourners as there were stories about the legendary Bax, whose name officially adorns the Devils’ home ground.
Robert Bax said he was looking forward to the 2019 season at a club that has been a huge part of his life.
“I remember as a kid we would refer to the likes of Uncle Fonda (Metassa) and Uncle Henry (Hegarty) because they were part of our lives,” Robert Bax said.
“Uncle Henry lived with my grandmother because he had moved to Brisbane to play with Norths.”
When Uncle Henry and Uncle Fonda weren’t playing with the four young Bax children a few streets from Bishop Park, they were forming one of the most devastating centre-wing combinations in Brisbane rugby league history, sharing five premierships.
The Devils’ jersey will again feature principal sponsor Pathion on the front with new sponsors Stihl Geebung joining Monaghan Signs, Sci-Fleet Toyota and Black and White Cabs on the sleeves. Jack Purcell Meats will be under the collar.
The Devils have tweaked the popular retro jerseys from 2018, changing the look of the sleeves and the playing shorts while retaining the famous front that was part of the 1980 premiership.
“We’re delighted to have such outstanding sponsors with our club again this season,” Devils CEO Terry Reader said.
“The Bax name is as famous as it gets at our club so it’s a thrill to have Robert Bax and Associates as part of the Devils this season.”
The Devils’ new jerseys will be available for sale at Saturday’s home trial match against Redcliffe Dolphins.