Redfern All Blacks facts for kids
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| Club information | |
|---|---|
| Full name | Redfern All Blacks Rugby League Football Club |
| Nickname(s) | RABs |
| Short name | All Blacks |
| Colours | Black White |
| Founded | 1944 |
| Current details | |
| Ground(s) |
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| Chairman | Lisa Williams |
| Coach | Dean Widders |
| Captain | Dean Widders |
| Competition | Sydney Combined Competition South Sydney District Junior Rugby Football League NSWRL Women's Premiership |
| Records | |
| Premierships | 6 (1974, 1987, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018) |
The Redfern All Blacks, often called RABs or just Redfern, are a famous Indigenous Australian rugby league club. They play in Redfern, New South Wales, Australia. This team is a big part of the South Sydney District Junior Rugby Football League.
Contents
The Story of the Redfern All Blacks
The Redfern All Blacks are the oldest Indigenous Australian rugby league club in Australia. They have a long and important history.
How the Club Started
The club was first thought of in 1938 by Bill Onus and Wesley Simms. This was during a tough time called the Great Depression. Many people believe the club officially began in 1944. It was started by a mix of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people.
The team got its name, "All Blacks," because of their black playing shirts, called guernseys. These shirts were given to them by the South Sydney District Junior Rugby Football League when they first started playing.
A Club with a Purpose
When the club was formed, Aboriginal Australians faced many challenges. They did not have the same rights as other Australians. Because of this, the Redfern All Blacks became more than just a sports team. It was a very important place for many Indigenous Australians in Redfern. It offered a sense of community and pride. Today, the club is still a central part of Aboriginal history in Redfern.
Playing in New Zealand
By 1969, the Redfern All Blacks were already well-known. Their skills led to a special invitation in 1971. The team traveled to New Zealand to play against local Māori teams. The All Blacks played very well, winning many games and leaving a strong impression on the New Zealanders.
Founding the Koori Knockout
In 1971, the Redfern All Blacks helped start something big. They were one of the first clubs to form the very first NSW Koori Knockout competition. This is a major rugby league tournament for Indigenous teams in New South Wales. Seven teams played in that first event.
Famous Players
Many talented players have been part of the Redfern All Blacks over the years. Some of them went on to become big names in rugby league and other sports.
- Matthew Allwood
- Josh Addo-Carr
- Andrew Dunemann
- Solomon Haumono
- Greg Inglis
- Bobby McLeod
- Nathan Merritt
- Anthony Mundine
- Tony Mundine
- Wes Patten
- Shane Phillips (CEO of Tribal Warrior)
- Reece Robinson
- Travis Robinson
- Gorden Tallis
- Darrell Trindall
- Dean Widders
- Jonathan Wright
Team Achievements
The Redfern All Blacks have won many championships and awards. They are known for being a very successful club in various competitions.
- South Sydney District Junior Rugby Football League (A Grade)
- They have won this six times: 1974, 1987, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018.
- NSW Koori Knockout Men's Titles
- They have won this eight times: 1972, 1973, 1978, 1979, 1992, 1993, 2015, 2016.
- Koori vs. Murri Interstate Challenge
- They won this once: 2017.
- NSWRL Women's Premiership Titles
- Their women's team has won this twice: 2005, 2017.
- NSW Koori Knockout Women's Titles
- Their women's team has won this five times: 2010, 2011, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017.
See also
- List of rugby league clubs in Australia
- List of senior rugby league clubs in New South Wales
