The Canberra Region Rugby League and Canberra Raiders would like to acknowledge the passing of former Queanbeyan Blues player and founding Raiders staff member Brian Bourke after a long battle with dementia.
Brian played for the Queanbeyan Blues from 1959-1976. Post-playing career he was heavily involved in sports training and was the Canberra Raider's inaugural Head Trainer working alongside coach Don Furner senior.
Such was his stature in the local rugby league community, he was immortalised with a statue that still resides in the Queanbeyan Leagues Club.
Canberra Raiders Patron and former Chairman John McIntyre said Brian would always be remembered as a significant contributor to the game of rugby league in the ACT and Queanbeyan regions.
“Brian was a long-time player for the Queanbeyan Blues whose legacy will long be remembered by those who played with him or were coached by him,” Mr McIntyre said. “Brian believed that hard work was the key to achieving success and he implemented this as the Raider's inaugural Head Trainer."
"I think its important to point out that Brian was not only well respected by the players he played with, but also the players he played against."
“The Canberra Raiders, Canberra Region Rugby League and Queanbeyan Blues would like to extend condolences to the Bourke family and their friends.”
Brian is survived by his wife Cecily and two daughters Candy and Jem.
