Wynnum Manly second rower Ian French presented with the 1985 Rothmans Medal

Wynnum Manly and Queensland rugby league back-rower Ian French, became only the second Wynnum-Manly player since the awards inception, to win the coveted Rothmans Medal.  French, won the award by one point in an exciting finish to the count over Brothers centre Tim Dwyer. The result was in doubt until votes were presented for the last two matches of the season.

With two matches remaining, French (19 Points) led Dwyer (18) but then polled a maximum three pointer against Wests on August 18. Dwyer received three points in the final fixture game against Norths a week later.  The Seagulls’ only previous Rothmans Medal winner was second-rower Len Brunner in 1971, when the Seagulls finished last in the premiership.

French gained his one-vote winning margin in the third State of Origin game at Lang Park against NSW with representative matches played in Australia included for the first time this year and ironically, French was totally surprised by his win.  “I don’t believe it. I’ve only polled a few votes in recent years,” he said.

“Now I want to see what I can achieve in the game, like the Kangaroo tour at the end of next season.”

French, presented with his medal by retiring QRL chairman Ron McAuliffe, paid tribute to Wynnum coach Des Morris. “I follow everything Des says. He has been a big influence on my career;” he said.

The classy forward leaves to play with Castleford in the England competition a week after Sunday’s grand final.  Souths fullback Gary Belcher (14 points) finished equal third with Wests’ consistent halfback Kevin Langer. Norths Devils halfback Geoff Bagnall was one point adrift while last year’s winner, Easts forward Cavill Heugh, polled 12 points. 

Bagnall, who polled all his points during the competitions first round, was a tearaway leader in early counting and still retained his lead until the start of the third round commenced.  Bagnall did not poll in the second half of the season, this coincided with his shift from halfback at Norths.

French, 24, joined Wynnum-Manly in 1979 and took a complete break from football during the 1982 season to study martial arts.  French replaced injured Bob Lindner in the second State of Origin match at the SCG this season and made his starting debut for the third game at Lang Park.

Whilst votes were awarded in representative games played in Australia, they were suspended for the two Test matches in New Zealand and the corresponding club games in Brisbane.        

Rothmans Medal night 1985 – A group photo of former Rothmans Medal winners since 1968
Back Row: Trevor Patterson (1984), Ian Pearce (1978), Wayne Head (1968), Jeff Fyfe (1973), John Eales (1974), Marty Scanlen (1972), Tony Obst (1980).
Front Row: Alan Currie (1977), Ian French (1985), Johnny Brown (1969), Graham Atherton (1970).

 

Photo Sources: The French Family Collection